1. The IEA and Your Profession Leslie Bedke Idaho Education Association CSI Student Program Presentation October 8, 2003

2. “Teachers…are the most responsible and important members of society because their professional efforts affect the fate of the earth.” --Dr. Helen Caldicott

3. Did You Know? Idaho will need an average of 1,486 additional new teachers each year through the next decade. Virtually all (93%) of Idaho school districts report they are having difficulty recruiting and hiring new teachers. Nationwide 40% new teachers leave the profession in the first 5 years. From "Idaho's MOST Forecast Report Idaho Teacher Supply and Demand 2000-2010"

4. "Teachers teach because they care. Teaching young people is what they do best. It requires long hours, patience, and care." --Horace Mann

5. Today’s New Teachers Enter the classroom following rigorous preparatory programs and with continuing certification requirements. Are not always aware of the complete ‘education picture.’ Know little about the Association or do not see the relevance of Association membership.

6. Question: Is the Idaho Education Association a professional organization or a union? Answer: YES!

7. Idaho Education Association Mission Statement The IEA advocates for the professional and personal well- being of its members and the vision of excellence in public education, the foundation of the future.

8. IEA As An Advocate Maintain strong lobbying presence at the Capitol during the legislative session Ensure educator representation on pertinent education commissions/committees Represent members in job actions Negotiate 90+ local contracts each year Convene Delegate Assembly each year (Idaho’s largest policy-making body)

9. IEA And Educational Excellence NEA/IEA KEYS Program Monitor pertinent education commissions and committees Idaho’s MOST Assessment and Accountability Commission National Board Certification NCLB presentations and workshops Leadership Conferences Emerging Leaders National Board Certification New Educator Success

10. The IEA-SP Link Preparing pre-professionals for a career in teaching and education advocacy Providing clear value of Association membership on both personal and professional levels Utilizing the Association as a source for professional development and a means for making change!

11. The NEA/IEA SP Focuses on: Teacher Quality—pre-professional development and job preparation DEEP (Developing Early Educators’ Professionalism) Mini-Resume Project Retired Mentoring Project Community Outreach—service projects, after- school and tutoring programs Read Across America Outreach to Teach Political Action—issue awareness, lobbying, and other political activities

12. "Be all that you can be. Find your future--as a teacher." --Madeline Fuchs Holzer