Following statewide voting from Association members, Boise teacher Kari Overall has been elected President of the Idaho Education Association. Her three-year term will officially begin August 1, 2017. Overall teaches United States history at South Junior High School in Boise, and has a substantial track record of leadership in the IEA. She succeeds Penni Cyr, who is retiring following six years as IEA President.
“I am humbled and honored to be elected as the next President of the IEA,” says Overall. “I look forward to working with our amazing members and education professionals across the state to advocate for students, teachers and public education.”
Overall has served on the IEA Board of Directors for the last 11 years, including the first seven years as a region representative. For the last five years, she has served as the elected NEA Director for IEA, serving as a board member on the National Education Association’s board of directors. She has also been an active member of the Boise Education Association, serving as a building representative for 12 years and as a member of the BEA Executive Board for eight years.
“The Idaho Education Association is in great hands with Kari as our next President,” says outgoing IEA President Penni Cyr. “She is a leader who is passionate about our association and our members and I am very happy to pass the baton of advocacy to her. Kari is a dedicated professional educator and has a wealth of experience—in the classroom, with the Association, and on the policy front.”
Overall recently completed her 13th year as a teacher at South Junior High School. She is a graduate of Boise High School, and has an Associates of Arts Degree from Ricks College and a Bachelor of Arts (History) degree from the University of Idaho. She has also earned her Master of Arts in Education, with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction, from Lesley University.
“Idaho has been my home since I was eight years old, and I have a passion and appreciation for this great state,” Overall says. “Supporting and protecting public education is the lynchpin to growth and prosperity here, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that every child has access to a quality public education and a well-trained professional teacher.”
Kari and her husband, LJ live in Boise and have two daughters, Addi (5) and Sylvia (1).
