Managing Your Membership

Membership Types 

Active Membership: Most members fall into this category — it is open to any person employed by, or in, a public school district, public or private college or university, or other public institution devoted primarily to education. You can also be a member if you’re a public sector employee who is employed primarily to perform educational functions.  

Aspiring Educator Membership: Aspiring educators are students enrolled in a post-secondary program in Idaho that is preparing them for a position that would make them eligible for active membership.  

Pre-Retired and Retired Membership: Any active IEA member can become a pre-retired lifetime member through the Pre-Retired Lifetime option. The big advantage: Instead of paying year-to-year, you can pay one lifetime dues fee.  

Retired members must be at least 45 years old or eligible to receive a pension from an educational employment retirement program like PERSI or Social Security. Retired members must have been employed for at least five years in a position that qualified them for active membership and must have been an IEA member for at least three years.  

Reserve Membership: Educators on a leave of absence of more than six months or whose active membership no longer applies because of employment status can be members in this category.  

Substitute Membership: Even if you aren’t employed full-time, you can still become a member. Educators who are employed on a day-to-day basis, are not included in their bargaining unit, or who are not eligible to be a retired member can join via this membership.  

Change Your Payment Method 

• Visit the IEA AutoPay Enrollment site, where you can change your payment method.   

• Log in with your member ID and the ZIP code associated with your membership. Don’t have your member ID? Email us! 

• To update your bank account information:  

• Click “next” until you reach the page showing a bank account on file.  
• Select “update my bank information.” 
• Enter your routing and checking account numbers. You can find these at the bottom of your personal check or via your bank’s website.  

• To update credit/debit card info:  

• Click “next” until you reach “choose payment method.”  
• Select “credit card” or “pay now.”  
• IMPORTANT: If you choose “credit card,” one full annual payment will be deducted in full on your next regular deduction date. If you choose “pay now,” one full annual payment will be deducted immediately.  

Leaving the Profession 

If you are leaving before the end of the school year, don’t forget to let IEA’s membership team know! You may be entitled to a prorated refund for the remainder of your dues. To check, email [email protected]. 

Canceling Your Membership 

• Contact your local president, in writing, no later than Oct. 15 of the current membership year.  

• If you don’t know the name and contact information for your local president, email [email protected].  

How to Pay Up Front and Save

If you choose to pay your dues all at once, you will receive a 5% reduction in your dues for that year if you pay by Oct. 15. New members who wish to pay in full to receive the 5% discount on IEA dues must pay their dues in full within 30 days of joining. Discount applies only to IEA dues, not NEA dues; discount applied upon verification of membership and payment method.

Get Help Paying Your Dues

You don’t have to give up your union membership and benefits if you’re going through a difficult time. The IEA Dues Hardship Fund was created to help members who are experiencing financial issues that would otherwise prevent them from making their payments. To apply, visit [email protected].