Idaho Education Association

Idaho teachers union says part of state's $900 million budget surplus should go towards education

With help from IEA President Layne McInelly, Brian Holmes from KTVB takes a look at how Idaho's record budget surplus should be used to invest in schools and students. #IDedu #idpol #askaneducator https://www.ktvb.com/article/news/local/208/idaho-teachers-union-says-states-budget-surplus-should-go-towards-education-last-nation-ranking-spending/277-5084d07b-a88e-4820-a416-2e619edb028c

Idaho teachers union says part of state's $900 million budget surplus should go towards education "We know that they (support staff) could walk across the street and work at a fast-food restaurant or Target and make more than they are in our school systems."

IEA Statement on Idaho’s Record Budget Surplus

Idaho’s elected officials have a golden opportunity to finally address public school funding in a meaningful way.

The record budget surplus should be directed to Idaho’s public schools, which continue to be under-resourced in a state that willingly ranks last in per-student funding. The surplus can, and should, be used to address the many pressing needs of Idaho schools and communities.

• Class sizes and workloads. Idaho has the sixth-highest average class size in the nation, leading to educator burnout, overcrowded classrooms, and less one-on-one time between students and educators.

• Support staff. Additional investments would increase competitive pay so districts can hire much-needed support staff. Idaho needs to pay a living wage to custodial workers, bus drivers, paraeducators, nutrition staff, and substitute teachers or further risk losing valuable members of the education team to other jobs.

• Mental health support. Idaho schools are woefully short on counselors and psychologists at a time when students need support for mental and emotional health more than ever.

• College and career readiness. Idahoans believe we need to invest more in public education because it will pay off in attracting jobs, growing our economy, and achieving future prosperity. But too many schools lack the resources for staff with the specific skill set to help students plan for and achieve their goals.

• Facilities and technology. The surplus should be used to repair or replace the many school facilities that are outdated, obsolete, or unsafe.

• Property tax relief. Too many Idaho schools, especially in rural areas, are reliant on local levies and bonds, creating a burden on local taxpayers and inequities for students based on where they live.

Layne McInelly
President, Idaho Education Association

IEA Statement on Idaho’s Record Budget Surplus

Idaho’s elected officials have a golden opportunity to finally address public school funding in a meaningful way.

The record budget surplus should be directed to Idaho’s public schools, which continue to be under-resourced in a state that willingly ranks last in per-student funding. The surplus can, and should, be used to address the many pressing needs of Idaho schools and communities.

• Class sizes and workloads. Idaho has the sixth-highest average class size in the nation, leading to educator burnout, overcrowded classrooms, and less one-on-one time between students and educators.

• Support staff. Additional investments would increase competitive pay so districts can hire much-needed support staff. Idaho needs to pay a living wage to custodial workers, bus drivers, paraeducators, nutrition staff, and substitute teachers or further risk losing valuable members of the education team to other jobs.

• Mental health support. Idaho schools are woefully short on counselors and psychologists at a time when students need support for mental and emotional health more than ever.

• College and career readiness. Idahoans believe we need to invest more in public education because it will pay off in attracting jobs, growing our economy, and achieving future prosperity. But too many schools lack the resources for staff with the specific skill set to help students plan for and achieve their goals.

• Facilities and technology. The surplus should be used to repair or replace the many school facilities that are outdated, obsolete, or unsafe.

• Property tax relief. Too many Idaho schools, especially in rural areas, are reliant on local levies and bonds, creating a burden on local taxpayers and inequities for students based on where they live.

Layne McInelly
President, Idaho Education Association

Return local control to our communities and school boards

A must read from four highly regarded former district superintendents! They weigh in on the legislature's brazen and misguided power grab, the fallacy of "indoctrination", and the dangerous agenda of the Idaho Freedom Foundation. #idedu #idleg https://www.idahoednews.org/voices/return-local-control-to-our-communities-and-school-boards/

Return local control to our communities and school boards Stop giving credence to special interest groups trying to divide us.

Grow-your-own programs could widen Idaho’s teacher pipeline

Well-researched story on the issues Idaho faces with educator retention, especially in rural areas. Includes quotes from IEA Board member Peggy Hoy. #IDedu https://www.idahoednews.org/news/grow-your-own-programs-could-widen-idahos-teacher-pipeline/?fbclid=IwAR1Q3pU5dqFy0NzKpT0yaYzvDWVnxoXn1GGpMMHkpavsztP-x6Pex-VmW6U

Grow-your-own programs could widen Idaho’s teacher pipeline Some focus on tapping paraprofessionals to become certified teachers. Others eye prospective candidates who are still in high school, and others yet look to increase the number of teachers of color…

Professional Development

This month is Summer Institute, make sure to GET REGISTERED soon! 45 classes are being offered. Earn up to 4 ISU credits when you attend all four days. JULY 28-31st. Register Here.
https://idahoea.org/centerforteachingandlearning/

Professional Development Here are some of the courses available to members. These courses are taught by classroom teachers who have worked to become certified IEA Trainers. If you are interested in bringing one of these trainings to your local association, please fill out this short form to get more information and to get t...

