IEA Governance Organizer and outgoing NEA Director Peggy Hoy engaged with NEA Executive Committee candidate Bill Farmer during the Northern Tier (TNT) gathering. The Idaho Education Association’s delegates often collaborate within TNT to amplify their influence in union business, especially as states with larger populations typically have more say.
The Northern Tier includes state affiliates from Idaho, Alaska, Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana. IEA Executive Director Paul Stark noted that challenges in the TNT region differ significantly from those in states like California or New York. “NEA is a huge organization, and the challenges states in the TNT region face are wildly different than places like California or New York or Florida,” said Stark. Banding together allows these states to address unique issues such as hostile legislatures and rural student concentrations.
During the recent NEA Representative Assembly in Portland, Oregon, there were meetings for both leadership and member delegates from TNT states. On July 3, candidates for the NEA Executive Committee presented their platforms to win support from TNT. Four of eight candidates spoke: Elizabeth Nahl (Oregon Education Association), Bill Farmer (Illinois Education Association), Mel House (California Teachers Association), and Dr. Tia Mills (Louisiana Association of Educators).
TNT endorsed Bill Farmer but left the second endorsement up to individual state associations after deliberations among members. Ultimately, both Farmer and Dr. Mills secured seats in the election.
Additionally, Peggy Hoy announced the formation of the Rural Locals Caucus to advocate for unions distant from urban areas.
Amid candidate speeches, TNT members maintained a light atmosphere with humor shared by Boise Education Association’s Tabitha Miller.
