2024 IEA Summer Institute

Participants will dive into the Framework used by the majority of districts in Idaho for certified staff evaluation. The 4 Domains and 22 Components will be explored and participants will compare the levels of performance noting the teacher behaviors that impact proficient and distinguished practice. 

Idaho is consistently in the top ten states for childhood suicide. LGBTQ+ individuals have one of the highest self-harm, suicide, and homicide rates in the country. Across the US and in Idaho, legislation is proposed and often passed, that further isolates those in the LGBTQ+ community. Learn how and why our classrooms should, and can be, safe places for all students.

Participants will learn the how and why of safe spaces in schools. They will learn how to make their classrooms and curriculum inclusive for all students and families.

Targeted to K-12

This course focuses on strategies to help resolve conflict without damaging relationships, and with the goal of reaching agreements which everyone involved can embrace. Teachers will take these tools to enhance and grow relationships in their classroom.

Participants will leave this course with a toolkit of strategies for conflict resolutions and understand the value of implementing shared agreements in their classroom.

Targeted to K-12.

Idaho teacher compensation law changed in 2020 and established an Advanced Professional step on the career ladder. There are, however, more accountability requirements that go with this. This course walks participants through what is required to be considered Advanced Professional for movement on the state career ladder and provides strategies for how to advocate for themselves during the evaluation process.

Targeted for K-12.

Elections have consequences. This is especially true in Idaho where we have seen the political landscape change drastically in recent years due to the influx of those moving into the state under the moniker of "political refugee." The anti-public education sentiment, and attacks on educators, have been growing in Idaho and enemies of public education are entering local and state politics at an unprecedented rate.

This year, we have seen bills presented that could have extreme consequences in our classrooms and schools: arming teachers (without extensive training), vouchers (or ESAs, or tax credits, or...A voucher by any other name would smell as stinky.), library bills, facilities funding, union-busting, and more. Our standard of living, health care, personal rights, the free common schools promised to us in the Idaho Constitution and our very freedom is dependent on our action. It is vital to all aspects of public education that educators be involved in politics.

So where do we start?

Targeted to K-12 Association Leaders.

* Participation in this session, in combination with attendance of Saturday morning classes, is required for the fourth available credit at IEA Summer Institute.

Join the IEA Human and Civil Rights Committee for an evening class and reception to celebrate Idaho's Indigenous History and learn more about the Native tribes' cultures. Participants will also leave this session understanding the purpose of Native Land Acknowledgments, best practices in creating them, and how to incorporate them into association meetings or other gatherings.

As a general education teacher, have you had a student with an IEP and thought, "How do I implement this?" or even, "Do I have to implement this?" Do you need help in understanding the difference between an accommodation, adaptation, or a modification? How do students even get into special education anyway? If so, this session is for YOU!

This informative session, taught by a special education teacher and a general education teacher, will help you learn how students qualify for special education services and how to understand and follow student IEAPs.

Targeted to PreK-12.

Whether formal or informal, most educators beyond their third year have been asked to mentor a colleague, but they feel ill-equipped for this role. If you're one of these people, this class is for you.

Mentoring can happen informally with a new teaching partner or a new teacher assigned to the room next to yours. It can also be part of a formal program in a building or district.

This session will prepare participants with the qualities of an effective mentor, the tools to organize mentoring meetings, and steps to prepare for a mentor role throughout the school year.