What’s happening: You have just a few weeks to recognize your fellow union members with one of IEA’s greatest honors. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 9, 2026.
What they are: Every year at Delegate Assembly, the union’s largest gathering, members and non-members who have made exceptional contributions to IEA and to public education are honored with IEA Awards. Most honors are given to members, but there are two awards — Champion of Education and Friend of Education — that may be bestowed upon community members, activists or lawmakers.
The awards include:
• Betty Roper Public Relations Award
• Edythe Crowe Education Support Professional Award
• Larry Caldwell Member Advocacy Award
• Marsha Nakamura Award for Teaching Excellence
• Monica Beaudoin Retired Award
• Sam Cikaitoga Minority Service Award
• Shane Anderson Outstanding Member Award
Why you should get involved: Your nomination could help a fellow member or community advocate receive the recognition they deserve for their good work in public education. All awardees are given time to make a speech during Delegate Assembly, where they are honored before the assembly and presented with an engraved trophy.
Submit nominations: To learn more about each award and submit nominations, visit the awards page on the new IEA website.
