SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Education Association (IEA) Board of Directors has elected Gladys Márquez, a high school English language learner (ELL) teacher from Eisenhower High School in Blue Island and two-term member of the National Education Association (NEA) Executive Committee, as the next secretary treasurer of the organization.
Márquez is a veteran educator and nationally recognized advocate for immigrant rights and public education. A former chair of the NEA Hispanic Caucus, she organized nationwide actions from detention center teach-ins to humanitarian missions and large-scale marches, while championing policies such as a clean Dream Act, DACA protections and “Know-Your-Rights” support for immigrant communities. Márquez has chaired and led numerous NEA committees and initiatives spanning conference planning, racial and social justice, labor management collaboration and educator organizing. She also serves on the National Teacher Hall of Fame Board and as a liaison to Harvard’s Labor and Worklife Center and Cornell’s National Labor Leadership Initiative. With multiple degrees, including a doctorate in education and experience guiding the Hispanic Caucus through a federal audit and 501(c)(3) recognition, Márquez brings deep expertise in leadership, advocacy and organizational stewardship to her new role at the IEA.
“As an educator and advocate, I’ve dedicated my career to lifting up immigrant communities and strengthening our collective voice,” Márquez said. “From organizing national actions and Know-Your-Rights clinics to advancing equity through NEA committees and initiatives, my goal has always been to ensure every student and every educator is protected, valued and empowered. It’s an honor to continue this work alongside colleagues who believe in opportunity, justice and an equitable, high-quality public education for all.”
Márquez succeeds Gina Harris who is now serving as interim IEA vice president. Harris moved to that position in October and former IEA Vice President Karl Goeke moved to the president’s role after the untimely death of IEA President Al Llorens in September.
All three IEA officer positions, president, vice president and secretary treasurer, will be up for election at the IEA’s Representative Assembly in March 2026.Those elected will serve three-year terms that begin on July 15.
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The 135,000 member Illinois Education Association (IEA-NEA) is the state’s largest union. IEA represents Pre K-12 teachers outside the city of Chicago and education support staff, higher education faculty, retired education employees and students preparing to become teachers, statewide.
