Why we are Teachers?
Ask any teacher why they are a teacher and you will quickly understand that teaching is far more than a career. It is a Passion. We all know that teaching is a calling. It is rewarding, purpose filled, and we know that we are deeply invested in preparing the next generation of youth for a meaningful life as productive citizens.
We also know that teaching has many challenges. Curriculum development, classroom management, community engagement, standardized testing, new district initiatives, government mandates, and education reform are all demands we have experienced.
Fulfilling our passion will take a united front. The RIEA’s purpose is to give voice to highly trained teachers by ensuring professional fairness, quality teaching, and equity for our students.
RIEA Officers & Building Representatives
President – Andrew Hains (RIHS) andrewriea@gmail.com (309-948-6615)
Vice President – Kelli Brannen (WJHS) kellibrannen.riea@gmail.com
Treasurer – Andrea Jacobs (Hanson) jacobs.riea@gmail.com
Secretary – Chad Wickard (RICMS) chadwickard.riea@gmail.com
RIEA Executive Council
| Primary Elementary (3) | Intermediate Elementary (3) |
| Jackie Krone (RICMS) | Tyler Allison (Field) |
| Lori Thomas-Johnson (RIA) | Henry Hall (Hanson) |
| Angie Paprocki (Denkmann) | Janine Olson (Denkmann) |
| High School (4) | Jr. High (2) |
| Scott Dyer (RIHS) | Emilie Heald (WJHS) |
| Stephanie Dieudonne’ (RIHS) | Brian Roman (EJHS) |
| Tony Duytschaever (RIHS) | |
| Julia Vermeire (TMLC) |
IEA Region 18 – Regional Council
Alexis DeWilde (Ridgewood)
Kelly Vroman (RIA)
Andrew Hains (RIEA President serves on Regional Council according to RIEA Bylaws)
Kelli Brannen serves as the Region 18 Chair & Jose Burgos (RIHS) is the Ethnic Minority Delegate
RIEA Building Reps
Administration Center – Patricia Gallegos
Denkmann – Mary Justin, Bridget Taheny
Earl Hanson – Henry Hall
Edison Jr. High – Amanda Weber, Julie Zarlatanes
Eugene Field – Tyler Allison, Cynthia Castro
Frances Willard – Kim McClellan, Tiffani Starns
Horace Mann – Melissa Martin
Longfellow – Angela Benson
RI Academy – Cory Chouinard
RICMS – Shaya Smith
Ridgewood – Mara Goodvin, Toni Moore, Jen Tacker
RIHS – Janey Batterson, Jon Catterton, Stephanie Dieudonne, Tony Duytschaever,
Chris Dyer, Trish Matson, Sarah Miers, Andrea Parer, Nicole Regan
Thomas Jefferson – April Anderson, Giovanna Davila, Ryan Early
TMLC –
Washington Jr. High – Kristie Sullivan
Rock Island Education Association 