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Illinois Education Association

@ieanea.bsky.social
263 followers 74 following 68 posts

At 135,000 members strong, IEA is the largest union in Illinois. We believe in putting students and their public education first.

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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 21h
Election Day is Nov. 3. Make your vote count for public education! Learn more: ieavotes.org
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National Education Association @neatoday.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
The number of students receiving special education services has nearly doubled to 7.3 million over the last 50 years. But staffing hasn't kept pace. With overwhelming caseloads and ongoing shortages of special educators and paraeducators, too many students aren't getting the support they deserve.
nea.org
Special Ed Caseloads Are Overwhelming! | NEA
As the number of students who qualify for special education support grows, fewer teachers and support staff are available to help them.
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National Education Association @neatoday.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
In 19 states alone, more than 1 million children have lost food benefits since last July.
npr.org
Over 4 million people are no longer receiving food aid amid sweeping changes to SNAP
SNAP, also known as food stamps, has seen a rapid and consistent participation decline since last July. The drop comes as the program faces historic cuts and changes.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Through the Solidarity Mapping virtual learning series, members can grow their skills in equity and anti-racism work. Choose from one of three sessions for the 2026-27 school year. PD hours available. Register today! ieanea.org/resources/racial-and-social-justice/
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
On this day in 1903, Mary Harris "Mother" Jones led a three-week trek from Philadelphia to President Theodore Roosevelt's summer home in Oyster Bay, NY. She marched with striking child and adult textile workers, demanding a reduced 55-hour workweek and an end to night work by women and children.
Justice Fact. March of the Mill Children. July 7, 1903. Black and white photo of Mother Jones walking down the street in a long dress and hat. Children are holding signs and American flags.
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National Education Association @neatoday.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
👏 Congratulations are in order for NEA's newly elected officers: • NEA President - Princess Moss • NEA Vice President - Noel Candelaria • NEA Secretary-Treasurer - Robert Rodriguez
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National Education Association @neatoday.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
One job should be enough. We're fighting for the pay and working conditions education support professionals deserve. Learn more: bit.ly/42AZsq4 #NEARA
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 01/07/2026
“Coalition building begins with us. Together, let’s build a program that is inclusive for the leaders that will come after us.” - Stephanie Chávez Congratulations, Stephanie!!! Full press release: www.nea.org/about-nea/me...
NEAtoday. Student teacher from Illinois elected NEA Aspiring Educators Chairperson. Image of Stephanie (right) next to a fellow aspiring educator. Stephanie holds an apple award and the other educator holds a certificate with Stephanie's name on it.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Celebrating Juneteenth Freedom Day. Illinois Education Association.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
June 18 is the anniversary of the 1963 “stay out” protests of the Boston Public School system. 3,000+ students & their families stayed out of classrooms to instead attend Freedom Schools, where they participated in workshops on social justice and Black history. www.boston.com/news/history...
Justice fact. Stay out protest of boston public schools. Image of a pastor, students and families during a protest holding signs. One sign says "I will demonstrate until the Boston School Committee takes action on racial imbalance in Boston schools. Will you join us? June 18, 1963.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
K-12 members are invited to participate in a research study on student cell phone use. Participants will get an instant snapshot of student personal device policies across the U.S. & 10 educators will be selected to win a $500 gift card. www.phonesinfocus.org
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National Education Association @neatoday.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Should politicians control what's taught in college classrooms? The Trump administration's proposed accreditation changes would give them that power, and nearly every college would have no choice but to comply. Read what's at stake for higher education.
nea.org
The Crisis in College Accreditation and Why It Matters | NEA
Proposed changes to accreditation would help politicians to dictate and censor what's taught in college classrooms.
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Princess Moss @neapresident.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
The contributions of Jewish Americans span labor rights, civil rights, art, science, politics, and so much more. NEA has lesson plans, book lists, and toolkits to help educators bring diverse stories of Jewish hertitage and culture into K-12 classrooms👇
nea.org
Celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month | NEA
Explore Jewish American Heritage, culture and history around Jewish American Heritage Month in May or any time during the school year with the following lesson plans, resources, and recommended readin...
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
⏰ **Deadline extended to register for the Art, Joy and Solidarity retreat!** Join us for music, storytelling, self care practices and more at the Allerton Park & Retreat Center outside of Champaign, IL. RSVP by June 1: ieanea.org/events/ajs/
Art, Joy and Solidarity - a creativity and unionism retreat. June 16-18, Allerton Park and Retreat Center. Images of people smiling and laughing in nature, giving high fives and painting.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
IEA President Karl Goeke walked the picket line with ISU workers! Take action for ISU workers and sign the petition to demand a fair settlement: bit.ly/ISUfaircontr... Solidarity with @afscme31.bsky.social!
IEA President Karl Goeke with ISU workers. Picket signs say Respect! Fair pay! On strike! Unfair labor practices. AFSCME.
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AFSCME Council 31 @afscme31.bsky.social · 16/04/2026
On Day 9 of their strike, ISU workers, along with students, faculty and staff, rallied outside President Tarhule’s office to send him a message: You can’t hide from us forever. Order your team back to the bargaining table and agree to a fair contract.
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Princess Moss @neapresident.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
A guiding light, a visionary leader, a personal mentor. The labor movement lost an unflappable advocate, and I lost an irreplaceable friend. As president of IEA, then NEA, Reg Weaver supported and inspired me for many years—he will have an impact on me, and many of us, for countless years to come.
nprillinois.org
Former IEA President Reg Weaver has died
Weaver served as head of the state's largest teacher's union from 1981-1987.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Summer shouldn’t have to mean struggle–yet, nearly 100,000 support staff in IL public schools & universities are left without a paycheck and no access to unemployment insurance at the end of each academic year. We need unemployment insurance for ESPs NOW! ieanea.link/ESPLobbyDay2...
Lobby Day, March 25, 2026. Education Support Professionals. Green to blue gradient background with image of Illinois Capitol building. Education Support Professional logo.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
This is a MAJOR win for the lawsuit filed by the NEA & ACLU. This is a MAJOR win for our students, our educators and our public schools! ACLU: “This ruling affirms that all students have a right to a full and honest education that reflects the diversity of our communities and our full history.”
From ACLU Nationwide: 

