IEA ESP Council

We are extremely thankful that Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed House Bill 2643! But what now? Here are some links and supports from a fabulous ESP President Amy Evans who has struggled through the red tape to apply for this benefit. See below the resources she has provided.

Good afternoon All-

Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed House Bill 2643, the legislation that extends unemployment insurance for non-instructional school employees until Sept. 4. It goes into effect immediately. I have been in contact with IEA and unemployment this morning to make sure I have as much information I can regarding this new piece of legislation to pass on.

The legislation allows non instructional, research or primarily administrative employees of educational employers are eligible to receive unemployment compensation during periods between academic terms or seasonal breaks, even if they have a “reasonable assurance” of returning to work in the next academic year.

Important points to know:
1.  This legislation does not apply to teachers. It ONLY applies to Non-Instructional staff.

2. While we realize there will be questions about eligibility, Canton Education Association CANNOT advise on how to complete forms for IDES. IEA has provided resource links (also linked below). This includes options to “click” within the application process. The information sheet has the suggestions for this.

A. Non-instructional school employees information sheet
<https://3pf92a428h7y2o2e1d3olqk2-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Non-instructional-school-employees-information-sheet-6-9-2020.pdf>

 B. Claim process form
<https://3pf92a428h7y2o2e1d3olqk2-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Claim-Process.pdf>

C. Before filing a claim, watch this 9-minute video
<https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/pages/file-a-claim.aspx>

Here are some steps you may have to take to receive your unemployment benefit.

1. File as listed above.
2. You should receive a letter of UI Finding. This document will have your benefit amount along with your certifying date.
3. You may also receive an Academic Personnel Questionnaire. Fill this out and send it in by the requested date.

**It is recommended by unemployment to upload this document onto the IDES website** Submit your Document here – IDES (illinois.gov)

4. If you don’t receive your funds in 3-5 business days after certifying, call unemployment to get into the call-back que as soon as possible.
5. In the meantime, you may receive a Claimant Notice of Possible Ineligibility. More than likely your benefit is on suspension due to having a return to work date submitted by the district to IDES. The district is not doing anything malicious to keep employees from receiving these benefits. After an employee certifies, the district is sent a document asking if employee A, B and C have reasonable assurance and have a return to work date. The district honestly answers yes. Once they do that, it immediately suspends the benefit.
6. Once you receive a call-back, explain that you are a non-instructional school employee. IDES will check to see if you have all of your documents turned in.
7. During this call they may transfer to an adjudicator. This person will release the suspension if all the proper documentation is submitted. If IDES is not able to transfer you at that time to the adjudicator, they will call you back.
8. Once the adjudicator lifts the suspension, you should receive your benefit within 3-5 business days.
9. During this process please remember to certify on your scheduled date. It is important to do this even if you are going through he adjudication process. If you do not certify the process will have to start from the beginning.

IDES would also like to share that there is a lot of fraud going on right now by email and text messages. IDES assured me that they will never send any correspondence that requires you to click a link. They will instruct you to go directly to the IDES website.  PLEASE! DO NOT clink on any links. If you have done so, contact IDES immediately. They will help you to correct this matter.

Keep in mind this is a problem within the system, not with the people at IDES.

Don’t miss these great resources for local presidents:

• 2021-2022 Trainings for IEA Local Presidents
• Connect, Collaborate, and Engage with other Presisents
• Join us Every Wednesday for Cocktails and Conversations
• and so much more!!!

How to help students, educators and families cope as schools return to in-person learning.

1. Allowing students to identify their feelings helps them manage difficult emotions.
2. Educators need ways to manage their own stress if they are to help students manage theirs.
3. Funding for community support of mental health and SEL are needed.

Gina Harris is one of four Culture and Climate Coaches in the Oak Park and Ridge Forest School District who were hired in 2019 to create more inclusive, equitable and connected school communities throughout the district. The pandemic moved her job online, but it also shed light on how much students need her to continue the work.

NEA Today spoke with Harris about the need for social and emotional learning (SEL) to support student and educator mental health.

