Vigo County Education Association

Vigo County Education Association is a professional organization that represents the interests of Terre Haute, Indiana educators, with a focus on supporting Vigo County School Corporation teachers and staff. The association is affiliated with the Indiana State Teachers Association and the National Education Association, which provides resources and guidance on issues such as No Child Left Behind Act and Every Student Succeeds Act. As a local affiliate, Vigo County Education Association works closely with Indiana Department of Education and United States Department of Education to stay informed about education policy and reform efforts, including those led by Arne Duncan and Betsy DeVos. The association's members are also involved in various community initiatives, such as partnerships with Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology and Indiana State University.

● History

The Vigo County Education Association has a long history of advocating for the rights and interests of educators in Vigo County, Indiana, dating back to the early 20th century when it was first established as a local chapter of the National Education Association. Over the years, the association has been involved in various campaigns and initiatives, including efforts to improve teacher salaries and benefits, as well as to promote education reform and innovation, inspired by the work of John Dewey and Maria Montessori. The association has also worked closely with other education organizations, such as the American Federation of Teachers and the National Association of Elementary School Principals, to advance the interests of educators and students, including those served by Head Start and Title I. In recent years, the association has been actively engaged in discussions around issues such as Common Core State Standards Initiative and Race to the Top, and has collaborated with educators and policymakers from across the state, including Indiana General Assembly and Indiana Governor.

● Organization

The Vigo County Education Association is governed by a board of directors, which includes representatives from each of the Vigo County School Corporation's schools and departments, as well as at-large members who serve on committees such as Professional Development and Legislative Affairs. The association's president serves as the chief executive officer and is responsible for overseeing the organization's operations and implementing its strategic plan, which is informed by the work of National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and National Council of Teachers of English. The association also has a number of committees and task forces that focus on specific issues, such as Teacher Evaluation and Student Assessment, and work closely with organizations like Educational Testing Service and College Board. In addition, the association provides professional development opportunities for its members, including workshops and conferences on topics such as Project-Based Learning and Technology Integration, featuring speakers from institutions like Harvard University and Stanford University.

● Activities

The Vigo County Education Association is involved in a wide range of activities and initiatives, including professional development, community outreach, and advocacy, often in partnership with organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of America and United Way. The association hosts an annual Teacher of the Year awards ceremony, which recognizes outstanding educators in Vigo County, Indiana, and provides scholarships to students pursuing careers in education, with support from organizations like Lilly Endowment and Wabash Valley Community Foundation. The association also participates in state and national conferences, such as the National Education Association Annual Meeting and the Indiana State Teachers Association Convention, where members can network with educators from across the country and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in education, including initiatives like STEM Education and Early Childhood Education. Furthermore, the association collaborates with local businesses and organizations, such as Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce and Vigo County Public Library, to promote education and economic development in the region.

● Membership

Membership in the Vigo County Education Association is open to all educators and support staff employed by the Vigo County School Corporation, including teachers, administrators, and classified employees, who are also eligible to join the National Education Association and the Indiana State Teachers Association. The association has a diverse membership, with representatives from a wide range of schools and departments, including Terre Haute North Vigo High School and Terre Haute South Vigo High School. Members of the association are also eligible to participate in a range of benefits and services, including professional liability insurance, legal assistance, and retirement planning, provided by organizations like NEA Member Benefits and Indiana Public Retirement System. In addition, the association offers opportunities for members to get involved in leadership roles and to participate in decision-making processes, such as serving on the association's board of directors or attending the National Education Association Representative Assembly.

● Advocacy

The Vigo County Education Association is a strong advocate for the rights and interests of educators and students in Vigo County, Indiana, and works closely with other education organizations, such as the American Federation of Teachers and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, to advance education policy and reform efforts, including those related to School Funding and Teacher Evaluation. The association's advocacy efforts are focused on issues such as improving teacher salaries and benefits, reducing class sizes, and increasing funding for public education, with support from organizations like National Association of School Boards and American Association of School Administrators. The association also works to promote education initiatives and programs, such as Early Childhood Education and Career and Technical Education, and collaborates with community organizations, such as United Way of the Wabash Valley and Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, to support education and economic development in the region, including initiatives like Workforce Development and Small Business Development Centers. Additionally, the association engages with local and state policymakers, including the Indiana General Assembly and the Indiana Governor's Office, to advocate for education policies that benefit students and educators, and to provide input on legislation like the Every Student Succeeds Act and the Higher Education Act.