UFEA is a union of nearly 1,000 members composed of elementary and secondary teachers, media specialists, social workers, psychologists, school counselors, speech language pathologists and nurses. UFEA was organized in 1954 to advocate for the interests of educators and students in McLean County Unit 5 Schools, and is affiliated with the Illinois Education Association — 135,000 members strong — and National Education Association — the nation’s largest labor union with more than 3 million members. UFEA is part of IEA’s Region 14 and served by the IEA office in Bloomington.
Purpose and Mission
The Unit Five Education Association exists to effect excellence and equity in public education and to be the advocacy organization for public education professionals in McLean County Unit 5 Schools.
UFEA is working for strong schools, communities & economies, advancing public education, and advocating for better working conditions for educators and learning conditions for our students.
IEA and NEA
The 1,000 members of UFEA are part of the Illinois Education Association — 135,000 members strong — and National Education Association — the nation’s largest labor union with more than 3 million members.
History
UFEA was established in 1954, became an IEA affiliate in 1963, and became part of NEA in 1976. We’ve come a long way since then — and especially in the last 40 years following the passage of IEA’s collective bargaining bill.
Governance and Staff
UFEA is governed by elected officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer), an Executive Committee including the officers and appointed committee chairs, and a Representative Council, which includes elected Association Representatives from each building in the district.
UFEA is directly supported by two IEA Staff members, a UniServ Director and a UniServ Associate. Other support is provided by additional IEA departments and staff, including Legal Services, Communications, and Government Relations.
Local Leaders
UFEA is led by members who are elected as officers, serve as committee chairs, and are elected or appointed as Association Representatives for each building.
UFEA members can see their leaders and building reps, and contact them, on our Leader Directory page.
UFEA.org
This website is updated regularly and your input and feedback are invited. Send your questions, feedback or suggestions to web@ufea.org.