Ready to impact your school, district and community around racial and social justice issues? Want to brainstorm with other leaders how to address equity and resilience related issues? The NEA, in partnership with the Kellogg Foundation, has developed a cutting edge leadership development program for those interested in racial, social and educational justice. The IEA and the Opportunity Coalition are pleased to announce the Leaders for Just Schools cohorts for the 2021-22 school year. The instructors are state and local leaders, award winning educators and experienced community organizers who will help you build momentum for change in your local schools and communities. Cohort members who successfully complete the program will receive a micro credential and will have the opportunity to earn an organizing stipend to continue the work.

Dates for the 2021-22 Leaders for Just Schools Level 1 Cohort: – Sept. 18,  Nov. 13,  Jan. 22 and April 23.

All sessions will be held 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Learn more about the Leaders for Just Schools program here!

Summer is a time for you to rest, renew, and recharge. It is a time for self care. Find something you enjoy….then enjoy it.

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I have been keeping busy, but finding time to recharge!!

It has been a busy summer with:

• National Education Association Representative Assembly
• Participating as a facilatator in a fabulous virtual NEA Mentoring Program
• Participating in and presenting in the Summer Leadership Academy (next week)
• Planning/organizing, prepping for a VERY productive Education Support Professional Council year
• Planning and organizing for my local’s mentoring program
• Last but most importantly, taking time to breath and enjoy my family

WHY do I do what I do? Well, I enjoy it. I love trying to make a difference and I believe that all support staff deserve to be treated with respect and have the resources they need to support their students, schools, districts, and communities.

 

Education Support Professional Proud!!

Brooke Ceh is a teaching assistant (TA) at Westmont High School, in Illinois, who can’t say no to helping teachers and students. Her only goal? Student success.

In the “before time,” Ceh provided one-on-one help in the physical classroom. This past year, she’s been online, going above and beyond to meet with students outside the school day, even helping students in classes that she does not TA in. The anonymous colleague who told NEA about Ceh calls her amazing, remarkable, and totally dedicated to students.

Share your story! ESPs are making a difference everyday in the lives of our students! #rESPect #ESPsRock #WestmontHighSchool

Jul 8, 2021 05:00 PM in Central Time (US and Canada)

IEA is hosting a discussion on student debt on July 8 from 5 pm to 6 pm. Join student debt experts to discuss how we can cancel our student debt. Last year, NEA experts worked with members to obtain more than $1 million in forgiveness and put even more on the path to forgiveness with the NEA Student Debt Navigator. Join us on July 8 to learn more.

*If you have kids approaching college age, don’t miss this webinar. Learn ways to possibly get yours or your kids student loans forgiven. (I am currently in a loan forgiveness program for my kids college education)

Stay safe! Enjoy this day and remember, freedom isn’t free.

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Just a few of the amazing guests at this year’s National Edcation Association Representative Assembly……so far! So many powerful conversations!!

As great as it is to hear from these powerful speakers, it is more important to remember that it is our voice and vote that put’s them in that position. All of our votes matter! Even though this NEA RA is virtual, we have been very busy conducting important business. Voting…using our voices to lead and direct this organization. We have been voting on New Business Items, Constitutional Amendments, Legistlative platforms, and a host of other things that will help support our students, protect, and strengthen public education and benefit our members.

Thank you to ALL of the delegates who are participating in this representative Assembly.

Let’s finish strong!! We are NEA!!!

“And here’s the bottom line: we are all educators. Whether or not, we come into direct contact with students, we are part of the public education system that helps to build their success.”We’re so inspired by our 2021 NEA ESP of the Year, Kimberly Scott-Hayden.

Thank you Kimberly Scott-Hayden for representing education support professionals so well! Yes, all public school employees, whether you work directly with students or not, are essential to the success of our students, colleagues, and communities. Imagine if there were no bus drivers, custodians, or any of our fabulous categories. Our students education experience would suffer. Never doubt your importance!! YOU ARE ESSENTIAL!!

July 1, 2021

Over the weekend, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed House Bill 2643, the legislation that extends unemployment insurance for non-instructional school employees until Sept. 4. It goes into effect immediately.

