Since 1860, the Utah Education Association has worked actively to promote the educational interests of the community.

Today, as always, the Association's mission is to advance the cause of public education by promoting quality teaching and learning, while advocating for the rights and interests of its members. Here are some of the Association's recent accomplishments:

UEA Member Recruitment Program
The UEA's Member Recruitment Program provides professional recruitment materials, targeted training, and fun incentives and rewards to Association Representatives (ARs) who make the Association visible and responsive to members' needs. Building effective local Associations begins with strong, committed ARs and the UEA thanks the 1,300 highly-trained individuals who have recruited and enrolled new members to the Association this year. Remember: Every Member Counts!

2004 UEA Convention
The UEA's annual convention was, again, a great success this year, welcoming educators from all corners of the state. Attendees from San Juan County to Rich County enjoyed upbeat keynoters, Frosty Troy, and the NEA's own vice president, Dennis Van Roekel. Nearly 4,000 educators honed their skills, networked with colleagues, and shared best practices from the classroom.

Nearly 600 educators new to the profession gathered on October 29, 2004 to learn from the professionals by attending the UEA's “New Educators' Workshop.” Praxis II preparation sessions, student behavior tips, and classroom short-cuts were hotbeds of idea exchange and enthusiasm. The UEA's outreach to teacher preparation colleges throughout the state brought over 200 pre-service teachers to this half-day conference, where they also met future colleagues and made helpful contacts.

UEA Promotes Ethnic Minority Participation
The Utah Education Association's Minority Involvement Plan (MIP) details numerous state policies, activities, and publications which are designed to involve ethnic-minority members in Association committees, events, decision making, and leadership positions. Supporting educators and helping them meet the needs of all children — regardless of socio-economic circumstances, race, religion, or any other societal obstacle — is a core value of the Association. View the UEA's Minority Involvement Plan at www.utea.org .