Idaho Education Association

IEA President Layne McInelly and Executive Director Paul Stark were guests of Kevin Richert on the weekly podcast from Idaho Education News. Hear what Layne and Paul had to say about issues ranging from the budget surplus to teacher retention to learning/working environments amid the COVID pandemic.https://soundcloud.com/idaho-education-news #IDedu

IEA President Layne McInelly and Executive Director Paul Stark were guests of Kevin Richert on the weekly podcast from Idaho Education News. Hear what Layne and Paul had to say about issues ranging from the budget surplus to teacher retention to learning/working environments amid the COVID pandemic.https://soundcloud.com/idaho-education-news #IDedu

Ybarra asks for school funding increase to pay for full-day kindergarten

First step in the budgeting process for Idaho public schools. Superintendent's budget proposal call for an 8.5% overall increase, including funding for full-day Kindergarten, much-needed bumps for support staff, and additional funding for the Career Ladder. There are some encouraging signs here, but remember that Idaho is sitting on a $1.4 BILLION surplus, so the opportunity is there for a game-changing commitment to our students and schools. #IDedu https://www.idahoednews.org/news/ybarra-asks-for-school-funding-increase-to-pay-for-all-day-kindergarten/?fbclid=IwAR3Z-vHpFEBRE0ipPxmiVyEMYwH_Uyv3CFclJF38GxwPdUgx_yOcokAdjgI

Ybarra asks for school funding increase to pay for full-day kindergarten The 8.5% proposed budget increase in state tax dollars would also pay for expansion on the teacher salary career ladder and boost district operational funding.

IEA President Layne McInelly and Executive Director Paul Stark joined Kevin Richert for this week's podcast on Idaho Education News. The podcast is scheduled to be posted Friday. Hear what Layne and Paul had to say about topics like the budget surplus, class sizes, and the political distractions that get in the way of supporting schools and students.

Congratulations to Twin Falls School District teacher and Idaho Education Association member Peggy Hoy on being named recipient of a national 2022 NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence!

Winners "represent educators from across the country who embody excellence in their practice, advocacy for the profession, commitment to equity and opportunity, community engagement, and leadership in professional development."

Congratulations to Twin Falls School District teacher and Idaho Education Association member Peggy Hoy on being named recipient of a national 2022 NEA Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence!

Winners "represent educators from across the country who embody excellence in their practice, advocacy for the profession, commitment to equity and opportunity, community engagement, and leadership in professional development."

Classroom Organizing: Out with the Old

More helpful hints from our Tips and Techniques for Educators series. IEA member Katie Tunca shares ideas for minimizing chaos and keeping your classroom organized. #ieareporter #askaneducator https://idahoea.org/news/classroom-organizing-out-with-the-old/

Classroom Organizing: Out with the Old Last year was rough on every teacher. I hope that you have been able to step away from your classroom and recharge in a way that was meaningful to you. If you were like most educators, organization was not in the forefront of the brain while trying to meet the teaching challenges of the last…

Member Spotlight: Natalie MacLachlan

Our latest Member Spotlight features West Ada EA member Natalie MacLachlan, who does great work as a theater teacher. Oh, and she is also running for the legislature to advocate for students and professional educators. #askaneducator #IEAREPORTER https://idahoea.org/news/member-spotlight-natalie-maclachlan/

Member Spotlight: Natalie MacLachlan   Passionate educator, involved member, and legislative candidate. All of these accurately describe IEA and West Ada Education Association member Natalie MacLachlan. But there is so much more beyond these roles that give insight into what drives her to be so engaged for her students, her colleagues...

The Basics of Differentiation

More from the IEA REPORTER that will be hitting mailboxes next week. IEA member Karen Lauritzen from Post Falls shares some tips and techniques for optimizing differentiated instruction. Every child learns differently, so educators need to be ready to adjust. #askaneducator #IEAREPORTER https://idahoea.org/news/the-basics-of-differentiation/

The Basics of Differentiation Why Differentiation? Differentiation within our classrooms is more important now than ever. Each year, our students arrive in classrooms with a wide variety of needs and strengths. These differences have been intensified with the changes of the past few years. So, how do we meet the needs of all our...

A New Year Filled with Excitement and Optimism

Cover story for the Fall IEA REPORTER focuses on the emotions and anticipation of our member-educators for the new school year. Yes, 2021 is unique in many respects, but the excitement of educators in meeting new students and collaborating with colleagues is universal. Look for the print version of the REPORTER in mailboxes next week. #IEA #askaneducator https://idahoea.org/news/a-new-year-filled-with-excitement-and-optimism/

A New Year Filled with Excitement and Optimism Perhaps more than any time in recent memory, the annual rite of passage that sees professional educators and students returning to classrooms is filled with excitement and possibilities. Students get to meet new teachers, reconnect with friends, and embark on an exciting journey of knowledge-gatheri...