The legislation allows noninstructional, research or primarily administrative employees of educational employers are eligible to receive unemployment compensation during periods between academic terms or seasonal breaks, even if they have a “reasonable assurance” of returning to work in the next academic year.

IEA is sending out an email to members today to inform them about this measure and also provide information about the federal child tax credit money that will be flowing into many members’ bank accounts on July 15. In addition, IEA will be sharing the following resources:

• Non-instructional school employees information sheet
• Claim process form
• Before filing a claim, watch this 9-minute video

Many education support professionals, who are the experts working in the field to support students, districts, and communities are not invited to the table when planning for school reopening is being discussed. Our voices are important and we need to be at every table where decisions are being made.

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NEA Representative Assembly (Virtual)
June 30 – July 3, 2021

Nearly 7,000 NEA members are expected to attend virtually the next Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly from June 30-July 3. More information will be available at ra.nea.org.

Education Support Professionals meet our students’ needs on so many levels. Shouldn’t we care if they can meet their own? ESP deserve a living wage.

The Governor has signed HB2643 approving unemployment for Educational Support Professionals. It is now Public Act 102-0026.

Apply to see if you qualify. It will be up to IDES to determine what individuals qualify for benefits.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2022 NEA ESP NATIONAL CONFERENCE

March 25-27, 2022

New Orleans Marriott 555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130

Keep a watch on the website for more information.

https://www.nea.org/espconference

Nearly three million Education Support Professionals work in America’s schools. They keep students healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.

There are several great articles in this months NEA Today magazine. I especially enjoyed the article on “NEA’s ESP of the Year Gives Back in Every Aspect of Her Career” and “Lean On Me”. Two great articles that inspire me to be better and makes me so proud to be an ESP and work in public education. Also, “Q&A Meet the New Secretary of Education”. Miguel Cardona answers educators’ questions at an NEA-hosted virtual town hall. Go figure… a Secretary of Education who is pro public education.

Summer Leadership Academy (Virtual – 2 weeks) *FREE*
July 19-22, 2021
July 26-29, 2021

SLA registration is now open!
There are over 70 sessions planned for the 2-week conference (July 19-22 & July 26-29). Session offerings include trainings on equity, trauma responsiveness, restorative practices, communications, school finance, health insurance, organizing, and grievance to name a few. SLA will also contain additional sessions designed for local association presidents, association representatives, local treasurers, and those seeking a National Board Certification.  Many sessions at SLA will also provide PD clock hours to attendees.

We will be limiting the number of attendees in each session to provide the best virtual training experience. In the event a session is full, we will have wait lists available & most sessions will be recorded and made available after SLA is over. Take a moment to review the Schedule At-A-Glance document for the session choices.

REGISTER NOW

Register | Agenda | Schedule At-A Glance

Registration Deadline – July 9, 2021

A collection of research, guidance, and tools for families and educators to support summer and extended learning programs and activities.

Research shows that students benefit from quality summer and extended learning experiences, especially students from low-income communities who typically lack resources to extend their education beyond the school day. 

We’ve curated this list of resources from trusted organizations and partners to help educators, families, and school and district leaders create quality out-of-school learning experiences for all.

A special legislative update for our ESP members! HB 12, HR 77, HB 3474, HB 2643 and SB 8112 have all passed. Hear from IEA GR Director Sean Denney on what these bills mean for our ESPs.

*Edited for clarification-HB 2643 has passed both houses. The governor still has to sign it. As soon as I hear I will update this post.

HB 2643 is headed to the governors desk. Once this is signed it is effective immediately and can be retroactive. More information to come.

