Nominations for Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is accepting nominations for the 2027 Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year awards, the program that recognizes outstanding teachers, administrators, school personnel, and volunteers. These awards honor individuals who have made significant contributions to Illinois’ public and nonpublic preK-12 schools.
With your distinct knowledge of Illinois districts and school leadership, ISBE kindly requests your assistance with circulating this nomination form to your leadership, staff, and members. We are looking to create a diverse pool of candidates who reflect a broad spectrum of experiences and backgrounds. To that end, we appreciate anything your organization can do to help promote this program, encourage participation, and help us highlight the unique contributions of all educators.
Any person or organization may submit nominations for outstanding school personnel. Eligible candidates will be invited to submit an official application. The deadline to submit a nomination for consideration in the 2027 awards cycle is 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 1.
Nominators, staff and potential applicants are encouraged to attend the informational webinar at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26 to learn more about the awards process and discover how to bring this recognition opportunity to every school community.
Helpful Resources:
Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards Process Overview
Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awards Process Infographic
If you have questions, send a message to [email protected] or call 217-782-6811.
NEW NEA Member Benefits Representative
Please join us in welcoming David Glenn, our newly assigned NEA Member Benefits representative for Illinois. David brings nearly 18 years of field experience and a genuine passion for serving members. He is highly professional, responsive, and committed to helping members make the most of their IEA/NEA Member Benefits programs and resources. Whether you have questions about a benefit, would like information on member engagement strategies, or are interested in training opportunities for staff, local leaders, and building reps, I encourage you to connect with David. If members need immediate assistance with anything pertaining to their access or utilization of NEA Member Benefits they can additionally contact the Member Advocacy Center at 1-800-637-4636 to obtain assistance in English or Spanish.
Additionally, David is a point of contact if a member passes away, and he can assist with initiating the complimentary life insurance policy process that is available for active non retired members. David is an outstanding partner and a tremendous resource for both staff and members. You can reach David directly at [email protected] or 314-518-8962.
Power the Polls Initiative
NEA has partnered with the League of Women Voters for a joint initiative called Power the Polls. The initiative is to recruit those willing to volunteer as poll workers "to ensure that every community has the staffing necessary to keep polling places open, lines short, and the voting process accessible for all."
Catch this self-paced training before it's gone!
OPEN TO IEA MEMBERS AND IEA STAFF!
A short, self-paced training on Supporting Transgender & Non-Binary Students (K-12) is still available for FREE to the first 100 individuals to sign up! We have some spots left, but you need to sign up/complete the training by September 30th! Don't miss this highly applicable, first-of-its-kind course from the Human Rights Campaign! More details on the Leadership & Justice Department Webpage!
National Board Certification Informational Webinar
What if the next step in your teaching journey could transform your professional practice and positively impact your students and families?
Presented by members of IEA's National Board Outreach Committee, the webinar will explore what the National Board Certification process looks like, why educators pursue certification, what financial incentives and support systems are available to candidates, and how the process deepens your reflection and professional growth. Whether you’re just curious or ready to take the next step, this webinar will answer your questions and help you see what’s possible.
September 16 | 7pm | Online Zoom Meeting
Additional Information
Register here.
ISBE Guidance to Support Universal Mental Health Screening
The Universal Mental Health Screening: Non-Regulatory Guidance for School Districts provides school districts with information on implementation planning, legal and privacy considerations, family engagement, and follow-up supports as schools prepare for statewide screening requirements.
Beginning with the 2027-28 school year, Public Act 104-0032 requires all school districts, unless approved for an extension by ISBE, to offer annual mental health screenings to students in grades 3 through 12. Additional resources are available on ISBE’s Mental and Behavioral Health Screening webpage.
Educator Pipeline Annual Conferences - Presenters Needed!
Know someone who'd like to present professional development to High School or College Students and Early Career Members at our spring conferences? Please share these RFPs! Proposals are due December 15, 2026, with acceptance notifications by the beginning of January. Staff and members are welcome to apply!
Don’t forget to register for the 2026 One Conference coming up in October!
This conference is an opportunity for IEA Education Support Professional members, Higher Education members and Retired members to development professional skills, earn professional development credit and network with colleagues around the state. There are a variety of sessions to choose from.
President Support Team Supports for Local Presidents 2026-2027
The President Support Team has updated the supports for presidents for 2026-2027 on IEA's website on the President Support page. Some of the supports include 5 in person President Roundtables at different IEA offices throughout the state, 1 Virtual President Roundtable, monthly Cocktails & Conversations on Zoom and events at the One Conference and IEA-RA.
President Support Team Resources
Additional Information HERE
Year-Round Organizing Virtual Training: Building Rep 101
This two-part series will provide you with a better understanding of the role of a building rep, and how you can utilize your skills to enhance the effectiveness of your union. The work of a building rep is the cornerstone of the success of a local union. Join us to for an opportunity to add tools to your building rep toolkit. Join us for this virtual training on Thursday, September 10th from 5:30 to 6:30 PM! Click here to register.
Skill Spotlight – Clear Communication & Conflict Skills
Build stronger everyday communication habits for listening, writing, emotional awareness, and resolving tension with more clarity and less escalation. These courses do not qualify for ISBE Professional Development Hours but do provide verified learning and a certificate of completion. Self-register for an account then login to access these courses.
NEA Professional Development - Diverse Voices in Labor History!
The Center for Organizing and Affiliate Support’s Uniserv, Organizer, and Campaign Lab Support System is pleased to offer a new Labor History Series that highlights individuals, communities, and movements that are too often overlooked in traditional accounts of labor history. These introductory courses are designed to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and explore how people power has shaped social and economic progress throughout history. Open the document to learn more!
Information Sheet
Solidarity Mapping: Community Resilience in Chaotic Times
Register today for Solidarity Mapping! PD hours available!
The IEA Leadership and Justice Department presents Solidarity Mapping: Community Resilience in Chaotic Times, with three leveled virtual tracks:
Abolitionist: Leadership Cadre – Racial Equity and Action, featuring Tim Wise. Kicks off August 11, meeting once a month. Deepen your commitment to racial equity and action—an opportunity you won’t want to miss! Curious about what the Solidarity Mapping Leadership Cadre with Tim Wise is? Check out this clip of the recording from our August session to get a flavor of what to expect, then register here to get access to the full recording, follow up materials, homework, and link to join the September session! PD hours available!
Co-Conspirator: Copper to Gold – Race Amity Project (September 2026–March 2027)
Emerging Activist: Book Study – Ruthless Equity (October 2026–March 2027)
Spaces are limited; register now! https://cvent.me/meLGly
