"Teachers of Iowa: The time has arrived when a State Teachers' Association should be organized, in order to advance the educational interests of Iowa. We therefore call upon the teachers throughout the length and breadth of this state, to assemble for this purpose at the courthouse, in Muscatine, on Wednesday, the 10th of May next, at 10 o'clock A.M."

From a notice in the Iowa Journal of Education, March, 1854

Happy Birthday to us!

On the appointed date, a handful of persons, mostly administrators of private schools, gathered at the Old Muscatine County Courthouse in Muscatine to form the new organization whose objectives were: "to promote the educational interests of the state, improve teachers, and elevate the profession of teaching."

They chose the name of Iowa State Teachers Association and elected John A. Parvin of Muscatine as their president.

Membership in the fledgling organization was open to any person who signed the constitution and if male, who paid one dollar.

Thus, these early pioneers -- the charter members of what would come to be called the ISEA -- began to shape the course of public education in Iowa and lay the groundwork for a system that would become the envy of the world.

A century and a half later, ISEA members are still working to shape the course of public education in this state.

Ours is a history filled with the successes, achievements, and struggles of the men and women who refused to stand by and settle for less than what they and their students deserve. Today, it is with that same spirit and determination that we work to pave the way for another 150 years of great education.

ISEA will mark our 150th anniversary on May 10, but we'll be celebrating this milestone throughout 2004. Although we've got a number of exciting events and activities planned across the state, our most important celebrations will be those that occur in local communities throughout the year. Here on this Web site, you'll find all the tips and information you'll need to plan a successful local observance.

We have much to celebrate and much to reflect upon as we ponder the challenges ahead and begin to write new chapters in our history.