Education Support Professional Council consists of thirteen (13) members all of whom are ESP school employees and members of the Illinois Education Association. The ESP council's goal is to represent and support ESP's throughout Illinois.
ESPs make a difference in the lives of students throughout Illinois and the country. Thank you for what you do everyday! IEA gives ESPs a voice and fights for the needs of its members. Tell us your story. Your ESP Council is here to bring your ideas, and concerns to IEA and help be an added resource for you and your local. Visit the “Contact Your ESP Council” page for assistance.
CHICAGO – The Illinois Education Association (IEA) last weekend won an Emmy at the 61st Annual Chicago/Midwest Regional Emmy Awards. The IEA won for Outstanding Achievement for Public/Current/Community Affairs Programming – Series for IEA Teachers Stories. The composite entry featured three IEA members: Susan Hudson from Thornwood High School in South Holland, Gladys Marquez from Dwight D. Eisenhower High School in Blue Island and Nathan Etter from Prairie View Elementary School in Burlington.
“We represent 135,000 strong, powerful educators across the state who work every day to ensure that all students have access to a fair and equitable public education,” said IEA Media Relations Director Bridget Shanahan. “And we tell their stories. Their voices matter. Your voices matter.”
The IEA Teacher Stories series amplified the voices of more than 135,000 educators across the state of Illinois. These stories highlight the valuable work that our members do for all students in Illinois, regardless of their zip code. Susan Hudson’s story featured her work collaborating with educators to bring trauma-informed practices to Thornwood High School.
“While it is a tremendous honor to be included in this Emmy Award-winning video, my goal has been, and always will be, to collaborate with my colleagues in an effort to address the strategies and resources needed to best assist students who experience daily trauma,” said Hudson. “The importance of cultivating relationships with the students and recognizing their value, our compassion and empathy will continue to be the foundation for our work as educators.”
Gladys Marquez’s story featured her empowerment of her students and advocacy efforts in support of the DREAM Act.
“Our students are the catalyst that drives everything we do. They are depending on us to be worthy of them. It is our responsibility to help them achieve their greatness,” said Marquez. “This is their award, too.”
Nathan Etter’s story started with a teachable moment after his husband sent him flowers on Valentine’s Day.
“Me, living my life authentically, means we won’t think alike, act alike or live alike,” said Etter. “But when we learn to harness the power of our differences, together we cannot fail.”
The IEA Teacher Stories are available for view on IEA’s Vimeo page. Susan Hudson’s story is available here. Gladys Marquez’s story is available here. Nathan Etter’s story is available here. The attached photo is available for use. Pictured left to right: Lucid Creative Agency’s Morgan Jackson and Steven Walsh, IEA Media Relations Director Bridget Shanahan, Lucid Creative Agency’s Rumen Andonov and Matt Goett. Lucid Creative Agency was responsible for shooting and editing the videos that were awarded.
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The 135,000 member Illinois Education Association (IEA-NEA) is the state’s largest education employee’s organization. IEA represents preK-12 teachers outside of the city of Chicago and education support staff, higher education faculty, retired education employees and students preparing to become teachers, statewide.
CHICAGO — School boards across Illinois have said no to allowing teachers and other employees to carry guns at schools.
The vote — 249 against and 198 for — took place Saturday at the Illinois Association of School Boards 2019 delegate assembly meeting.
School boards, including several in the Rockford area, sent representatives to vote on a variety of matters before the association, including resolutions that help shape its legislative agenda for the coming year.
The Student Safety resolution would have put the association’s support behind proposed legislation, if any were filed, that would allow teachers and other school staff to carry guns at school on a voluntary basis if their local school board approves. Most of the support for the resolution came from small rural school districts that can’t afford to hire school resource officers, as state law dictates, and face long response times when violence threatens their schools.
An increase in school shootings has prompted similar discussions across the country, and several states have adopted changes to laws that govern who can carry guns on school property. A similar measure before the state school board association was defeated last year by a vote of 203-179.
NEA president Lily Eskelsen García gets the candidates to go on the record about how they’ll support public education.
NEA is inviting all presidential candidates to participate in a one-on-one interview with NEA’s Lily Eskelsen García to help our members better understand their positions on issues of vital importance to the success of our public schools. To qualify for interviews, candidates were asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire; once complete, candidates were invited to sit down with Lily. As additional interviews are confirmed, these candidates will appear in the grid above, so stay tuned!
