New Leaders at the Helm for IEA
We are extremely excited for the start of the 2017-2018 school year. All of us in IEA governance and on the IEA staff are looking forward to working with each of you to enhance and progress public education in Idaho. We believe in a team effort and we know that our strength lies in working together to strengthen and build our organization.
Both of us are career long members of the IEA. We love it, are committed to its mission, and are passionate about this sacred work we have before us. One of our core beliefs is the belief that public education is the foundation of the American democracy. Our society must have a well-educated citizenry to ensure that we continue to grow and evolve. We believe firmly that public education must be free and must provide equal opportunities for every child, regardless of circumstance.
Our goal is to present a unified front wherever we go. As we talk to members, legislators, stakeholders, parents, and communities, it will be abundantly clear we are united to ensure that we are the best and strongest voice possible for professional educators and students throughout Idaho. We want to be powerful advocates for all of you, so that you can do the most important work of all—making a difference in the lives of children in our state.
Increased professional development opportunities and member recruitment and engagement remain at the top of our focus list. We know that you, our members, are phenomenal at your jobs. We want to expand professional development workshops across the state and continue to grow the Summer Institute Conference. This commitment will allow our members to learn, refine their craft, and share their talents with others.
Member recruitment, engagement, and retention are key to growing as an organization. Relationships are a necessary component to membership growth. We must get to know our members and potential members. Developing relationships with as many members as possible is on our list! We want to organize and empower you, the members, to enhance your power at the local level, and strengthen our voice at the state level. Together, we will grow and succeed. We will be there to help you along the way- you need only ask.
Thank you for being a member and for your caring, compassion, expertise and commitment. We will be traveling across the state in the next few months and we look forward to speaking with many of you. It is important that we visit as many local associations and schools as possible. If you have an event you would like us to attend, please let us know. We want to listen to you and learn from you. This will help authenticate our voice as we advocate on your behalf. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at the e-mail addresses provided below.
Have a great school year!
Kari Overall, IEA President
koverall@idahoea.org
Sue Wigdorski, IEA Executive Director
swigdorski@idahoea.org
