The Illinois Education Association (IEA) announced its endorsement of U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider (D-IL,10) on Monday.

“Brad is an outstanding advocate for our educators, and the Illinois Education Association is proud give him our endorsement,” IEA President Cinda Klickna said in a statement. “In Congress, Brad is standing up for our teachers by opposing drastic cuts to education funding, fighting attempts to weaken teachers’ ability to organize and supporting efforts to expand pre-school for our children.”

“I’m honored to have the endorsement of the Illinois Education Association and the support of the nearly 130,000 Illinois teachers they represent," Schneider said of the endorsement. “Success in creating world-class schools starts with supporting our teachers. In Congress, I’ve stood up for our teachers and fought attempts to gut critical education funding, like Pell Grants, that millions of students depend on.”

Republican and former one-term congressman Bob Dold, who Schneider unseated in 2012, is also vying for the 10th district seat. The IEA previously endorsed Dold in 2012. 

IEA member and retired teacher Jeanne Kearby called Schneider "a tireless leader for our educators and students.”

“Unlike his Republican opponent, Brad opposed irresponsible efforts to cut Pell Grants that are critical in helping low-income students access higher education," Kearby said.

The Illinois Federation of Teachers has also endorsed Schneider in the upcoming general election.

Other groups backing the incumbent Democrat in the 10th congressional district race include the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the Human Rights Campaign, the League of Conservation Voters, NARAL Pro-Choice America, Planned Parenthood and the Sierra Club.