Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources
Welcome to the Illinois Education Association’s COVID-19 information page. Here you will find links to some of the major information clearinghouse sites where you will find the most helpful and frequently updated information regarding the pandemic.
IEA leaders are involved in daily conversations with education stakeholders as plans continuously evolve regarding the rest of the academic year in Illinois. Please know that in these conversations, IEA will be looking to make sure several things happen:
- Everyone – students, members and your families – can stay safe and healthy;
- Members remain whole as a contributing member to our economy, which will take a huge blow as a result of the pandemic;
- Students see as much success as possible under these unconventional circumstances;
- And, that there is flexibility granted to schedules, work locations, assignments and conditions. This is all new, but work must still be done and we are all going to have to join together to find ways to accomplish it.
We’re hearing wonderful stories from all over the state about educators doing wonderful things – from unique remote learning techniques to providing food or internet to underserved communities. We’re not surprised. And, we’re so very proud. Thank you! Thank you for always coming through for Illinois’ students.
But, we know that it can be an anxious and frightening time, too. For information on what is happening in your local area, please reach out to your local association leaders. If you don’t know who those people are, feel free to contact IEA Connect through the chat button at the bottom of this page, by email or by phone at 844-IEA-1800.
Standard links to crucial information:
- ISBE Special Education FAQ for transition to back to school 2020-21
- Updated FAQ for ISBE back-to-school transition Guidance
- ISBE Back-to-School transition Guidance for PreK-12
- Illinois Board of Higher Education Guidance on opening in the fall
- Illinois Community College Board Guidance on opening in the fall
- HB 2455 – Illinois Work Jobs Program Act
- SB 1569 – Education Omnibus Bill
- Emergency rules on graduation requirements posted on ISBE’s website Monday to accompany Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Emergency Order from last week, an FAQ on the subject and a presentation for districts.
- Emergency rules on licensure requirements were also were posted Monday. Guidance from the Illinois Board of Higher Education on licensure requirements has also been issued. As has an FAQ on licensure and a presentation on the changes for school districts.
- ISBE Graduation Ceremony Guidance
- ISBE Remote Learning Recommendations
- ISBE Special Ed Guidance 4-20-20
- ISBE Guidance 4-24-20
- ISBE Part 1 of Transition: Closing the 2019-20 School Year and Summer Learning
- Coronavirus.Illinois.gov
- Illinois Department of Public Health
- Center for Disease Control and Prevention
- Illinois State Board of Education
- Illinois Board of Higher Education
- Illinois Community College Board
- Teacher’s Retirement System
- State Universities Retirement System
- Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund
- National Education Association
- Online learning resources
- USDA – SFSP COVID-19 Guidance
- Financial help available
- Mindfulness in the Classroom & Beyond
- COVID-19 and Worker Health Protection Resources
- NEA Guidance on Federal COVID-19 Policies
- April 30 Tele Town Hall with State School Superintendent Carmen Ayala, Ph.D., and IEA members
- Additional educator resources
Illinois Work Jobs Program Act
The state legislature met for an abbreviated session at the end of May and passed, among other things, this measure meant to help Illinois residents whose employment was affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Below are several resources meant to help IEA members navigate the Act.
Federal CARES Act
To help members understand the federal CARES Act, National Education Association staff have worked to create one pagers to explain different elements of the law. Hopefully, these will help unpack some of the new provisions until there is further guidance from the administration.