Bill Status of HB2643

Benefit of membership

Join fellow IEA members this fall at one of four opportunities for professional development:

• Educator Well-Being — This course focuses on increasing educator well-being through research-based strategies rooted in the field of positive psychology. Positive psychology is the scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. Members will learn how to increase their well-being through the principles of positive psychology. Being offered in the month of October. Eligible for eight clock hours.
• Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences — This course introduces members to the concept of adverse childhood experiences and explores the psychological and behavioral impact of traumatic stress on preschool, elementary, middle, and high school students. Members will learn what can be done at school to help traumatized children, and how to prevent the development of secondary traumatic stress. Being offered in the month of October. Eligible for eight clock hours.
• Using Formative Assessments — This course explores research-based strategies for embedding formative assessment practices into daily instruction that are proven to increase student motivation and achievement. Members will learn how to apply these strategies in contexts ranging from kindergarten through high school. Being offered in October. Eligible for eight clock hours.
• Join the IEA Online Book Club – Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools — Monique W. Morris chronicles the experiences of Black girls across the country whose intricate lives are misunderstood, highly judged-by teachers, administrators, and the justice system-and degraded by the very institutions charged with helping them flourish. Pushout exposes a world of confined potential and supports the rising movement to challenge the policies, practices, and cultural illiteracy that push countless students out of school and into unhealthy, unstable, and often unsafe futures. Will take place in the months of October and November and is eligible for eight clock hours.

SCORE Grants!

The deadline to apply for the next round of SCORE Grant funding is July 15. Do you have a great idea on how to partner your students and your fellow association members with a community organization to do a project that makes a difference? Have you come up with a plan you think can help your school recover from the pandemic, but you’re not sure how to fund it? Or, has there always been a social justice issue you’ve wanted your school to tackle in the community? If so, the SCORE grant can help. The IEA’s Foundation has funded hundreds of member projects up to $1,000 over the past several years and yours could be next. To find out more about SCORE grants, to read about other projects to come up with ideas for your own, or to watch videos about past projects, check out the SCORE Grant page!

Was very fortunate today to share lunch with some of the IEA ESP Council members today. We are already planning and looking forward to meeting ESP’s throughout the state in person next year. Have a awesome summer— eating lunch with MaryAnn Rivera, Gina Lazano, Cheryl Jones, Julie Spaargaren, Johnny Ramos, Kathy Jesuit, and Jill Scarcelli at Freddy’s Pizzeria.

Patricia Hendrix

Juneteenth – also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day – is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. Wikipedia Observance Date: Saturday, June 19th 2021

Webinar – Juneteenth: Taking Time to Unravel Unconscious Biases

A Case Study from Washington State. June 17, 7 p.m. EST.  Info and Registration

Register today! 6 p.m. Central Time

Many education support professionals work during the summer. I wish you all summer blessings! Take time to be daring, to find an adventure, to experience life. This could be within the pages of a book, down the street, or around the world. You are amazing and need time to recharge and renew.

Happy Friday!!

Summer Leadership Academy (Virtual – 2 weeks)
July 19-22, 2021
July 26-29, 2021

SLA registration is now open!
There are over 70 sessions planned for the 2-week conference (July 19-22 & July 26-29). Session offerings include trainings on equity, trauma responsiveness, restorative practices, communications, school finance, health insurance, organizing, and grievance to name a few. SLA will also contain additional sessions designed for local association presidents, association representatives, local treasurers, and those seeking a National Board Certification.  Many sessions at SLA will also provide PD clock hours to attendees.

We will be limiting the number of attendees in each session to provide the best virtual training experience. In the event a session is full, we will have wait lists available & most sessions will be recorded and made available after SLA is over. Take a moment to review the Schedule At-A-Glance document for the session choices.

REGISTER NOW

Register | Agenda | Schedule At-A Glance

Registration Deadline – July 9, 2021

I still have another week. I think I can…I think I can!! What are your summer plans? Working? Relaxing?

Do you have local Associations that are seeking peer mentoring opportunities for ESPs?  

If yes, they are now invited to apply to ESPs: Supporting Our Own Through Peer Mentoring.   

• Application Deadline: Monday, June 7, 2021 (10:00 AM EDT) 
• Application Selection: Applicants will be notified no later than June 21, 2021 

ESPs: Supporting our Own Through Peer Mentoring is an NEA-offered online blended learning course, organized around 5 modules 

of bi-weekly learning that include these formats: 

• Self-study: Individual work completed at each team member’s own pace. 
• Team assignments: Collaborative work completed together as a local Association team. 
• Webinars: Group learning with all participating local Association teams. 
   

