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We believe public education is a true public good that transforms lives and creates a more just and inclusive society making it an indispensable cornerstone of our American democratic republic. Together, we defend the teaching profession and believe public education is strengthened when educators are respected for their contributions to our state and its families.
The best argument for public education in Idaho is the good, simple truth of what happens in our members’ classrooms each and every day.
Layne McInelly,
IEA President and Public School Educator

🧳 Mr. Chilcote goes to NEA Representative Assembly...for the 44th time!
As the elder statesman of Idaho’s caucus, we have much to learn from Dick Chilcote, including that Birkenstock sandals and socks are always in style and there`s so much to gain from engagement with your union.
Trust him. He knows best.
More photos and scenes from RA at the link in our bio.
#IdahoEA #NEARA #UnionStrong

🧳 Mr. Chilcote goes to NEA Representative Assembly...for the 44th time!
As the elder statesman of Idaho’s caucus, we have much to learn from Dick Chilcote, including that Birkenstock sandals and socks are always in style and there`s so much to gain from engagement with your union.
Trust him. He knows best.
More photos and scenes from RA at the link in our bio.
#IdahoEA #NEARA #UnionStrong
Educator delegates from Idaho, Alaska, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana joined forces at this year`s NEA Representative Assembly as the Northern Tier (TNT)—showing democracy and unity in action! Small, rural states face unique challenges, including navigating controversial legislatures and advocating for rural students` needs.
Through collaborative decision-making, the TNT voting bloc amplified their collective voice nationally, playing a crucial role in electing Bill Farmer to the NEA Executive Committee (picture 1). Additionally, IEA Governance Organizer and outgoing NEA Director Peggy Hoy (picture 3), launched the new Rural Locals Caucus to further support and advocate for rural educators and communities.
Small states, big impact! 🌟
📖 The Northern Tier Helps Idaho, Rural States Raise Their Voices at RA: https://bit.ly/4ePfIsU (click the link in our bio)
📖 Hoy Ends NEA Term By Debuting New Rural Caucus, Sharing Poster Organizing Opportunity: https://bit.ly/4ePfIsU (click the link in our bio)
#NEARA #UnionStrong #IdahoEA

Educator delegates from Idaho, Alaska, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana joined forces at this year`s NEA Representative Assembly as the Northern Tier (TNT)—showing democracy and unity in action! Small, rural states face unique challenges, including navigating controversial legislatures and advocating for rural students` needs.
Through collaborative decision-making, the TNT voting bloc amplified their collective voice nationally, playing a crucial role in electing Bill Farmer to the NEA Executive Committee (picture 1). Additionally, IEA Governance Organizer and outgoing NEA Director Peggy Hoy (picture 3), launched the new Rural Locals Caucus to further support and advocate for rural educators and communities.
Small states, big impact! 🌟
📖 The Northern Tier Helps Idaho, Rural States Raise Their Voices at RA: https://bit.ly/4ePfIsU (click the link in our bio)
📖 Hoy Ends NEA Term By Debuting New Rural Caucus, Sharing Poster Organizing Opportunity: https://bit.ly/4ePfIsU (click the link in our bio)
#NEARA #UnionStrong #IdahoEA
📍AMERICAN FALLS — A packed Save Our Schools Idaho town hall on Monday kicked off a seven-stop tour across East Idaho as educators, lawmakers, and community members came together to sound the alarm on Idaho’s new $50 million voucher program.
🎙️ Speakers warned that vouchers will:
🔻 Drain funding from public schools — especially rural districts
❌ Benefit the wealthy, with little to no accountability
📉 Lead to deeper state budget cuts, forcing more levies on local taxpayers
💸 Funnel public money into private, unregulated institutions
"It`s not about politics. It’s about our priorities as Idahoans. I feel strongly that vouchers can cause harm to our small, rural town schools.” - Brady Garner, Assistant Superintendent, Preston School District
“We will stand together and recalibrate this state." - Rep. Soñia Galaviz
Attend an upcoming town hall: https://bit.ly/3GGTw7s (click the link in our bio)
#idleg #NoVouchers #FundPublicSchools #IdahoEducation #SaveOurSchools #IdahoEA