BREAKING: The Department of Education has ended their directive that attempted to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in schools nationwide.

This a victory for academic freedom and education equity.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
📣 What do we want? Fair contract! When do we want it? NOW! Rockford EA members rallied to demand a contract that truly values educators and students. Nearly 70% of REA members have considered leaving the district for another job because of low wages, a lack of respect and an increasing workload.
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National Education Association @neatoday.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
Students cannot learn when they are afraid for their safety or the safety of their families, friends, and educators. Tell Congress to keep ICE out of schools, churches, and hospitals. 👉 bit.ly/49pXHQU
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 27/12/2025
Every time you speak at a board meeting on behalf of our colleagues or students, every time you join a walk-in and every time you take action to support strong working conditions, we are building power. Together we are IEA and United We Win!
The best way to spread union cheer is to organize and persevere. Three images of IEA members. 1. Speaking at the mic at a board meeting. 2. (bottom) members in yellow union t-shirts at the board meeting, the shirts say "ACE." 3. (right) IEA members pack the Naperville board meeting wearing red. A sign says We support Naperville Educators.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 26/12/2025
Our legislation to Undo Tier 2 took a big step forward during Veto Session. IEA members took action alongside other public workers to fill out 9,000+ witness slips & SB1937 passed out of committee! In order to officially #UndoTier2 we need your continued support. The fight continues!
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National Education Association @neatoday.bsky.social · 27/11/2025
"The union has helped me to find my voice, and so I don't have a fear of speaking up, especially through an equity lens." In their own words, NEA members share why they are thankful for the work and support of the NEA, our state affiliates and our local associations. #UnionStrong
nea.org
Why We Are Thankful for Our Union | NEA
In their own words, NEA members share why they are thankful for the work and support of the NEA, our state affiliates and our local associations.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
BREAKING: The IEA Board of Directors has elected Gladys Márquez as Secretary Treasurer of the IEA! 🎉 Gladys is a veteran educator and nationally recognized advocate for immigrant rights and public education. Press release: ieanea.org/2025/12/08/i...
Welcome new IEA Officer. Gladys Márquez. Secretary Treasurer. Illinois Education Association.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 26/10/2025
It’s not too late to register for the Ethnic Minority Emerging Leadership Training! Tag somebody who needs to join you in Springfield on Nov. 7-9. Register before Oct. 31: bit.ly/3XNYvIh
2025 EMELT Conference. Ethnic Minority Emerging Leadership Training. November 7-9, 2025. Purple graphic with green text.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
For Know Your Rights information in multiple languages, visit: www.illinoisimmigrationinfo.org/know-your-rights
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
Statement from IEA President Al Llorens on educators' use of social media:
The following statement is attributable to Illinois Education Association (IEA) President Al Llorens: 
“The Illinois Education Association (IEA) firmly believes that all educators have the right to speak out on matters of public concern. Like all Americans, teachers, higher educators and school support staff do not surrender their rights when they begin working at a school, college or university. This fundamental principle is essential to the foundation of our public education system.  Comments made by an educator on social media do not interfere with their professional responsibilities, compromise their ability to teach or create a hostile environment for students. Personal political expression outside of school hours, on personal time, is not a punishable offense. It is a protected right, and one that our students should know every American has.  We are strongly urging all school district administrators and our school board members recognize public schools should be places where civic engagement is encouraged, not punished, both for students and staff.”  IEA logo.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
#RedForEd Fair contract for RFEA! "'Fair wage is not just a matter of money, it's a matter of respect,’ one woman said. 'Let's work together to ensure that our teachers stay right here.’”
cbsnews.com
River Forest, Illinois parents urge board of education to reach deal with teachers
The teachers' contract was not an official part of the agenda Tuesday night.
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National Education Association @neatoday.bsky.social · 20/08/2025
Hunger is one of the biggest barriers to learning. Yet Trump’s tax bill puts 18M kids at risk of losing school meals. Read @neapresident.bsky.social Becky Pringle's TIME op-ed on why America must choose to feed its students ⬇️ time.com/7308619/trump-starve-publi…
time.com
Trump’s Tax Bill Will Starve Public Schools. Kids are Next
An estimated 18 million kids could lose access to free school meals because of Trump's tax bill.
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National Education Association @neatoday.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
‪@texastribune.org‬ and @propublica.org‬ found 60+ cases of nepotism & self-dealing at private schools. Now those same schools could get taxpayer dollars through vouchers. www.texastribune.org/2025/08/13/tex…
texastribune.org
Some Texas private schools hire relatives and enrich insiders. Soon they can do it with taxpayer money.
An investigation by ProPublica and The Texas Tribune found more than 60 instances of nepotism, self-dealing and conflicts of interest among 27 private schools that likely would have violated state law...
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 23/08/2025
United we WIN! Whether you are new to organizing or want to brush up on the basics, join the IEA Organizing department for a training Aug. 28 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. www.mobilize.us/ieanea/event...