Over 9+weeks, local Association team members will work together to develop an ESP mentoring program that will create 

opportunities for continuous professional improvement for their members (responsive to their local context), amplify the voice of ESPs 

in their workplace, and elevate ESPs as respected educators.   
 

Course facilitators are ESP members and leaders who have built and established their own ESP mentoring programs. 

For additional course information, including the course schedule and application form, visit: ESPs: Supporting Our Own Through Peer Mentoring

Need more information about ESP mentoring? Learn more at NEA ESP Peer Mentorship  

If you are interested in the course but are not yet ready to start, please send an email to ESPMentoring@nea.org.  

We will keep you informed of all future learning opportunities. 

IN CLOSING, we want to share a few WHY statements from local Associations (previous course participants) that are currently developing or managing ESP mentoring programs.  These statements tell us why they were inspired to do this work and the values that they lead with.  

“To empower, educate and equip staff so that they are confident, prepared and supported while educating the whole child.” -Troy Education Association, Illinois 

 “To empower others so we can stand together. To help others find their voice so they know how to advocate for themselves and as a group. 

To protect the rights of members. Planning for the future. Making a difference.” 
-Michigan State University Administrative Professional Association, Michigan

“To create a sustainable and equitable peer mentoring system for all job families so that all PXU ESPs will be knowledgeable, proficient, supported and valued, creating a positive working and learning environment for ALL!” -Phoenix Union High School Classified Employees Association, Arizona 

The National Education Association recognizes the vital role Education Support Professionals (ESPs) play in ensuring a great public school for 

every student and that’s why we’ve been working with affiliates to build ESP peer mentoring programs. Formal programs of ESP peer 

mentoring support ESPs at all stages of their career and at all education levels, with the specialized, targeted workplace preparation and 

support that is crucial for empowering ESPs and advancing their professional excellence. Mentoring can be a powerful catalyst for creating 

opportunities that can be transformative for both ESPs and the Association. Through strong mentoring programs, the Association can develop deeper, 

less transactional relationships with ESP members and build collaborative partnerships with school districts and universities focused on building 

the education systems that all our students and members deserve. 

Do you have local Associations that are seeking peer mentoring opportunities for ESPs?  

If yes, they are now invited to apply to ESPs: Supporting Our Own Through Peer Mentoring.   

• Application Deadline: Monday, June 7, 2021 (10:00 AM EDT) 
• Application Selection: Applicants will be notified no later than June 21, 2021 

ESPs: Supporting our Own Through Peer Mentoring is an NEA-offered online blended learning course, organized around 5 modules 

of bi-weekly learning that include these formats: 

• Self-study: Individual work completed at each team member’s own pace. 
• Team assignments: Collaborative work completed together as a local Association team. 
• Webinars: Group learning with all participating local Association teams. 
   

Over 9+weeks, local Association team members will work together to develop an ESP mentoring program that will create 

opportunities for continuous professional improvement for their members (responsive to their local context), amplify the voice of ESPs 

in their workplace, and elevate ESPs as respected educators.   
 

Course facilitators are ESP members and leaders who have built and established their own ESP mentoring programs. 

For additional course information, including the course schedule and application form, visit: ESPs: Supporting Our Own Through Peer Mentoring

Need more information about ESP mentoring? Learn more at NEA ESP Peer Mentorship  

If you are interested in the course but are not yet ready to start, please send an email to ESPMentoring@nea.org.  

We will keep you informed of all future learning opportunities. 

IN CLOSING, we want to share a few WHY statements from local Associations (previous course participants) that are currently developing 

or managing ESP mentoring programs.  These statements tell us why they were inspired to do this work and the values that they lead with.  

“To empower, educate and equip staff so that they are confident, prepared and supported while educating the whole child.” 

-Troy Education Association, Illinois 

 “To empower others so we can stand together. To help others find their voice so they know how to advocate for themselves and as a group. 

To protect the rights of members. Planning for the future. Making a difference.” 
-Michigan State University Administrative Professional Association, Michigan

“To create a sustainable and equitable peer mentoring system for all job families so that all PXU ESPs will be knowledgeable, 

proficient, supported and valued, creating a positive working and learning environment for ALL!” 

