The Educational League of Illinois was initiated in November 1880. The early records indicate that the founders of E.L.I. were men sincerely determined to make Illinois schools better, advance higher education in the state, and work to make the State Teachers' Association more useful in aiding education in Illinois.
The League was founded as a secret organization that worked through established educational groups by promoting specific action pls developed in E.L.I. Meetings. The group agreed to speak with one voice to advance the cause of public education. The League united with similar organizations in other states, which led to the foundation of the Horace Mann League of the USA.
Early activities at the League saw its members elected to leadership positions in the State Teachers' Association. This resulted in the reorganization of the State Association into divisional representation and securing the first Executive Secretary of the Association.
A revision of the E.L.I. Constitution and By-laws in 1928 states that this League is organized to:
Advance the education interests of Illinois
Promote the cause of sound learning
Form a fraternal social union
In 1994, the secrecy clause was dropped.
E.L.I. has had an important part in advancing the educational interests of Illinois. It has had within its ranks, the best educators of the state for the past 143 years, and they have promoted the cause of sound learning in our state. E.L.I. has also done much to bring about better harmony between downstate and Chicago members of the education profession.
In 1995, the emphasis of the organization was changed from a "fraternal social union" to that of a professional organization. Its annual meeting serves as an opportunity for educational leaders from across the state to meet and discuss educational issues. Every year, new members are inducted and pledge to carry out continued support of the educational enterprise in Illinois.
Recognizing that public education is a prerequisite for a suitable democracy, the role of all members is to:
Support the principles of public education
Nominate other school leaders who are similarly driven and focused
Support harmony across the state for the betterment of students in Illinois
E.L.I. members are united under one cause: to work with all educational leaders to promote public education that is focused on student learning and growth to ensure that students reach their potential as individuals and we collectively meet our potential as a nation.