Unions have played a critical role in building and protecting the middle class in America. We provide hard-working people economic stability for their families and give them the tools to build a good life, home and education for themselves and their children. Unions raise wages for both union and nonunion workers. They advocate for policies that benefit all working people such as increases to the minimum wage, affordable health care and great public schools. Through collective bargaining, members of strong unions are scoring victories that help entire communities.

The IEA was organized by superintendents, principals, teachers and other friends of education in 1853 and was originally known as the Illinois State Teachers’ Institute. In 1936, our name was officially changed to the Illinois Education Association to better reflect our evolving mission. Learn more about the history of the IEA. In the more than 150 years we’ve been in operation, the IEA has achieved innumerable wins for both public education and our students.

Unions can provide all sorts of benefits not only in your workplace, but also outside of your workplace.  Your union gives you a strong collective voice, provides liability insurance, reimbursement for legal fees, advice on all sorts of work related matters and free professional development clock hours.  Download a list of all the benefits you get for being a member of the IEA. You also can get discounts on all sorts of things, including at Target, your cell phone bill, your car insurance and travel.