-Phoenix Union High School Classified Employees Association, Arizona 

HB12 – Family Leave Eligibility-passed the Senate by a vote of 47-3. It will now go to the Governor’s desk. Woohoo!!!!

Great news from the Illinois General Assembly today! HB12, the bill that provides FMLA to education support professionals, just passed the Senate and now heads to Governor JB Pritzker‘s desk for his signature. This is a huge victory for our members and educators everywhere!

Upon the bill’s passage, IEA President Kathi Griffin said: “When this bill becomes law, it will be a huge victory for our education support professionals. They’ll know they have access FMLA without the risk of losing their job and health insurance. This is something our members have fought for years, and that hard work is paying off. This is a huge victory for our working families and our talented support staff. We believe this law will help address the shortage of education support professionals in our schools. This a big step in the right direction. It will help us attract new hires to the profession and keep the talented professionals we already have on staff.”

Time: May 25, 2021 7:00 – 8:00 pm, Central Time (US and Canada)

Attention all Education Support Professionals (“ESP”):

You are invited to attend the IEA ESP Council’s May roundtable. We will celebrate our 2020 IEA ESP of the Year, Debbie Ciciora (Region 28, Local 218) and our 2021 IEA ESP of the Year, Debra Ward-Mitchell (Region 27, Union of Support Staff District 205) and all the great work of Education Support Professionals across the state! There will be giveaways for attending the celebrations. By joining, you will be entered to win prizes!

Please join us as we celebrate all we’ve learned, discovered, and advocated for ESP throughout Illinois. Your ESP Council is here to support you during this trying time and beyond. If you have any questions or would like more information, please visit http://www.ieaespcouncil.com.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82336240581?pwd=SkFxNnRrQVN3TDc1V0FOYUtqNElKZz09

Meeting ID: 823 3624 0581 Passcode: 742172 One tap mobile +13126266799,,82336240581#,,,,*742172# US (Chicago)

National Education Association’s Education Support Professionals Quality (ESPQ) Department & The Human and Civil Rights Department a Center for Great Public Schools Webinar

Juneteenth: Taking Time to Unravel Unconscious Biases, A Case Study from Washington State

Thursday, June 17, 2021

7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST

Register at

https://nea-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Aiwbg_NhRWOrVQVucXTzBA

Join this webinar to learn the history of Juneteenth, a celebration that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and its relevance to ESPs on the job and in our communities today.  We will explore the impact of the racial and social justice reckoning and awakening seen across the country over the last year and its impact on the Washington Education Association (WEA).  Participants will learn about the steps WEA is taking to unravel unconscious biases, develop awareness of micro-aggressions and eliminate discriminatory behaviors through a long term investment in professional development for all members

PRESENTERS:
David S. Coleman M.B.A., Esq., NEA Human and Civil Rights, Center for Social Justice

Aneeka Ferrell, M.B.A./P.A., B.A., Substitute Coordinator for the Renton School District, WA

Shantika O’Pharrow, Substitute Specialist for the Renton School District, WA

INTENDED AUDIENCE:

NEA affiliate leaders, staff, members and partners. All interested parties are welcome. You are encouraged to forward this invite to your partners, leaders and other team members.

FACILITATORS:

Please read the information below about the new FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. The application process opened on May 12, 2021. Please share widely and share with the families on your school communities.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the availability of the FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program, which provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income consumers. Eligible households can enroll through an approved broadband service provider or by visiting the GetEmergencyBroadband.org site. The application process opened on May 12, 2021, and eligible households can receive:

·         Up to a $50-per-month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals

·         A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50).

Only one monthly service discount and one device discount are allowed per household. Program rules acknowledge that there may be more than one eligible household residing at the same address.

Additional information about the EBB Program is available in this Overview Module. Help in applying for the program is available from the Emergency Broadband Support Center by emailing EBBHelp@usac.org or calling (833) 511-0311.

Apply Early! The EBB Program will end when funds are exhausted or 6 months after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) health emergency, whichever is sooner.