National Education Association
Education Support Professionals Quality (ESPQ) Department
Center for Great Public Schools Webinar
What Does it Mean to be a 21st Century Education Leader?
Thursday, December 12, 2019
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST
Register at
http://neaorg.adobeconnect.com/emtjcx3anoxa/event/event_info.html
Education Support Professionals, like all educators, are making, and will face, some of the toughest decisions in the history of their union and public education. To be equipped, educators must come to see themselves as leaders in their unions and in their professions. Developed by practitioners, and using proven research and theories on leadership development, the NEA Leadership Competency Framework provides a lens through which educators can self- identify their leadership competency. When used with intentionality, the framework is also a developmental tool that can help educators create a plan for continuous, life-long learning and growth. In this session, we will discuss an approach for deepening the awareness and use of the framework.
Presenter(s): Kisha Davis-Caldwell, Sr. Program/Policy Specialist, NEA Leadership Development Team
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.
FACILITATOR(S):
Lisa Connor, NEA Sr. Program/Policy Analyst Jessica Brinkley, NEA Sr. Program/Policy Analyst
Questions? Contact Jessica Brinkley at jdbrinkley@nea.org.
For more ESP professional development opportunities visit www.nea.org/esppd
National Education Association
Education Support Professionals Quality (ESPQ) Department
Center for Great Public Schools Webinar
What Does it Mean to be a 21st Century Education Leader?
Thursday, December 12, 2019
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST
Register at
http://neaorg.adobeconnect.com/emtjcx3anoxa/event/event_info.html
Education Support Professionals, like all educators, are making, and will face, some of the toughest decisions in the history of their union and public education. To be equipped, educators must come to see themselves as leaders in their unions and in their professions. Developed by practitioners, and using proven research and theories on leadership development, the NEA Leadership Competency Framework provides a lens through which educators can self- identify their leadership competency. When used with intentionality, the framework is also a developmental tool that can help educators create a plan for continuous, life-long learning and growth. In this session, we will discuss an approach for deepening the awareness and use of the framework.
Presenter(s): Kisha Davis-Caldwell, Sr. Program/Policy Specialist, NEA Leadership Development Team
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.
FACILITATOR(S):
Lisa Connor, NEA Sr. Program/Policy Analyst Jessica Brinkley, NEA Sr. Program/Policy Analyst
Questions? Contact Jessica Brinkley at jdbrinkley@nea.org.
For more ESP professional development opportunities visit www.nea.org/esppd
We know that the climate and culture of a school district can be extremely stressful to staff members. Please take this wellness survey to give IEA the information/data they need support members. The survey is for ALL staff!!
Illinois Educator Well-Being Survey
The Illinois Education Association (IEA) and the University of Illinois Springfield invite you to participate in the Illinois Educator Well-Being Survey. The purpose of this survey is to examine how the climate and culture of your workplace impacts the quality of your life.
When considering how to improve the climate and culture of a school district, it is important to consider the impact of school climate and culture on educators who work both in and out of the classroom. This includes teachers, education support professionals, and other professional staff such as counselors, psychologists, social workers and nurses.
This anonymous survey takes only about 10 minutes to complete. The only required identifying information is the county in which the district is located, however the district name can be provided, if you so choose. The survey closes Dec. 1. See the informed consent document for additional information.
https://ieanea.org/2019/10/16/illinois-educator-well-being-survey/
National Education Support Professionals Day is Wednesday, November 20! Join NEA and schools across the country for a celebration in honor of the ESPs who keep our schools running and our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn. This year, we’re continuing the festivities online through #WeLoveOurESPs.
To help you celebrate the ESPs in your schools and communities, we’ve created a toolkit with event ideas, media outreach templates, social media graphics, and printable signs and cards.
● Download Signs and Thank you Cards
Be sure to spread the word! Below are some sample posts to share on your social media channels and get the party started.
● Education Support Professionals Day is November 20. Thank the ESPs in your schools and communities by hosting a celebration event and sending them words of appreciationà bit.ly/ESPday2019 #WeLoveOurESPs
● How are you celebrating Education Support Professionals on November 20?! Share with us your ESP Day plans using #WeLoveOurESPs bit.ly/ESPday2019
Join our ESP Facebook group and follow us on Twitter(@NEArESPect and @NEAToday) if you haven’t already done so.