The Idaho delegation attending the virtual NEA Representative Assembly.

The Idaho delegation attending the virtual NEA Representative Assembly.

Idaho delegates are in Boise this week to attend virtually the National Education Association Representative Assembly. It’s great to be together in Idaho and to continue the work!

Rising Private Sector Pay Creates a Conundrum for School Districts, Support Staff

Idaho school support staff are among the lowest compensated employees out there. As private-sector jobs increase pay this poses a challenge to find and retain the much-needed support staff our students and teachers need.

Rising Private Sector Pay Creates a Conundrum for School Districts, Support Staff As our country and our state emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, a disconnect between available jobs and workers willing to accept poverty-level compensation is hitting home. Potential steps forward for many workers in retail and other private-sector fields could threaten school districts’ ability ...

McGeachin-Trump summit, four-hour agenda set table for indoctrination task force meeting

Lieutenant Governor's "Indoctrination" task force careens toward complete irrelevance. Good synopsis by Blake Jones in advance of Thursday's meeting. #IDedu #idpol https://www.idahoednews.org/news/mcgeachin-trump-summit-four-hour-agenda-set-table-for-indoctrination-task-force-meeting/

McGeachin-Trump summit, four-hour agenda set table for indoctrination task force meeting The task force is set to hear presentations on education players and policy from an intern in McGeachin’s office, a hardline conservative candidate for State Superintendent and fellow task force me…

Leaders in Learning: Integrating coding and robotics into teachable lessons

Cool story about how IEA/Jerome EA member Penny Aufderheide-Keck combines music instruction with technology to help students. Thanks CBS 2 Boise for profiling one of Idaho's many creative and dedicated educators. #IDedu #askaneducator https://idahonews.com/features/leaders-in-learning/leaders-in-learning-integrating-coding-and-robotics-into-teachable-lessons

Leaders in Learning: Integrating coding and robotics into teachable lessons Technology is advancing quicker than most of us can keep up. In this week's Leaders in Learning we visit a local teacher who is making sure her kids have everything they need to grow and thrive in these ever-changing times. "I started a band director at Kimberly High School, but I was one of the fir...

As prices soar, BCSD addresses housing challenges

This is growing crisis for Idaho public schools. The explosive increase in housing costs is making it next to impossible for districts to hire/retain educators. Kudos to the Blaine County Education Association for taking a proactive stance and working with the district on potential solutions. #IDedu #askaneducator

How big of an issue is this in your district/local? https://www.mtexpress.com/news/education/as-prices-soar-bcsd-addresses-housing-challenges/article_70816b3c-cfc2-11eb-8d69-f3f5d8fb912b.html

As prices soar, BCSD addresses housing challenges As the skyrocketing cost of housing in the Wood River Valley continues to push the prospect of owning or renting a home out of reach for a growing number of

Extremism expert: Idaho critical race theory debate is 'cynical' effort to rally voters - Idaho Capital Sun

“It’s nothing more than a cynical attempt to defund education in Idaho and to drive political division in Idaho," says an expert on political extremism. Another great quote--“The way they do it is to take boogeymen out of the closet that don’t even exist and use them to exploit that change-anxiety.” Read the full story from Idaho Capital Sun https://idahocapitalsun.com/2021/06/11/extremism-expert-idaho-critical-race-theory-debate-is-cynical-effort-to-rally-voters/

Extremism expert: Idaho critical race theory debate is 'cynical' effort to rally voters - Idaho Capital Sun Attacks on “critical race theory” in Idaho are part of an effort by conservative Republicans to engage voters in upcoming elections, an extremism expert said.

ISBA rep leaves indoctrination task force, decrying ‘partisan campaigning’

A representative from the Idaho School Boards Association has withdrawn from the Lt. Governor's "indoctrination" task force, citing "a lack of education professionals on the committee" and "disparaging comments" made about professional educators. The hyper-partisan committee will reach its conclusions without participation from the IEA, ISBA, State Board of Education, or State Department of Education. #IDedu #idpol https://www.idahoednews.org/news/isba-rep-leaves-indoctrination-task-force-decrying-partisan-campaigning/

ISBA rep leaves indoctrination task force, decrying ‘partisan campaigning’ Idaho School Boards Association President-elect Jason Knopp reproached the task force’s composition and the way it carried out its recent inaugural meeting.

New IEA Executive Director

“I am very excited to be taking on new responsibilities and advocating for professional educators, students, and Idaho public schools,” Stark said. Read more here about IEA's new Executive Director.

New IEA Executive Director The Idaho Education Association is pleased to announce the hiring of Paul Stark as Executive Director, effective June 7, 2021. Stark has served as the General Counsel of the IEA for the last 10 years and was active in education law prior to joining the Association in 2011. “Paul is the ideal perso...

16,000 school-aged kids in Idaho caught COVID-19. That’s not what school reports said. - Idaho Capital Sun

In case you need a reminder about why the IEA and local education associations pushed for safety protocols and transparency during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. What school districts were able (or willing) to report was frequently inaccurate. #idedu https://idahocapitalsun.com/2021/06/04/16000-school-aged-kids-in-idaho-caught-covid-19-thats-not-what-school-reports-said/

16,000 school-aged kids in Idaho caught COVID-19. That’s not what school reports said. - Idaho Capital Sun More than 16,000 school-aged children in Idaho had COVID-19 in 2020-2021 school year. School reports didn't show half of them.

