Idaho Teachers Unions

The Idaho Education Association (IEA) and American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Idaho are the main unions representing K–12 teachers and education professionals in Idaho. Both groups focus on collective bargaining, state-level advocacy, and supporting members with services like legal assistance, insurance, and professional growth programs.

Idaho Education Association (IEA)

Leadership

  • President: Layne McInelly
  • Executive Director: Paul Stark

Organization
The IEA is a statewide union representing K–12 educators, education support professionals, school administrators, aspiring educators, and retired educators. It advocates for public education, negotiates contracts, and provides professional development and support services to its members.

Member Dues
Full-time educators typically pay around $800-$1,000 annually, covering local, state, and national dues. The IEA has implemented an AutoPay system, allowing members to pay dues directly via electronic funds transfer or with scheduled payments.

Meetings
The IEA holds an annual Delegate Assembly to set policy and elect officers. Local affiliates conduct regular meetings, and the IEA Board of Directors meets periodically to oversee operations.

Requirements
Membership is open to individuals employed in eligible education positions in Idaho public schools. Members are required to pay dues and adhere to the IEA’s code of conduct.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Provides legal representation and grievance support for members.
  • Offers professional development and leadership training opportunities.
  • Advocates for public education policies at the state level.
  • Facilitates networking and collaboration among educators statewide.

Cons

  • Dues may be considered high by some members relative to the services received.
  • Local priorities can be influenced by state-level decisions, potentially limiting local autonomy.
  • The multi-layered structure may lead to perceived bureaucratic inefficiencies.
  • The union takes positions and financially supports candidates people may disagree with.

American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Idaho

Leadership

  • AFT President: Randi Weingarten
  • AFT Vice President:: Evelyn DeJesus
  • AFT Treasurer/Secretary: Fedrick C. Ingram

Organization
AFT Idaho is a state affiliate of the national American Federation of Teachers, representing K–12 educators and higher education faculty. It provides support to local unions, advocates for education policies, and offers professional development resources.

Member Dues
Union dues for AFT Idaho vary by local affiliate and tiered salary schedules. State-level dues for K-12 educators typically pay between $300-$700 each year.

Meetings
The Idaho Education Association (IEA) engages members through a structured schedule of meetings, including an annual Delegate Assembly where representatives set policy, approve budgets, and address statewide initiatives. The Board of Directors meets multiple times per year to oversee operations, while regional councils and committees hold regular gatherings to discuss local issues, review policies, and coordinate professional development opportunities.

Requirements
To join AFT Idaho, educators must be employed at a participating institution. Membership is facilitated through local chapters. Prospective members are required to complete a membership form and authorize payroll deductions for dues, which include legal support and insurance benefits.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • AFT Idaho provides legal representation and grievance support for members.
  • The union offers professional development and leadership training opportunities.
  • AFT Idaho advocates for public education policies at the state level.
  • The organization facilitates networking and collaboration among educators statewide.

Cons

  • Dues may be considered high by some members relative to the services received.
  • Supports controversial political and social policies.
  • Local priorities can be influenced by state-level decisions, potentially limiting local autonomy.
  • The organizational structure may lead to perceived bureaucratic inefficiencies.
  • Members must adhere to union policies, which may not always align with individual preferences.

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