📍AMERICAN FALLS — A packed Save Our Schools Idaho town hall on Monday kicked off a seven-stop tour across East Idaho as educators, lawmakers, and community members came together to sound the alarm on Idaho’s new $50 million voucher program.
🎙️ Speakers warned that vouchers will:
🔻 Drain funding from public schools — especially rural districts
❌ Benefit the wealthy, with little to no accountability
📉 Lead to deeper state budget cuts, forcing more levies on local taxpayers
💸 Funnel public money into private, unregulated institutions
"It`s not about politics. It’s about our priorities as Idahoans. I feel strongly that vouchers can cause harm to our small, rural town schools.” - Brady Garner, Assistant Superintendent, Preston School District
“We will stand together and recalibrate this state." - Rep. Soñia Galaviz
Attend an upcoming town hall: https://bit.ly/3GGTw7s (click the link in our bio)
#idleg #NoVouchers #FundPublicSchools #IdahoEducation #SaveOurSchools #IdahoEA
It`s been an amazing #NEARA! Huge thanks to our hardworking delegates from around the state who spent their holiday weekend advocating for Idaho. And big love to our union siblings from around the country who showed solidarity with IEA member Sarah Inama`s message: Everyone is welcome here. Look at the good you started, Sarah!

It`s been an amazing #NEARA! Huge thanks to our hardworking delegates from around the state who spent their holiday weekend advocating for Idaho. And big love to our union siblings from around the country who showed solidarity with IEA member Sarah Inama`s message: Everyone is welcome here. Look at the good you started, Sarah!
IEA got a huge shoutout from the stage at #NEARA! The delegation wore their “Everyone Is Welcome Here” shirts — and the support from around the country was the perfect reminder: In our schools, everyone really is welcome. That’s the power of public education.

IEA got a huge shoutout from the stage at #NEARA! The delegation wore their “Everyone Is Welcome Here” shirts — and the support from around the country was the perfect reminder: In our schools, everyone really is welcome. That’s the power of public education.
All aboard! The Idaho delegation lucked out with PERFECT weather for a cruise on the Willamette yesterday evening complete with tacos, tall tales from our captain, and a bit of fun before NEA RA officially kicks off bright and (very) early today.
Photo 1: Tabitha Miller of the Boise Education Association takes the helm!
Photo 2: Lindsey Smith of Lewiston Education Association, Lisa Callaway of the West Ada Education Association and Cassie Horner of Boise Education Association
Photo 3: Tacos!
Photo 4: "Captain" Paul Stark, IEA`s executive director.
Photo 5: Dinner on the river.
Photos 6: Emily Hammond of the West Ada Education Association does her best Kate Winslet impression.
Photo 7: Sarah Royter of the Boise Education Association.
Photo 8: Sonia Bronaugh (left) and Emily Pearson of @ui_aspiringed
Photo 9: IEA Member Benefits Director and SWEA-R member Dick Chilcote.
#NEA #NEARA #IdahoEA #UnionStrong

All aboard! The Idaho delegation lucked out with PERFECT weather for a cruise on the Willamette yesterday evening complete with tacos, tall tales from our captain, and a bit of fun before NEA RA officially kicks off bright and (very) early today.
Photo 1: Tabitha Miller of the Boise Education Association takes the helm!
Photo 2: Lindsey Smith of Lewiston Education Association, Lisa Callaway of the West Ada Education Association and Cassie Horner of Boise Education Association
Photo 3: Tacos!
Photo 4: "Captain" Paul Stark, IEA`s executive director.
Photo 5: Dinner on the river.
Photos 6: Emily Hammond of the West Ada Education Association does her best Kate Winslet impression.
Photo 7: Sarah Royter of the Boise Education Association.
Photo 8: Sonia Bronaugh (left) and Emily Pearson of @ui_aspiringed
Photo 9: IEA Member Benefits Director and SWEA-R member Dick Chilcote.
#NEA #NEARA #IdahoEA #UnionStrong