It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Reginald “Reg” Weaver, former President of the Illinois Education Association (IEA) and a pioneering advocate for collective bargaining rights in Illinois. Reg passed away on Tuesday at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, dedication, and transformative impact on education and labor rights.
Reg’s career was marked by trailblazing achievements and a commitment to bringing people together. As the first Black president of the IEA, serving from 1981 to 1987, he helped strengthen the union’s influence, championed fair working conditions, and laid the foundation for generations of educators to have a voice in shaping their profession. His leadership was characterized by vision, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the power of collective action to improve schools, workplaces, and communities.
Beyond Illinois, Reg’s impact extended nationally when he served as president of the National Education Association (NEA) from 2002 to 2008. Under his guidance, the NEA navigated critical challenges in education policy, advocating for teachers, students, and communities across the United States. He was widely admired for his ability to unite diverse perspectives, foster collaboration, and inspire others to work toward shared goals.
Reg’s influence went far beyond policy and titles. He was a mentor, a friend, and an advocate whose dedication to fairness, equality, and education shaped the lives of countless educators and students. His generosity of spirit, his courage to lead, and his commitment to justice and equity will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
We extend our deepest condolences to Reg Weaver’s family, friends, colleagues, and all who were inspired by his work. His life was one of service, leadership, and impact, and his contributions will leave an enduring mark on the education community. Reg Weaver will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever honored.
