Janus case is a swipe at the middle class
Statement from IEA President Kathi Griffin The Supreme Court case Janus v. AFSCME, which originated in Illinois, is an attempt to take away the freedom of working people to join together to speak up for themselves in their workplace and, in our case, to speak up for their students. From…
Classroom Courage
On his 12th day as a teacher, Derrick Schonauer faced what could easily have become a tragic situation when a student brandished a loaded pistol in his classroom. This video tells the story of what happened on Sept. 7, 2012, at Normal (IL) Community High School. Derrick Schonauer received a…
Washington Middle School – A Success Story
Washington Middle School in Springfield had a rough reputation and the test scores that reflected what was happening in the halls. Eight years ago, a new leader took over, a leader who believed that teachers have the power to change schools. And, they have. Test scores have increased every year,…
Cooking Science
A Monticello teacher started a science club that focuses on baking to help the students understand that science plays a role in real life. The food they make is then shared with first graders at neighboring schools and with local community organizations.
Pam Reilly – 2014 Teacher of the Year
A second grade teacher from Sandwich surprised no one more than herself and coworkers when she found out she was the ISBE 2014 Teacher of the Year. But there’s little question why. Pam Reilly is a natural born teacher who loves her students, has earned respect from her coworkers and…
This is SCORE
What does “service” mean to you? Here are some early career teachers sharing their thoughts.
We are IEA
IEA members do it for the students. Students drive us to do our best. We’ve passed meaningful reform and successfully fought off a variety of attacks, including several on our pensions. We are leaders. We are at the forefront and we need to keep up this good work. We are…
IEA Score Grant Program
Schools and Community Outreach by Educators (SCORE) cash grants. The purpose of SCORE is to encourage early career members and their local associations to collaborate and create opportunities for community service projects or school projects.
Lunch buddy program
Once a week, Illinois Wesleyan University track and cross country team members go to Sheridan School to eat lunch with a group of fourth grade students, plan activities with them and play during the lunch hour. The students are hand picked by the school to participate. It is a great…
Math Matinee
Students at Thornwood High School hosted a day to celebrate math for junior high school students at feeder schools. The students were able to do math-related experiments, participate in hands-on projects and use technology to watch math leap off the page into life.
My Story – SCORE Grant Program
In 2013-14, IEA introduced the SCORE grant program – Schools and Community Outreach by Educators – which offered IEA members in the first 10 years of their career a chance to apply for up to $1,000 in grant money to institute community service programs in their schools or communities. The…
FLUX Magazine
Every student needs an outlet and Flux Magazine provides a great one for students at Bartlett High School. It is a teen-generated art and literary magazine that will be printed this year, but it also has spurred poetry slams and other events that let kids’ creative juices flow.
All in the Family
For five generations, there have been teachers in this family. Is it genetic? Something they’re born with, or due to the environment they’ve grown up in? Even they’re not 100 percent sure, but they do know one thing: It definitely runs in the family.
Outreach to Teach
Members of the IEA student program paired up with IEA retired members, local teachers and community members to redo the gym and landscaping at Lena-Winslow.
My Voice
Stories from proud IEA members.
Frog in a Bog
Two teachers paired up with the Male Parent Advisory group at the school to take 14 at-risk students to the Indiana Dunes State Park for a weekend of fun, camping and hands-on learning.
The Maker Space Project
Teachers at Ideal School in Countryside used SCORE grants to create their Maker Space project for students. The process was simple and rewarding.
Josh Stumpenhorst – 2012 Teacher of the Year
Josh Stumpenhorst is recognized by students and colleagues for his innovation inside and outside the classroom. And, now he’s been recognized by the state, as well, as the Illinois State Board of Education has announced he’s the 2012 Teacher of the Year.
Southland Education and Health Initiative
Part one – An Introduction