Here's Why You Should Train With IEA
Train from your living room! All Collective Bargaining Council training sessions take place over the winter. There’s no need to travel — the series are held once a week over Zoom.
When you learn with IEA, you learn from the pros. You’ll be guided through the ins and outs of bargaining from Idaho Education Association region directors who have years of experience assisting members just like you. These experienced professionals tailor each year’s training based on current issues, changing laws, and proven practices.
It's free! CBC classes are free for Idaho Education Association members, but you must register in advance.
Training is for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time negotiator or a seasoned bargainer, you’ll discover practical content and tips to take your experience to the next level.
IEA trainings are proven to be effective. A survey of last year’s cohort shows just how effective these trainings are: All surveyed participants said that participating in CBC trainings increased the effectiveness of their bargaining team and improved their bargaining outcomes.
CBC Training Series
Join us for the CBC Training Series, designed to support and empower bargaining teams and union members at all levels of experience. These interactive classes cover essential topics such as bargaining basics, contract law, school finance and organizing strategies to help you succeed at the table. All sessions are held via Zoom from 6-8 p.m. Mountain Time, making it easy to participate from wherever you are. Don’t miss this opportunity to build your skills and strengthen your team — you can take one or take them all!
6-8 p.m. MST, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026
Foundations of Bargaining
Participants will review key provisions of the Idaho Code that impact collective bargaining, including statutory requirements for negotiations, highlighting critical legal aspects that every team must understand and follow to ensure a compliant and defensible outcome. In addition, participants will learn the powers and responsibilities bargaining teams assume in representing the bargaining unit. Register now >
6-8 p.m. MST, Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026
Best Practices for Success
Participants will learn the importance of thorough preparation in order to bargain with clarity, confidence, and a unified voice. The session will cover effective bargaining strategies and table tactics, including strategic messaging, managing the pace of negotiations, and responding to management proposals with intention and discipline. A key component of the training will address bridging the gap between the association and the school board by identifying shared interests, building credible relationships, and navigating conflict without compromising core priorities.Register now >
6-8 p.m. MST, Wednesday, March 11
Finance Basics
This training session is designed to strengthen your understanding of public-school finance and improve your bargaining effectiveness. This session will break down the essentials of salary-based apportionment and discretionary funding, giving participants a clear view of how money flows into districts and how it can be used. Attendees will also gain a practical introduction to salary-schedule theory, including common pitfalls to avoid during negotiations. This workshop is ideal for local leaders, bargaining team members, and anyone seeking a greater understanding of bargaining and public-school funding in Idaho. Register now >
6-8 p.m. MST, Wednesday, March 25
Deep Dive
It’s time to delve into your own data! IEA’s bargaining experts will pull data for your district so you can start strategizing for your upcoming negotiations. Participants will get the opportunity to review their own district data, and learn some advanced skills in bargaining financial analysis. The training concludes with guidance and tools to help you determine whether your team has reached a fair, financially sound settlement. Register now >
6-8 p.m. MST, Wednesday, April 8
Open Forum
In this session, participants will have an open forum to share updates, ask questions, and learn from other local associations about what they are encountering. The state is predicting a budget deficit, insurance costs may rise significantly, and enrollment has decreased in some districts. In a challenging year, sharing local stories and best practices from around the state is an invaluable asset to all of our local associations. Register now >
