Emily Pearson and Sofia Bronaugh from Aspiring Educators-University of Idaho are among the attendees at pre-NEA Representative Assembly events in Portland, Oregon. Although the assembly officially begins on July 3, members of the Idaho Education Association delegation have been present for several days to attend conferences and engage in networking.
Stephanie Myers, IEA Region Director, is coordinating logistics for IEA’s delegation and will spend 13 days in Portland. Pre-assembly gatherings include strategy sessions focusing on how caucus members will introduce new business items (NBIs) and gain support on the floor.
Outgoing Boise Education Association President Lara Luthy and incoming President Tabitha Miller attended the National Council of Urban Education Associations (NCUEA). The BEA qualifies as one of the largest 200 local unions in the country. NCUEA is expanding into suburban areas, allowing more Idaho unions to join. Luthy noted that immigration policies and ICE raids were key discussion points, aiming to educate educators about their rights and those of undocumented students.
University of Idaho Aspiring Educators attended their conference to network, learn about their profession, and develop skills. Emily Pearson received the IEA Aspiring Educator Award, while Sofia Bronaugh joined as a guest attendee.
IEA’s new LGBTQ+ Caucus participated in the Conference on Racial and Social Justice with members such as John McCrostie, Amber Armstrong, Shelia Dengler-Shaw, Cassie Horner, and Lindsey Smith attending. This conference aims to build community and local power.
Dick Chilcote, Co-President of IEA Retired Council and Penni Cyr from Southwestern Education Association-Retired participated in the NEA Retired Annual Meeting. The meeting provides retired educators an opportunity to continue contributing to NEA activities.