We hope to see you at the online celebration!
On November 9th, IEA ESP Council members, local presidents, and ESPs from around Illinois came together at the IEA office in Champagne, Ill. Presentations by Woodruff Johnson & Evans Law Offices – The Injured School Employee: Rights and Benefits and IEA Communication Consultant, Bridgette Shannahan spoke on – Communications Messaging and Tools. Great tools to help locals build strength, and unity through connection.
Save the date for our next ESP Assembly and President Support Team Roundtable
February 8th, 2020 in Matteson IEA Office
National Education Support Professionals Day is an important part of NEA’s American Education Week celebration, taking place November 18-22. The occasion was first celebrated in 1987 after NEA’s Representative Assembly, the Association’s decision-making body of nearly 8,000 member delegates, called on the organization to honor the contributions of all school support staff. National ESP Day is observed on Wednesday of American Education Week. For more information please click the link below.
Applications are now being accepted for the IEA-NEA ESP EMERGING LEADERS ACADEMY (ESP-ELA). The IEA-NEA ESP Emerging Leaders Academy is a partnership between the Illinois Education Association (IEA) and the National Education Association (NEA) to provide a state based ESP Leadership Institute (formerly ESP Leaders for Tomorrow) for IEA ESP members. The ESP-ELA is designed to provide leadership training and support for IEA’s emerging ESP leaders.
The ESP-ELA is a six-session leadership training held over a period of seven months. This training is available to all dues paying IEA ESP members in good standing who meet the program’s eligibility requirements.
For more information visit the ESP page on the IEA Website or at: https://ieanea.org/events/iea-nea-esp-emerging-leaders-academy/
Application deadline: Friday, December 6, 2019
| Hosted by IEA, Ayala will be interviewed first about the most pressing issues in education in Illinois and then members will have the opportunity to ask questions. How it works: You will receive a call at the phone number we have on file for you at 7:20 p.m. that evening. If you want to participate, simply stay on the line. If you are not sure we have a good phone number on file for you, please contact IEA Connect, or go to the Members Only page on the IEA website to update your information. The event also will be streamed live on the IEA website. |
Developed by speech pathologists and others at the non-profit Learning Empowers All People (LEAP), it is a free app for parents and caregivers with children from zero to four that reminds caregivers to interact with their children through a variety of developmentally appropriate stimuli and ideas. Learn more about it, and the LEAP organization.
Monday – Kickoff Day
Tuesday – Parents Day
Wednesday – Education Support Professionals Day
Thursday – Educator for a Day
Friday – Substitute Educators Day
For more on the weeklong celebration, go to NEA American Education Week.
| Well-being survey The Illinois Education Association (IEA) and the University of Illinois Springfield invites you to participate in the Illinois Educator Well-Being Survey. The purpose of this survey is to examine how the climate and culture of your workplace impacts the quality of your life. The purpose of this survey is to examine how the climate and culture of your workplace impacts the quality of your life. The IEA will use this data to develop and improve programs and services that support members’ well-being in the workplace. Data collected as part of this survey will remain confidential. Please see the informed consent document for additional information. |
Thursday, October 24, 2019
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM EST
Register at
http://neaorg.adobeconnect.com/e0ohc3w9ycnf/event/event_info.html
Autism is easily among the most misunderstood of all human conditions which poses daily challenges for educators and students alike. Have you ever asked, “Why do kids with autism do that?” The simple truth is students with Autism have several different behaviors that we, as educators, find difficult to understand because we cannot fully comprehend what it’s like in the mind and body of someone on the spectrum. This highly informative webinar will focus on identifying the traits and characteristics of autism, development and implementation of proactive strategies to help manage sensory processing issues and meltdowns and the similarities and differences between same aged males and females with ASD.
Presenter(s):
Donna Nielsen, graduate of NEA ESP Leaders for Tomorrow, NEA ESP Conference Presenter, Training graduate of Hands In Autism (an affiliate of Indiana University and Riley’s Children’s Hospital), Certified School Bus Driver Trainer, Certified Grief Support Group Facilitator, Grandmother of an Autistic Grandson, Retired NEA and ISTA Board of Director and a Retired 30 year Professional School Bus Driver.
