As a Black youth growing up in the largely segregated schools of downstate Danville, Reg Weaver knew firsthand about educational inequities when he declared years later that there was “no feeling like seeing children’s eyes brighten up as they discover the world of opportunity.’’

Reginald “Reg” Weaver, who entered the teaching profession by earning a wrestling scholarship to Illinois State University and taught in Harvey’s public schools, became the first Black president of the state’s largest teachers’ union, the Illinois Education Association, before going on to lead the National Education Association. Weaver died Tuesday at age 86, the IEA announced. No cause of death was disclosed.

“Reg was a pioneer in many ways. He led the way for people of color to see themselves in leadership at the state and national level. He was a mentor to so many state and national leaders. He created pathways to leadership and made room for folks when they arrived,” Karl Goeke, the current president of the state teachers’ union, said in a statement. “He was kind, generous, and humorous. He always had a story to tell with a light in his eyes. He made people feel welcome, supported and valued.”

During his tenure as president of the IEA from 1981 to 1987, Weaver formed a close relationship with Republican Gov. James R. Thompson, whom the union endorsed in his four campaigns for the state’s top office. That relationship reached a high point in Thompson’s signing of the Illinois Labor Relations Act in 1984, which required school districts to collectively bargain with teachers, ending a 15-year campaign for such a law.

As president of the NEA from 2002 through 2008, Weaver led the union’s efforts to try to secure reforms to President George W. Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act, arguing its rigorous emphasis on testing forced teachers to bypass individual student needs.

“My vision is that we work for schools where children are able to go free of harassment, intimidation and have an atmosphere conducive to good teaching and learning,” Weaver said in a 2002 interview with the Tribune after being elected to the NEA presidency.

Ken Swanson, who led the IEA from 2005 to 2011, hailed Weaver as a mentor and a “tireless champion for quality public education for all children and adult learners throughout the United States.”

“He was an energetic advocate for teachers and support professionals at all levels,” Swanson said. “He understood that providing us with the tools and support we needed meant we could best serve our students, maximizing their opportunities for success.”

Weaver was born in Danville and attended the city’s public schools before graduating from high school in 1957. He earned a bachelor’s degree in special education from Illinois State University in 1961 and a decade later received a master’s degree from Roosevelt University.

Weaver taught in Harvey’s public schools and went on to serve as president of Harvey Education Association from 1967-71 before becoming a member of the state union’s board and leadership.

He was the winner of the IEA-NEA Human Relations Award, which was renamed the Reg Weaver Human and Civil Rights Award.

After his tenure as NEA president, Weaver went on to serve in the leadership of Education International, an organization representing 29 million teachers and education workers in 169 countries.

There were no immediate details on funeral arrangements.