Webinar with sign language:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga9a2E77Rog

Sample Awareness Campaign Content

• Infographic (PDF; Hi-res PNG | Spanish: PDF; Hi-res PNG)
• Newsletter Blurb (Word | Spanish)
• Press Release (Word)
• Twitter and Facebook Posts (Word | Spanish)
• Fact Sheet (8 1/2″ x 11″ Word; PDF | Spanish: Word; PDF)
• Slide Presentation (PowerPoint | PDF)
• Flyer I (8 1/2″ x 11″ PDF; Hi-res PNG | Spanish: PDF; Hi-res PNG)
• Flyer II (8 1/2″ x 11″ PDF; Hi-res PNG | Spanish: PDF; Hi-res PNG)
• Poster (8 1/2″ x 11″ PDF; Hi-res PNG | Spanish: PDF; Hi-res PNG)
• Consumer Handout (9″ x 5″ PDF | Spanish)
• Consumer Handout (4″ x 5″ two-sided PDF | Spanish)
• Consumer Handout (4″ x 5″ one-sided PDF | Spanish)
• Audio PSA (MP3; Script in Word | Spanish; Texto)
• Tribal Benefit PSA (MP3)
• Overview Videos (English | Spanish | ASL)

Consumer handouts and the fact sheet are also available in Arabic, Amharic, Burmese, Chinese (Traditional), French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Somali, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

Time: May 25, 2021 7:00 – 8:00 pm, Central Time (US and Canada)

Attention all Education Support Professionals (“ESP”):

You are invited to attend the IEA ESP Council’s May roundtable. We will celebrate our 2020 IEA ESP of the Year, Debbie Ciciora (Region 28, Local 218) and our 2021 IEA ESP of the Year, Debra Ward-Mitchell (Region 27, Union of Support Staff District 205) and all the great work of Education Support Professionals across the state! There will be giveaways for attending the celebrations. By joining, you will be entered to win prizes!

Please join us as we celebrate all we’ve learned, discovered, and advocated for ESP throughout Illinois. Your ESP Council is here to support you during this trying time and beyond. If you have any questions or would like more information, please visit http://www.ieaespcouncil.com.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82336240581?pwd=SkFxNnRrQVN3TDc1V0FOYUtqNElKZz09

Meeting ID: 823 3624 0581 Passcode: 742172 One tap mobile +13126266799,,82336240581#,,,,*742172# US (Chicago)

Today is World ESP Day! Thank you to all of the education support professionals who continue to contribute so much to our school communities across the globe.

We are keeping a very close watch on this. This will be huge for many education support professionals!

Good Morning ESP Leaders,

We want to share an important upcoming event with you. This will be a beneficial conversation for all educators as the conversation will include discussion around activism for American Rescue Plan (ARP) funding at the state and, especially the local level. In addition to the activism segment, the conversation will also focus on research that is revealing yet another level of disparate impact on students of color, the underrepresentation of 504-only students. This is an important factor as unidentified emotional/behavioral disabilities can manifest themselves in ways which may lead to disciplinary actions that could be avoided if students have appropriate supports.

We hope you will join us and share this information with others in your state.

Join us for a conversation and a call to action and learn what you can do to ensure the federal and state governments give students with disabilities the education they deserve.

WHEN: Tuesday, May 18 at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT

FEATURING: 

·         Becky Pringle, NEA President 

·         Noel Candelaria, NEA Secretary-Treasurer

·         Cecily Myart-Cruz, President, United Teachers Los Angeles 

·         Gloria Martinez, Vice President, United Teachers Los Angeles  

·         Katherine Bishop, special educator and NEA IDEA Resource Cadre member  

This event will stream live at nea.org. A recording will be sent to everyone who registers. 

·         To register, go to:https://www.nea.org/resource-library/fulfilling-promise-students-disabilities

Time: May 25, 2021 7:00 – 8:00 pm, Central Time (US and Canada)

Attention all Education Support Professionals (“ESP”):

You are invited to attend the IEA ESP Council’s May roundtable. We will celebrate our 2020 IEA ESP of the Year, Debbie Ciciora (Region 28, Local 218) and our 2021 IEA ESP of the Year, Debra Ward-Mitchell (Region 27, Union of Support Staff District 205) and all the great work of Education Support Professionals across the state! There will be giveaways for attending the celebrations. By joining, you will be entered to win prizes!