Mickey Brady, graduate of NEA ESP Leaders for Tomorrow, NEA ESP Conference presenter, 28 year Professional Bus Driver and Certified School Bus Driver Trainer, Training graduate of Hands in Autism (an affiliate of Indiana University and Riley’s Children’s Hospital), Crisis Prevention Institute certified trainer in non-violent crisis intervention, certified True Colors trainer.
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.
FACILITATOR(S):
Lisa Connor, NEA Sr. Program/Policy Analyst
Jessica Brinkley, NEA Sr. Program/Policy Analyst
Questions? Contact Jessica Brinkley at jdbrinkley@nea.org.
For more ESP professional development opportunities visit www.nea.org/esppd.
Our sisters and brothers across the state are fighting for the schools their students deserve. Let’s show them our support by wearing #RedforEd on Wednesday!
Share your #RedforEd pictures on social media with the hashtags:
#MendotaMatters
#ATA4Kids
#StandWithCTU
#IFTstrong
We stand with our union sisters and brothers who are on strike, the Mendota Elementary Teachers and the Chicago Teachers Union. And, we are supporting the Addison Teachers’ Association who could go on strike Thurs., Oct. 24, and are fighting for their students, as well.
Help us get the message out about our #RedforEd action by sharing IEA’s Facebook post.
* 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ESP Assembly featuring The Injured School Employee: Your Rights & Benefits and the President Support Team Presidents’ Roundtable
*12:00 p.m. Lunch
*1:00 p.m. ESP Council Meeting. All are welcome to stay.
RSVP by November 1 to Arlene.Criglar@ieanea.org or Valerie.Shoger@ieanea.org
Future ESP Assemblies & President Support Team Presidents’ Roundtables:
* February 8, 2020 in Matteson IEA Office
* April 18, 2020 in Sterling IEA Office *
* June 13, 2020 in Edwardsville IEA Office
* June 13, 2020 There will be an additional PST Presidents’ Roundtable in the Carterville IEA Office
Educational Support Professionals: Understanding and Supporting Students on the Autism Spectrum
Thursday, October 24, 2019
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST
Register at http://neaorg.adobeconnect.com/e0ohc3w9ycnf/event/event_info.html
Autism is easily among the most misunderstood of all human conditions which poses daily challenges for educators and students alike. Have you ever asked, “Why do kids with autism do that?” The simple truth is students with Autism have several different behaviors that we, as educators, find difficult to understand because we cannot fully comprehend what it’s like in the mind and body of someone on the spectrum. This highly informative webinar will focus on identifying the traits and characteristics of autism, development and implementation of proactive strategies to help manage sensory processing issues and meltdowns and the similarities and differences between same aged males and females with ASD.
Presenter(s):
Donna Nielsen, graduate of NEA ESP Leaders for Tomorrow, NEA ESP Conference Presenter, Training graduate of Hands In Autism (an affiliate of Indiana University and Riley’s Children’s Hospital), Certified School Bus Driver Trainer, Certified Grief Support Group Facilitator, Grandmother of an Autistic Grandson, Retired NEA and ISTA Board of Director and a Retired 30 year Professional School Bus Driver.
· Mickey Brady, graduate of NEA ESP Leaders for Tomorrow, NEA ESP Conference presenter, 28 year Professional Bus Driver and Certified School Bus Driver Trainer, Training graduate of Hands in Autism (an affiliate of Indiana University and Riley’s Children’s Hospital), Crisis Prevention Institute certified trainer in non-violent crisis intervention, certified True Colors trainer.
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.
FACILITATOR(S):
Lisa Connor, NEA Sr. Program/Policy Analyst
Jessica Brinkley, NEA Sr. Program/Policy Analyst
Questions? Contact Jessica Brinkley at jdbrinkley@nea.org.
For more ESP professional development opportunities visit www.nea.org/esppd.
If you are interested in attending a future conference through IEA or NEA I highly encourage you to take the opportunity. Funds are usually available for ESPs to attend. Please check with your local president or contact your local region office. If you have any questions please submit your questions through the Contact Your ESP Council on this site. We would be happy to assist you in any way we can.
