The United States visit by China’s President Hu Jintao has been big news across the country. A related event allowed IEA members and staff to be a part of the story when the West Suburban IEA office hosted a group of education leaders from Shanghai Jan. 24.
IEA President Ken Swanson, Executive Director Audrey Soglin, UD Mark Sharrard and local presidents Val Dranius with the Indian Prairie Education Association and Bryce Cann with the Wheaton-Warrenville Education Association, gave the visitors an overview of what it is like working in public education in Illinois.
A dance tribute to Dorothy Height and the Civil Rights Movement is being offered to NEA members at a 20 percent discount. Godmother – A Tribute to Dorothy Height is coming to the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago, at 7:30 p.m., Tues., Feb. 1. Click here for more information.
By the way, did you know that Stand for Children had raised the state’s biggest political action war chest from only a handful of (millionaire) supporters? CapitolFax’s Rich Miller has that story.
The new Advocate is available!
If you’re in need of inspiration, don’t miss the Advocate story about Annice Brave, Illinois’ Teacher of the Year and an IEA member.
There’s a lot more in the new Advocate: We know one teacher who lets her students make a movie about how to accomplish the most basic classroom tasks and she’s written an article to tell how its done.
And check out the story about a Mt. Olive ESP who saved his principal’s life in a harrowing hunting accident.
If you’re looking for information about the upcoming March Representative Assembly and the candidates running for IEA offices, you’ll find that and more in the February 2011 Advocate.
IEA UniServ Intern Program
IEA members, associatestaff, and administrative assistants interested in securing professional staff positions can experience UniServ professional staff work. All active members of the IEA, associate staff, and administrative assistants are eligible; IEA is actively seeking minorities and women to apply. Visit the IEA website for more information and to download an application.
NBPTS grants for teachers in high-need schools
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) has announced that JPMorgan Chase will provide nearly $100,000 in scholarship funds for teachers in high-need schools who are seeking National Board Certification. Illinois has been selected as one of 10 states where scholarships will be available. Visit the NBPTS website for more information.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner
Tell that special someone just how much you care with flowers, jewelry, candy and more. You don’t need to mention how much you saved by ordering online through the NEA Member Benefits Click ‘N Save program!
Log onto the NEA MB website and register to enter the members’ only section where you can browse through the merchants offering special savings, or check out the values available through the insurance, money market and credit card programs.
Website of the week
Jan. 24-28, 2011. No sticks. No stones. No name-calling week. Barnes and Noble wants to help stamp out bullying. Click here to find out how.
Illinois Education Association is an association of more than 130,000 members composed of Illinois elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty and staff, educational support professionals, retired educators and college students preparing to become teachers.