Please join us as we celebrate all we’ve learned, discovered, and advocated for ESP throughout Illinois. Your ESP Council is here to support you during this trying time and beyond. If you have any questions or would like more information, please visit http://www.ieaespcouncil.com.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82336240581?pwd=SkFxNnRrQVN3TDc1V0FOYUtqNElKZz09

Meeting ID: 823 3624 0581 Passcode: 742172 One tap mobile +13126266799,,82336240581#,,,,*742172# US (Chicago)

Good Afternoon ESP Leaders,

The process for a grant from NEA’s Center for Great Public Schools is now two-fold. The first part of that process is applying for the planning grant. That application is due September 15, 2021. It’s not too early to think about the possibilities, and strategize this summer, so that you can have the application ready to go in September. For your convenience, I have both attached the explanatory memo, and pasted it below. Please share with other ESP locals in your state.

MEMORANDUM

TO:                  State Executive Directors

State Presidents

FROM:            Andy Coons, Senior Director, NEA Center for Great Public Schools

                        David Boyd, Manager, NEA Center for Great Public Schools

DATE:             May 11, 2021

RE:                  GPS Fund Planning Grant – Upcoming Deadline on September 15, 2021

Upcoming Deadline – September 15, 2021:

In February 2020, the NEA Board of Directors approved updated GPS Fund Grant Guidelines.  The new 2-step process includes the following highlights:

Step 1: PLANNING GRANT

a)       Submission of a Planning Grant application begins the process. The deadline for submission of a Planning Grant application is no later than September 15^th of each year.

b)      Planning Grant awards will be made by the Oversight Committee and decisions will be communicated no later than October 15^th           of each year.

c)       Any chartered state or local NEA Affiliates as defined in the NEA Bylaws (Section 8) may apply for a Planning Grant. Applications submitted by or on behalf of individuals, external organizations, or non-Active NEA membership categories not contributing to the Special Fund (see Section 2.7, NEA Bylaws) will not be considered.

Step 2: GPS FUND GRANT

a)       Affiliates that are awarded Planning Grants are eligible to submit a full GPS Fund application no later than February 1^st.

b)      GPS Fund Grant award decisions will be communicated no later than April 1^st of each year.

c)       GPS Fund Grants totaling less than $50,000 (over the term of the proposal) are not eligible for award, with a max award of $250,000 annually over 3 years.

Information on the GPS Fund grant program, including guidelines and the application link can be found at nea.org: https://www.nea.org/student-success/great-public-schools/gps-fund-grants.

Resources for Affiliates:

Resource 1:                  Webinar – “Interested in a NEA GPS Fund Planning Grant?”

Date and Time:            Wednesday,June 2^nd from 2:00 – 3:00 PM Eastern

Audience:                    State and Local Affiliates of NEA

Purpose:                      To discuss the basics and timing of the Planning Grant process, and allow for any questions

Link to Zoom:             https://zoom.us/j/9849910572?pwd=ejFpd011WmlJeS93dmRYRGx6a0lZQT09

Meeting ID: 984 991 0572

Passcode: 12345

(Dial-in Option: 301-715-8592)

Resource 2:                  Planning Grant Preparation and Support Packet (Word doc)

Audience:                    State and Local Affiliates of NEA

Purpose:                      To provide Affiliates with a written guide to the Planning Grant process and application

Link to Document:      Click here

Priority Focus Areas:

The GPS Fund Grant Oversight Committee continues its use of a “Priority Focus” for grant applications.  This protocol gives a small scoring bonus to applications that focus on select NEA organizational priorities.  For the upcoming application deadline, the Priority Focus will continue to include:

1)      Early Career Educators, and/or

2)      Racial Justice in Education

Your application can choose to focus on either area, both areas, or none of the above.  By including one or both of the focus areas, your application will receive a small scoring bonus (depending on how robust and extensive that focus is).  Focusing on both early career educators and racial justice in education will increase your bonus opportunity (compared to focusing on just one).

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Please send any general GPS Fund Program inquiries to GPSFund-PF@nea.org.