There were so many amazing sessions such as Teacher/Para Teams, CPR/AED Heartsaver Adult/Child/Infant, Time to Bargain: Is Your Team Ready?, Stress Management and Mindfulness, and so many more. Beyond the sessions, I love the opportunity to meet and collaborate with ESP members from across Illinois, and oh, my… the food!! So much great food!
#rESPect #StrongerUnited
Save the date for the next NEA #Education Support Professionals Conference, March 20-22, 2020 in New Orleans! You don’t want to miss this conference!!
National Education Association Education Support Professionals Quality (ESPQ) Department Center for Great Public Schools Webinar
Thursday, September 19, 2019 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST Register at http://neaorg.adobeconnect.com/eyblsvhupxng/event/event_info.html
Do students and ESPs at your school have everything they need to succeed? As educators, we have the opportunity to speak up and help ensure safe, healthy and supportive school environments for all students and staff. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) allows educators, parents, and students to set more meaningful indicators of success for their school. By sharing your voice and setting specific performance criteria for your school, you can let lawmakers know what kind of help your school needs to reach its full potential. In this webinar, participants will have the opportunity to see what educator voice looks like in schools across the country and discuss barriers to raising our voices as well as opportunities to amplify our voices.
Presenter(s): Bianca Singh, Sr. Policy/Program Specialist, NEA Education Policy and Practice Department
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.
FACILITATOR(S): Dorothy Vu, NEA Sr. Communication Specialist Jessica Brinkley, NEA Sr. Program/Policy Analyst Questions? Contact Jessica Brinkley at jdbrinkley@nea.org.
For more ESP professional development opportunities visit http://www.nea.org/esppd.
🚨STATEWIDE #RedForEd ACTION 🚨Many Educators across Illinois are supporting Rockford High School and showing the dissatisfaction we have with Betsy Devos and her horrific education policies. Let’s remind her that Illinois is a state full of strong public school educators! ✊ ✏️ ✊ #IEAStronger
The Chicago Ridge Educational Support Staff (CRESS) (Region 56) IEA is pleased to announce the growth of a local! After a card campaign starting last April, 12 ESPs, including food service workers, aides and secretaries, joined their ESP local after all of them signed cards. Congratulations, CRESS!
You can do this!! I believe in you!!!
Have you ever wished there was a conference with ESPs in mind? If so you don’t want to miss the One Conference. Many ESP sessions are planned by ESPs for ESPs. Please join us for the 2019 One Conference for IEA Education Support Professionals (ESP), Higher Education, and IEA Retired members. The two-day event will offer a variety of elective sessions and feature keynote speaker, Gordon Lafer, professor at the University of Oregon’s Labor Education and Research Center and author of The One Percent Solution: How Corporations Are Remaking America, One State at a Time.
| Registration is open for the IEA One Conference! Join your fellow ESPs in Oak Brook, Oct. 4–5 DoubleTree by Hilton, 1909 Spring Rd., Oak Brook Registration fee: $20 per registrant, prior to the event; $30 onsite. The deadline to register is Friday, Sept. 20. |
| Visit the IEA website for the agenda, session descriptions, session grid and conference brochure. IEA funding available! Scholarship applications are due by Sept. 6. |
| On Aug. 5, a fabulous group of members attended a membership kickoff hosted at the IEA Minooka office! They spent their day honing their skills to better represent their members. Topics covered were: Members benefits, getting to know legal, membership processing, IEA communication tools and tricks, IEA elections, tips for starting the year, TRS, IMRF and financial procedures. NEA and IEA staff presented multiple topics and we were honored to have members from area locals present, as well. ESP Council members Patricia Hendrix, Special Education Employees of Grundy County, and Jill Scarcelli, Troy Education Association, were two of the presenters. Also presenting were certified members Jen Silverman, Troy Education Association, and Megan Krull, Braceville Education Association. #Nosummersoff #StrongerUnited #rESPect |
Wow, the new school year has begun and our schedules are getting busy!! Mark your calendars. Here is a conference you don’t want to miss. Please click the link for agenda and sessions offered. Absolutely the best conference that supports ESPs!!