McGeachin’s office refuses to release public comments on ‘indoctrination’ task force - Idaho Capital Sun

Is anyone surprised by this? Lieutenant Governor McGeachin is playing fast and loose with public records requests related to her "indoctrination" task force. Comments submitted electronically are a public record, but her office has thus far refused to provide them. Read more from the Idaho Capital Sun #idedu #idleg #idpol https://idahocapitalsun.com/2021/06/04/mcgeachins-office-refuses-to-release-public-comments-on-indoctrination-task-force/

McGeachin’s office refuses to release public comments on ‘indoctrination’ task force - Idaho Capital Sun Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin is withholding public records that show feedback from Idaho teachers, parents, students on school "indoctrination."

Professional Development

SUMMER INSTITUTE IS ON! July 28th - 31st. REGISTER TODAY.

The IEA Center for Teaching and Learning is proud to continue a great tradition with the renewal of this marquee professional development event. ADVANCE YOUR CAREER.

This is a 4-day conference and you can earn one credit for each full day that you attend - earn up to four credits when you attend all four days! You will set your own daily schedule.

We look forward to seeing you at the Institute!

Professional Development Here are some of the courses available to members. These courses are taught by classroom teachers who have worked to become certified IEA Trainers. If you are interested in bringing one of these trainings to your local association, please fill out this short form to get more information and to get t...

Pandemic, politics pile up for an unprecedented year of teacher stress

"Unprecedented year of teacher stress". IEA members Laura Pearson and Melissa Stroupe, along with President Layne McInelly, are featured in this story from Idaho Education News. #IDedu https://www.idahoednews.org/teachers/pandemic-politics-pile-up-for-an-unprecedented-year-of-teacher-stress/

Pandemic, politics pile up for an unprecedented year of teacher stress “I feel completely stressed because I feel like I let down my students,” one educator said.

Task force members vow to root out, protect students from indoctrination in Idaho schools - Idaho Capital Sun

"No public testimony was accepted...no one gave specific examples of indoctrination." A recap of the first "indoctrination" task force meeting from Clark Corbin of the Idaho Mountain Sun. Includes comments from IEA President Layne McInelly. #IDedu #idpol https://idahocapitalsun.com/2021/05/27/task-force-members-vow-to-root-out-protect-students-from-indoctrination-in-idaho-schools/?fbclid=IwAR028Hf0Z8dGRCMSpEgrgiZGtKDwdyPmQvoilxLa2I19SAEh3BjW1Sxk5y4

Task force members vow to root out, protect students from indoctrination in Idaho schools - Idaho Capital Sun Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin created the task force in the wake of the Legislature’s debate over critical race theory

Analysis: The open (and covert) pushback against the education system

We didn't mince words about the "Indoctrination Task Force" that meets for the first time today. The deck has clearly been stacked by Lieutenant Governor McGeachin and the radical right, which is an unconscionable process for a task force under the auspices of state government and funded by taxpayers. Read more in this story from Idaho Education News. https://www.idahoednews.org/top-news/analysis-the-open-and-covert-pushback-against-the-education-system/

Analysis: The open (and covert) pushback against the education system Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin’s school indoctrination task force might not make any policy, but it will make a lot of noise. Heading into Thursday’s first meeting, education leaders are ope…

ABC News exclusive: Teacher says she hugged school shooter after disarming her

This is so poignant and powerful. The courage, compassion and poise Krista Gneiting showed in defusing a volatile situation at Rigby Middle School makes us proud to have her as a colleague. Watch her interview with ABC News. This is what heroes look like. #idedu https://abcnews.go.com/US/abc-news-exclusive-teacher-hugged-school-shooter-disarming/story?id=77774494

ABC News exclusive: Teacher says she hugged school shooter after disarming her An Idaho teacher who disarmed a sixth grader after she opened fire at school earlier this month is breaking her silence for the first time.

The announcement today by Lieutenant Governor Janice McGeachin that she will be running for governor should be met with great distrust by all who support Idaho public schools, students, and professional educators. She does not and will not prioritize policies that benefit public education. In fact, there is no ambiguity in her track record—she consistently attempts to undermine education funding and degrade our dedicated educators. Public education is the pathway to success and opportunity for children across our great state. McGeachin as governor would represent a huge step backward for Idaho students and public schools.

Layne McInelly
President, Idaho Education Association

The announcement today by Lieutenant Governor Janice McGeachin that she will be running for governor should be met with great distrust by all who support Idaho public schools, students, and professional educators. She does not and will not prioritize policies that benefit public education. In fact, there is no ambiguity in her track record—she consistently attempts to undermine education funding and degrade our dedicated educators. Public education is the pathway to success and opportunity for children across our great state. McGeachin as governor would represent a huge step backward for Idaho students and public schools.

Layne McInelly
President, Idaho Education Association