IEA Education Support Professional Council

The IEA is recommending Jason Isaac and Doug Cycholl for the two active IMRF Trustee positions up for election. 

Jason Isaac and Doug Cycholl are the ONLY UNION candidates running for these two trustee seats.

Jason Isaac is an IEA member that currently serves on the IMRF Board of Trustees. Jason is the Vice-President of the Champaign ESP Association.

Doug Cycholl is the President of AFSCME Local 337. He works in Springfield for City Water, Light and Power. Doug currently serves as the Vice-President of the IMRF Board of Trustees.

Electing these two union members to the IMRF Board of Trustees will continue to protect your IMRF retirement. Jason and Doug are qualified IMRF Board members that have a history of representing our members’ interests in everything they do as Board members. When will voting begin? Active IMRF members will begin to receive ballots mailed by IMRF to their homes during the last week of October and into the first week of November. It is important that our members vote for these two candidates (Jason and Doug) and return these ballots in the prepaid postage envelope as soon as possible. The election concludes on December 5^th.

Additionally, we urgently ask local leaders to discuss this important election with ESP members. Please print/share this POSTER among members.

Visit IMRF.org for additional information.

We have been working so hard to create an experience that is filled with amazing learning opportunities, that is fun, inspiring, FUN, energizing, and did I mention fun? I can’t wait to see you there! We’re gonna have a good time!

Scan QR code to register. We hope to see you there.

2025 One Conference Registration is now OPEN!

The One Conference is an opportunity for IEA Education Support Professionals, Higher Education members and Retired members to develop professional skill, earn professional development credit and network with colleagues around the state.  There is a variety of sessions to choose from.

• Great professional development, fellowship with education support professionals from all around Illinois, and a whole LOT of FUN!
• Did I mention fun?…DJ and dancing on Friday night!
• Sessions will begin on Friday, October 17 at 5 p.m. and run through Saturday, October 18 at 12:45 p.m.
• Keynote Speaker will be Representative Sean Casten
• Registration link – https://cvent.me/kyWnWo 
• Hotel reservation link – https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/2025oneconferenceattendees/
• IEA scholarship request https://ieanea.org/forms/iea-request-for-funding-scholarship-form/ (other funding: contact your local and region office)

The Illinois Education Association (IEA) is committed to empowering Education Support Professionals (ESPs) by providing resources and support for mentoring, leadership development, and professional growth. Through the “Empowering Our Own” program, ESPs have access to:

• Training and Resource Materials: Equip your mentors with the tools they need to succeed.
• Guidance on Program Structure: Develop a clear, sustainable framework for your mentoring efforts.
• Sample Bargaining Language: Advocate for your program with ready-to-use language tailored to your needs.
• Professional Development Support: Enhance the skills of your team through targeted training and development

These resources are designed to help you create a mentoring program that is both impactful and sustainable. For more information and support contact: crystal.bush@ieanea.org or visit the ESP website at: https://ieanea.org/members/esp/empowering-our-own/

Union leaders call for “Workers over Billionaires” protests across the United States.

From the assembly line to the classroom, from the hospitals to the farms, working people make this country run. Our solidarity is how we protect what we’ve built and win what we still deserve.

On this #LaborDay, and every day forward, we know together we can transform public education and our country to ensure every child, no matter the color of their skin, background, or zip code, has the freedom to learn in a great public school.

Did you know…

YOU are the union! As soon as you (members) realize this and organize to activiate power into action we will be UNSTOPABLE!

Need funding to attend? Apply today for an IEA scholarship. Other funding opportunities could include your local and/or IEA Region Office.

2025 IEA One Conference
Date:  October 17-18, 2025
Location:  DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago, Oak Brook, IL
Application Deadline:  September 3 (by end of day)
Scholarship Amount = $200.00 

About this event – September 11, 5:30-7:00pm

Come join us to learn organizing strategies and how to activate your power. Together we will bring improved wages, benefits and working conditions for education support professionals (ESPs) throughout Illinois.

We need YOUR voice at the table! Please RSVP to receive the Zoom link and automatic reminders for our RESPECT meetings.

*The RESPECT campaign is led by education support professionals (bus drivers, library associates, paraprofessionals, secretaries, security, nurses, cafeteria workers and other school and campus support staff) and supported by IEA staff.