Cowley Education Association
The purpose of this particular unit shall be to implement all aims and goals of the
state association on the community basis. Said goals and aims are to promote better
educational opportunities throughout the scope of its area; to foster understanding
of the community junior college in the field of higher education and to encourage
professional attitudes among its members.
Reasons to Join
- Professional development
- Collective power
- Working conditions
- Camaraderie
- Legal protection
- Political clout
- Advocating for education
- Saving money
Member Benefits*
- Financial
- Insurance
- Discounts
- Travel
- Professional
- More info on Benefits
*Membership is only available to Faculty.
KNEA Core Values
Equal Opportunity
We believe public education is the gateway to opportunity. All students have the human
and civil right to a quality education that develops their potential, independence,
and character.
A Just Society
We believe public education is vital to building respect for the worth, dignity, and
equality of every individual in our diverse society.
Democracy
We believe public education is the cornerstone of our republic. Public education provides
individuals with the skills to be involved, informed, and engaged in our representative
democracy.
Professionalism
We believe that the expertise and judgment of education professionals are critical
to student success. We maintain the highest professional standards and we expect the
status, compensation, and respect due all professionals.
Partnership
We believe partnerships with parents, families, communities and other stakeholders
are essential to quality public education and student success.
Collective Action
We believe individuals are strengthened when they work together for the common good.
As education professionals, we improve both our professional status and the quality
of public education when we unite and advocate collectively.
Cowley Education Association Officers – 2025-2027
President – Brooke Istas
Vice President – AJ Ybarra
Secretary – Abigail Green
Treasurer – Ali Nittler
Faculty Liaison – Brooke Istas
Proxies – TBD
KNEA Delegates – TBD
Negotiations Team – TBD
We, the Cowley Education Association, are part of a larger UniServ District defined by KNEA which is managed by an advisory board and professional staff member.
The CEA is part of the Walnut Valley Uniserv with the following contact information:
7701 E. Kellogg, Suite 880, Wichita, KS 67207
316-685-2397
walnutvalley@knea.org
Who is KNEA?
Founded more than 150 years ago, KNEA and its members represent every corner of Kansas and come from every political persuasion and culture. We are educators who support Kansas schools and students. We are more than a labor union. We are an association of professionals.
KNEA is the largest private organization in Kansas where members drive decision making through a representative democracy. This rich heritage is part of the pride of membership, and together we work as unapologetic advocates for Kansas schools, students and our profession.
Whether fighting for statutory rights to due process hearings, advocating for student safety, or ensuring professional control of curriculum, KNEA members have a strong collective voice.
KNEA is a state-level affiliate of the National Education Association. The NEA provides support to state affiliates through advocacy, legal support, grants, trainings and benefits. However, the KNEA operates within its own bylaws as defined by the KNEA Board of Directors.
Membership in KNEA does NOT mean that you automatically support NEA positions politically or otherwise. KNEA defines its own positions through its annual Representative Assembly and its Board of Directors.
The majority of your membership dues are used to strengthen our local association and Uniserv. The remainder of your dues work to provide vital resources and advance programs defined by the KNEA Board of Directors.
Legislative and Political Advocacy is a key aspect of membership in KNEA, which maintains an active lobby team to assess legislative activity, create action plans, and work with Kansas’ elected officials to promote public education at every level.
NO KNEA dues dollars are used for express candidate advocacy. KNEA maintains the KNEA Political Action Committee, or KPAC, which is funded solely by voluntary contribution. KNEA is a non-partisan organization and supports only local and state-level candidates who have earned recommended status through a member-driven interview process.
Bill and Judy Docking Faculty Achievement Award
The Bill and Judy Docking Faculty Achievement Award (previously the Endowed Chair for Teaching Excellence) is presented every two years to recognize an outstanding faculty member who has provided exceptional service to the students of Cowley College.
Paul Stirnaman Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence
The Paul Stirnaman Memorial Award for Teaching Excellence is named for Paul Stirnaman, a long-time Social Science Department instructor and strong supporter of the College Education Association. He died June 16, 2000, following a lengthy illness.