mobilize.us
Organizing 101 · Illinois Education Association
New to organizing? No worries! Join us and learn the basics you need to build and maintain strong locals!
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 22/08/2025
Solidarity with NUEA! Press release: ieanea.link/NUEAReachTA
BREAKING. Naperville Unit Education Association has reached a tentative agreement with D203.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
With more than 100 unfilled para positions in U-46, admin is attempting to fill positions w/ a staffing agency. Why? Unfair pay & lack of respect. U-46 wages are not competitive with neighboring districts, including D300 & St. Charles. DUEA members packed the board meeting to demand real solutions.
Around 50 paraprofessionals wear teal T-shirts in front of the U46 welcome center.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
Deadline approaching ⏰ IEA is launching a new leadership development retreat centered on the impacts of systemic racism, abolitionist teaching & culturally responsive classroom strategies. Join the Loveworks Joy & Justice retreat Oct. 10-12 in Springfield. Apply by Aug. 22: bit.ly/45pSuoK
bit.ly
LOVEWORKS Joy & Justice Leadership Development Retreat – Illinois Education Association
The LOVEWORKS: Joy & Justice Leadership Development Retreat is a transformative 3-day, in-person experience that invites IEA members to grow as equity-centered leaders. Designed primarily for emerging activists who are ready to foster their commitment to racial and social justice. Through deep reflection, historical context, and hands-on training, participants will explore the foundations of educational justice, abolitionist teaching, and culturally responsive pedagogy. They will also gain tools to lead equity-focused conversations in their classrooms, buildings, and broader communities, which will increase member engagement and activism to effect equity & excellence in public education.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 07/08/2025
What’s the best advice you can give a new educator? Join your union! LEAD300 welcomed new hires and signed up new members at the D300 orientation meeting. Great work LEAD300!
Educators are seated at two tables with blue table cloth. The table cloth says LEAD300.Members sign up to join LEAD300A member holds up a t shirt that says LEAD300. The table is filled with informational fliers and postcards.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
#LaborDay is one of our favorite holidays. Leading up to Sept. 1, we’re sharing union wins. Members with Wood River EA signed an MOU with the district that gave ESPs a mid-year 26% raise and certified staff a 1% raise. This would not have been possible without ESP and certified staff solidarity.
Solidarity is power! ESPs and Certified Staff of Wood River Education Association secure a win by working together. Wood River EA members stand together with IEA Secretary Treasurer Gina Harris. Maroon and golden yellow graphic with an IEA Stronger United logo.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 01/08/2025
Strong unions = strong public schools. Visit join.ieanea.org
"Unions protect the educators and they protect our workplace. They make sure we're safe and we're supported. So if we're
protected and able to do our job successfully, then our students can get their best education." - Jenny Sanchez, elementary school teacher.
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National Education Association @neatoday.bsky.social · 17/07/2025
Trump’s decision to cancel millions in federal grants (many already awarded) undermines higher education and silences critical research. Learn what’s at stake and how these cuts are affecting campuses across the country: bit.ly/44M7eOt
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 08/07/2025
The Trump administration is trying to divide us, but we know the power of coming together. IEA is proud to support the #GoodTroubleLivesOn day of action on July 17. Find an event near you: goodtroubleliveson.org/#attend Let us know if you plan to attend! Email IEAcommunications@ieanea.org
July 17 Good Trouble Lives On. GoodTroubleLivesOn.org
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National Education Association @neatoday.bsky.social · 05/07/2025
Withholding billions in promised federal education funding that students need—and states had planned to use to support children in their states—is a cruel betrayal of students, especially those who rely on critical support services.
buff.ly
"All-out betrayal": Trump halts nearly $7 billion in federal funding for schools
The loss of funds would affect summer and after-school programs and teacher training grants, among other things
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
BIG NEWS 🎉 IEA member Bill Farmer has been elected to the NEA Executive Committee! Congratulations, Bill Farmer!!!
IEA members cheer on Bill Farmer after the announcement that he has been elected to the NEA Executive Committee. He is wearing a blazer and a dreamer t shirt with a butterfly.
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Christine Thielen @cmt215il.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
Ready to represent @ieanea.bsky.social at the @neatoday.bsky.social Representative Assembly!
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 02/07/2025
80% of IL public schools are underfunded, yet the Trump administration is taking more than $200 million from our state and $6.8 billion away from students nationally. Every student deserves access to a high-quality public education. We will continue to advocate for fully funded public schools in IL.
edweek.org
Trump Tells States He's Holding Back $6.8 Billion for Schools
Schools nationwide won't see funding earmarked for English learners, migrant students, professional development, and more.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
Nearly 40% of students in Illinois get healthcare through Medicaid/CHIP. Tell senators: all kids deserve access to medical care! SAVE Medicaid!
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
#RedForEd Nonrenewal shouldn't come with noncommunication. Thank you to student journalists who covered the recent educator dismissals and budget mismanagement in District 7. Solidarity with Edwardsville Education Association (EEA)!
Photo of a student newspaper article from The Claw. We Run on Communication. Editorial: nonrenewal shouldn't come with noncommunication. 

