DUEA History

In the Spring of 1985, a small group of paraeducators met with the hope of organizing as a unit. Following several years of hard work, determination and the help of the Illinois Education Association (IEA), DUEA became a reality on October 13, 1989. The first Executive Board was formed in January, 1990 and the first contract was ratified in September of 1990.

DUEA is the sole bargaining agent for all District U-46 paraeducators including, but not limited to, Classroom Assistants, Special Education Assistants, Bilingual Regular Ed., Bilingual Special Ed., Library Paraprofessionals, Early Childhood Assistants and Home/School Liaisons. DUEA members work with U46 teachers and students at all levels and in many positions. The majority of DUEA members hold a "State of Illinois Aide Approval Certificate", which requires a minimum of 30 college credit hours. Many of DUEA's members hold Bachelors or Masters Degrees.

DUEA Today

DUEA has grown into an organization of over 500 paraeducators. Representing DUEA are the Executive Board and the Members-at-Large. They are a group of dedicated volunteers who continually strive to represent and assist the DUEA membership in numerous ways. Contract Bargaining, Educational Transition, Workplace Conditions, Grievances, Building/Job Issues, Insurance and Benefits are a small sampling of the issues handled by the DUEA Board.