Back to school time brings opportunities for current IEA members to share their stories about how membership in the IEA helps them become better educators, assists in career advancement, and gives them a voice on policies that benefit their students and their profession.

At an event in West Ada, WAEA Vice President Carmi Scheller provided insight and information for potential members. Similar back to school meetings are happening in locals across the state.

Back to school time brings opportunities for current IEA members to share their stories about how membership in the IEA helps them become better educators, assists in career advancement, and gives them a voice on policies that benefit their students and their profession.

At an event in West Ada, WAEA Vice President Carmi Scheller provided insight and information for potential members. Similar back to school meetings are happening in locals across the state.

Labor shortage continues as schools prepare to reopen

We foreshadowed this development in an op-ed a couple of months ago. Improved pay in other industries, insufficient COVID safety protocols, and other factors are leading to shortages in support staff in many school districts. #IDedu #askaneducator https://www.kivitv.com/news/education/making-the-grade/labor-shortage-continues-as-schools-prepare-to-reopen

Labor shortage continues as schools prepare to reopen As schools across the country prep to welcome students back to class, they're struggling to fill a variety of open positions--including bus drivers.

Idaho's budget surplus swells to $1.4 billion

Idaho's budget surplus has now reached $1.4 BILLION. It's long past time to invest in our schools, students, and professional educators. We are tired of winning the race to the bottom in supporting education. #IDedu #idleg https://apnews.com/article/business-health-coronavirus-pandemic-idaho-d07abe01e32f3d162b36e9999201df10

Idaho's budget surplus swells to $1.4 billion BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho’s budget surplus is up to $1.4 billion, state officials said Friday. The state Division of Financial Management said it based the increase on a revised general fund revenue forecast it does every August for the current fiscal year to account for current economic conditi...

With the new school year underway or about to start around the state, the Idaho Education Association has issued the following statement about COVID-19 vaccines and safety protocols. Please stay healthy and have a wonderful year. #idedu #askaneducator #IEA

IEA members continue to recognize the value of in-person instruction for students and educators. With another dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant, it is also imperative that we protect the health of our students, staff, and communities. The best tools at our disposal to ensure that safe, in-person instruction can take place are vaccines and, at for the time being, face coverings. To that end, we encourage Idahoans to get vaccinated as soon as possible, and we urge local school boards to prioritize safety through face coverings and other protocols recommended by medical experts.

With the new school year underway or about to start around the state, the Idaho Education Association has issued the following statement about COVID-19 vaccines and safety protocols. Please stay healthy and have a wonderful year. #idedu #askaneducator #IEA

IEA members continue to recognize the value of in-person instruction for students and educators. With another dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases due to the Delta variant, it is also imperative that we protect the health of our students, staff, and communities. The best tools at our disposal to ensure that safe, in-person instruction can take place are vaccines and, at for the time being, face coverings. To that end, we encourage Idahoans to get vaccinated as soon as possible, and we urge local school boards to prioritize safety through face coverings and other protocols recommended by medical experts.

It was a Back to the Future trip for IEA President Layne McInelly, who visited members of the Teton Education Association yesterday. Layne is a Teton High School graduate, and reconnected with several former classmates--and the teacher who inspired him to become a professional educator, Sandra Balmforth. #askaneducator #IDedu

How much would it cost to fully staff mental health professionals in Idaho schools?

Idaho doesn't have nearly enough school counselors, psychologists, social workers, or nurses. Those we do have are stretched too thin and diverted to other duties. Our students deserve better.

Sami Edge of Idaho Ed News crunches numbers on what it would cost to hire more personnel to meet the recommended ratios. Remember, Idaho is currently sitting on a $900 million budget surplus. #idedu #idleg https://www.idahoednews.org/news/how-much-would-it-cost-to-fully-staff-mental-health-professionals-in-idaho-schools/

How much would it cost to fully staff mental health professionals in Idaho schools? Idaho’s ratios of school counselors and psychologists per student are far below staffing levels recommended by national organizations.

This week the IEA Board of Directors came together from across the state, making the agenda was Governor Brad Little. Our voices are strongest when we unite. We unite to give our students the schools they deserve.

More IEA Summer Institute, Day 3. Here are a few of the trainers, we appreciate you and your expertise!

More Summer Institute sessions with our amazing members sharing their knowledge and expertise. A big thank you to Greg Felton, Sue Darden, Mandy Simpson, and all our presenters! #IEA #askaneducator

The 2021 IEA Summer Institute is underway with remarks from our keynote speaker, IEA member Dr. Sonia Galaviz. What does the Dalai Lama have to do with education and unions? If you are participating in this great virtual event, then you know the answer. #askaneducator #IEA

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.