Timing is everything. When the District 7 administration decided to non-renew 16 teachers, citing a "commitment to financial efficiency" in their press release, the staff of The Claw felt it was in poor taste to vote on costly projects at the same meeting that they decided to dismiss faculty. It's no surprise, then, that droves of District 7 faculty, staff and supporters showed up at the March 24 meeting - the signal that administration seemingly sent was that expenditures like resurfacing the track and turfing the softball field were more important than keeping quality teachers employed.
Ultimately, there was no escaping the public connecting the new projects and layoffs and attributing one for causing the other despite funding coming from different budgetary allotments. 

Beyond that, some of the items being voted on, such as furthering the discussions of a seven-period day, still have questions regarding the price tag, according to Mollie Rice, a calculus teacher and the Edwardsville Education Association vice president. For a school board that is committed to financial efficiency, pursuing massive, district-wide changes with unknown costs seems drastic. Even the necessary expenditures come at steep costs. While they initially voted against budgeting $2.3 million to resurface the track and softball field, they approved it at a Special Board of Education meeting April 7.
Then-board member, now board president, Bob Paty spoke at the March 24 meeting about careless spending. "A lot of those expenditures I have complained about as well," Paty said. "It has not gone unnoticed, the optics going into this meeting ... The budget is not being adhered to when we come up with these plans. It's, too much." (full article could not fit in alt text section)
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
The Trump Administration wants to gut public services that students, educators and working families need to survive. Our union is not going to stand for it.
nea.org
Nation’s largest public service unions launch national campaign to stop federal budget cuts to public services | NEA
Representing more than 8.3 million workers, AFSCME, AFT, NEA, and SEIU launch “Put Families First,” a new campaign to highlight the devastating effects of federal budget cuts on working families. The ...
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Princess Moss @neapresident.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
"...at least $880 billion in cuts largely to Medicaid to help cover the cost of $4.5 trillion in tax breaks." They are literally taking healthcare away from children in order to enrich their billionaire friends.
apnews.com
House Republicans unveil Medicaid cuts that Democrats warn will leave millions without care
House Republicans have unveiled the cost-saving centerpiece of President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill.”
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
Back by popular demand! IEA Teaching and Learning is hosting a summer virtual book studies from June 15-July 26. Up to 20 PDHs per book. Choose from three collective themes: student wellness, educator wellness and justice and equity. ➡️ ieanea.link/IEAbookstudy-TAL2025
Pink to orange gradient graphic. Teaching and learning. Virtual book studies. Summer Session 2025. Register by June 8.
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Illinois Education Association @ieanea.bsky.social · 08/05/2025
May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Check out educator resources from NEA for celebrating AANHPI heritage, history and leaders in your classroom. bit.ly/44suhgP
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