IEA - About the Student Program

The IEA Student Program is a preprofessional organization of undergraduate and graduate students preparing for careers in education. As a member of the IEA Student Program, students are also a part of the larger Illinois Education Association, an educational professional organization representing over 120,000 members in the state. IEA Student Program members are also part of the National Education Association, a network of state associations that has over two million members and is a major force in shaping the nation's education agenda.

Over 40 campuses in the state have local IEA Student Programs. Students throughout the state on university and college campuses are able to take advantage of the many opportunities afforded them through the IEA Student Program.

The following opportunities are available to members:

IEA Rebate - A $10 rebate (up to $40 total) is available for IEA Student Program members as they enter the profession and become professional members of the IEA in various school districts throughout the state.
Student Scholarships - The SP awards eight $1000 scholarships. The application process is relatively easy and the $1000 can be used for almost any educational need identified by the recipient.
Professional Publications - Members receive a variety of publications providing information for the preprofessional:
- StudentSpeak
- Advocate
- NEA Today
- Instructor Magazine (when you join online)
Haisman Student Award - This award is to honor a student who has worked on campus to promote local activities, achieved in studies and, promoted public education.
Professional Development Workshops - Local campus chapters are encouraged to plan and implement one to two campus workshops per year. The IEA Student Program can assist in the cost of local workshops as well as presenters for professional development.
CLASS Grants - Students are encouraged to write grants to be implemented in area schools and communities. Grants may be written for up to $1000 to pay for materials for a project, transportation for students on a field trip, and other expenditures for implementing a service project. The IEA SP received the largest number of grant awards from NEA this past school year and we would like to receive even more this year. More information is available on the website: ieanea.org and then click on Student Program.
SOAR Grants - The SOAR Grants are available for larger projects and activities related to membership recruitment. Call the Student Program Office if you have an idea and are interested in a SOAR Grant.
Mentoring Program - The IEA/NEA SP and the IEA/NEA Retired Program have combined efforts to offer a mentoring program to students who are entering the field of education. This program offers students the opportunity to work with a retired teacher in a mentoring relationship.
Mini-Resumes - During the second semester, our office will ask students who are graduating to complete a mini-resume form. The information is then compiled and distributed to superintendents in the state of Illinois. Former IEA student members have indicated that they have received numerous calls for possible teaching positions based on the information on the mini-resume form.
Liability Insurance - Each student member receives one million dollars in insurance liability.