…public education survives and thrives!
…collaborative efforts between the legislature and the IEA make Idaho a great place to be a teacher!
…teachers are respected and paid like other professionals.
…children know how to think for themselves because we taught them to!
…education reform is left to those who know how to educate.
…the IEA is vigilant, united and prepared to stand against those who oppose public education and the academic health of our students.
This is just a sampling of the comments written and voiced by IEA members who attended the IEA’s 122nd Annual Delegate Assembly just a few short weeks ago. Hundreds of IEA members spent the weekend focusing on the future for their students, their profession and their organization. Delegates spent hours debating and deliberating issues, and they also took time to celebrate.
As Napoleon Hill once said, “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” In the pages of this month’s IEA Reporter, you’ll learn more about the work accomplished at this year’s Delegate Assembly.
Among the many important decisions made at DA, delegates approved a revised set of Core Values, Mission Statement and Vision Statement. These documents create a road map for the IEA to focus on a future that unites IEA members across Idaho to uphold a public education system that prepares every child to succeed.
Our mission is of the utmost importance. But, without a plan, it is difficult to know whether you are headed in the right direction. Fortunately, a group of smart leaders and staff have been working to examine the current state of the association and to develop a strategic plan that will enable us to reach for the stars.
As a result of their efforts, the IEA is moving forward focused on building a stronger, more vibrant organization with a culture of membership. This includes not only the need to increase the sheer number of educators who are a part of the IEA, but to also ensure that more and more members become engaged in association activities. It also includes the creation of a leadership model that is systemic and sustainable.
The IEA must—and will–continue to evolve to meet the needs of our members, to improve what we are doing to achieve our shared mission, and to advocate for Idaho’s education professionals.
The IEA has been advocating for teachers and public schools for the past 122 years. Over those years, we have been a vital and relevant organization, but it is up to all of us to lead the way for the next generation. Engaged IEA members in every corner of Idaho make it possible for the organization to advocate for our members and the future of public education. The strategic plan also begins to outline the important steps the IEA must take to lead in the development of great public schools and in the maximization of opportunities for the students we teach. No longer can we cede important decisions about our profession to those who know little about our public schools.
Those who work in our schools every day have a unique perspective on what our students and our schools need. A key part of the process can be found in our continued efforts to collaborate with other education stakeholders and to find common ground wherever and whenever we can. By developing relationships with other key stakeholders, we found great success in the most recently concluded legislative session.
It is imperative that we build on the progress made at the capitol by identifying and supporting candidates who legitimately value and prioritize public education—not just pay it lip service. Our efforts were a key factor in Tom Luna’s decision not to seek another term as Idaho’s Superintendent for Public Instruction. Now we must use our collective clout to impact the race for his successor, as well as in legislative campaigns all around the state.
We are committed to reaching for the stars and building the brightest possible future for teachers, education support professionals, students and communities in Idaho.
Many times over the course of our organization’s history, the IEA has accomplished amazing feats. That’s what happens when we use our collective strength and work together for a common cause. Make no doubt about it, the collective strength of the Idaho Education Association comes from your dedication, your determination, and your desire to have a better future for your students, profession, and for yourself.
You are the core of our leadership, the backbone of our past accomplishments, and the hope for our future. Our strength is in our unity and in our shared vision for the future. Together, we are focused on a very bright future. As Napoleon Hill’s quote reminds us, we can achieve whatever we put our mind to. We look forward to moving the IEA forward and building a brighter future!
