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.
Crucial Information and Links
IEA Information:
- NEA Analysis of Revised CDC Guidance on Reopening School Buildings
- Health Metrics for Moving Between Different Learning Models
- FAQ – Livestreaming and Video Recording during COVID-19
- Illinois Virtual Instructional Coach and Building Mentor Program
- Joint Statement Teacher Evaluations – Unions and Management Organizations Release Guidance for Teacher Evaluations
- IEA – Guidance – Return to In-Person Instruction in Schools
- IEA – Frequently Asked Questions: Returning for the 2020-2021 School Year
- HB 2455 – Illinois Work Jobs Program Act
- SB 1569 – Education Omnibus Bill
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.
Illinois Information:
- Interim Post-Vaccination Considerations for School Employees
- Updated FAQs for Schools from the Department of Public Health (IDPH)
- Tier 3 resurgence mitigation in Spanish
- Illinois COVID-19 vaccine plan
- FAQ about the state’s plan
- Decision tree for school administrators for COVID-19 cases
- CDC – How do I set up my classroom?
- CDC – Teachers and staff resuming in-person learning
- U.S. EPA guidance on disinfectants and ventilation
- Tier 3 mitigation FAQ
- IDPH Sports Safety Guidance
- IDPH COVID-19 school outbreak map
- Decision tree for school administrators for COVID-19 cases
- Updated FAQs for Schools from the Department of Public Health (IDPH)
- School and daycare best practices regarding COVID-19
- Emergency Amendment to Part 1
- Interim COVID-19 Music Guidance (IDPH)
- ISBE licensure inquiry page
- Priority Learning Standards
- Updated FAQ for ISBE back-to-school transition Guidance
- Guidance for school bus operators
- Track how school districts are reopening
- Interim School Guidance for Local Health Departments
- Guidance for Evaluating a Child’s Medical Tolerance for Use of Face Coverings
- FAQ for Parents of Students with Disabilities
- Understanding Special Education in Illinois – The Parent Guide
- Guidelines for schools on case/contact response
- ISBE Special Education FAQ for transition to back to school 2020-21
- 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
- Emergency rules on graduation requirements
- ISBE Graduation Requirement Changes FAQ
- ISBE Graduation Requirement Changes
- Emergency rules on licensure requirements
- Guidance from the Illinois Board of Higher Education
- ISBE Educator Licensure Changes
- 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
Additional Resources
- 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
- Additional educator resources