Enjoy the May issue of the Advocate
We've tackled some tough issues facing our members across the state: the challenge of restructuring, the financial crunch of TRS and SURS pensions caused by years of state underfunding, and the fight by two IEA adjunct faculty members to organize and improve working conditions.
We had some fun, too, as we recap the 2008 IEA Representative Assembly, tell about some creative fundraising ideas, and step into a prison classroom.
But the common thread through all of the stories focus on the character of IEA members - dedicated education professionals who are united in providing the best educational experience to Illinois school children.
Check your home mailbox for the May issue of the Advocate!
Lobby Day brings 1,000 to Springfield
Grassroots lobbyists from around the state converged on the capitol April 30, sending a strong message to legislators and the governor to do their job.
Members visited their legislators and the governor's office, requesting that Gov. Rod Blagojevich keep the promise that state funding for school districts would arrive during June, as scheduled.
The governor's administration has suggested final payments for FY
 2007-08 could be delayed until after the new fiscal year begins July 1. The threat is already causing bookkeeping nightmares for districts statewide.
Click here for pictures of the day's events.
Pictured left to right: IEA Retired Chair Jack Tucker, Student-IEA members Tai Horton, Rob Dindewald and Kathryn Rydicki, House Speaker Michael Madigan, Student-IEA member Nicole Kurtovich and Meredith Byers, IEA student and higher ed director.
Moline High School math teacher honored in nation's capital
Lesley Lamphier of Moline High School last week joined 98 other math and science teachers in Washington, D.C., to receive a Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching for 2007.
Lamphier, a National Board Certified Teacher and a member of the Moline Education Association, has taught math at Moline High School since 1998.
During her week in D.C., Lamphier met with Congressmen Phil Hare (D-17th district), and Ray LaHood (R-18th district), had dinner at the U.S. Department of State, received her award at the National Academy of Sciences, and toured the White House. She also participated in professional development opportunities with the other award winners.
Award recipients receive a $10,000 educational grant and a weeklong, all-expense paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to pick up the award.
Congratulations, Lesley!
To learn more about the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching, click here.
Lesley Lamphier and her husband Trent stand on the balcony of the U.S. Department of State.
Remember Mom on May 11
Use your membership card to save on Mother's Day gifts. Online shopping couldn't be easier and for those mothers who live far away, direct shipping is the perfect answer. Just log on to the IEA Web site, scroll down and click on the membership cards icon, enter your 10-digit member ID number on the card that looks like yours, and click "go." |