October 4-5, 2019
DoubleTree by Hilton
Oak Brook, IL
Register
Please join us for the 2019 One Conference for IEA Education Support Professionals (ESP), Higher Education, and IEA Retired members. The two-day event will offer a variety of elective sessions and feature keynote speaker, Gordon Lafer, professor at the University of Oregon’s Labor Education and Research Center and author of The One Percent Solution: How Corporations Are Remaking America, One State at a Time.
Registration Fee: $20 per registrant prior to the event; $30 per registrant onsite.
Registration Deadline: Friday, September 20, 2019
Dress: Casual
We look forward to seeing you at the 2019 One Conference!
Alex Wallace, ESP Council Chair
Vivian Zimmerman, Council on Higher Education Chair
Jim Duffy, Council of Retirees
| There are some important issues and changes in law that directly impact school support staff the Illinois Education Association wants to draw your attention to, including: A survey for teachers’ aides and classroom paraprofessionals who have been physically harmed on school grounds to share your experiences; A new law that allows employees of special education co-ops who are part of the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund system to count unused sick days toward retirement from one district when they go to another; The state’s new $15 minimum wage law, and; A new measure that allows schools to tap into additional money to hire school counselors, mental health professionals and resource officers to improve safety. 1. First up, the survey Are you a teachers’ aide or classroom paraprofessional who has been physically harmed on school grounds between Aug. 1, 2017 and June 1, 2020? Charles Bell, Ph.D., an assistant professor of criminal justice studies at Illinois State University, is looking for teachers and teachers’ aides from middle schools and high schools (grades six to 12) in Illinois to participate in his research study, which is exploring educator victimization, safety and your perceptions of school punishment. The information will be used to make school policy recommendations regarding the safety of K-12 educators and staff members. All responses are confidential and respondents will be paid $50 each for completing the study. The Illinois Education Association has agreed to promote this study to help gather data in regard to a new business item passed at the 2019 IEA Representative Assembly, in which the IEA was directed by members “to develop a toolkit to help local leaders bring awareness to and provide support and proactive strategies to represent the needs of members who have been victims of physical or sexual assault at work.” Bell has agreed to share his findings with IEA when the study is complete. Please feel free to share this study with your teachers. If you have any questions about the study, please feel free to email Bell at CABELL6@ILSTU.EDU or call 313-953-6772. 2. New sick day law In the past, employees of special education co-operatives who contribute to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund have not been eligible to keep accumulated unused unpaid sick leave when they leave that district and apply it toward their retirement when they go to a new district. With special education co-operatives dissolving in many areas of the state, this is a major issue for IEA’s teacher aides and classroom paraprofessionals. So, in the most recent legislative session, IEA drafted and worked with members in the metro east area and legislators to pass House Bill 2884, which allows IMRF contributors to leave those accumulated days with the current district (up to a year’s worth) and apply them toward their final retirement calculations, no matter which district they are employed in when they finally do retire. This is a major victory for IEA members. 3. $15 minimum wage law The IEA has been fighting for a living wage for years and this year, the Illinois legislature finally passed a $15 minimum wage law. The new plan will raise the Illinois minimum wage to $9.25 per hour from $8.25 on Jan. 1, followed by a gradual increase every year until it reaches $15 per hour in 2025. IEA anticipates this will help raise the pay of members who currently fall below the $15 per hour threshold, but also likely will help raise the pay of other members as the bottom of the scale rises. 4. School safety hires Legislation also was passed this year that directs districts to develop threat assessment teams made up of school personnel, mental health professionals and local law enforcement to determine whether there are threats in the district and how to address them. It also allows the district to expand the use of the countywide 1-cent-sales-tax dollars some counties have passed to pay for building projects to also pay for safety improvements, as well as personnel to help keep schools safe, including school resource officers, school counselors and other mental health professionals. |
Are you looking for a way to advance your leadership skills? The NEA is now accepting applications for the NEA ESP Leadership Institute (ESPLI)! Learn more and apply at nea.org/espli before September 13, 2019.
NEA ESP Leadership Institute (ESPLI) is a powerful leadership development program, grounded in diversity, equity and cultural competence that brings together the overarching NEA Leadership Competencies (Advocacy, Communication, Governance and Leadership, Leading Our Professions, and Organizing) to train ESP members to be effective leaders in their associations. ESPLI is designed and collaboratively delivered by ESP members. This eleven-month program requires participants to commit to three in-person trainings, webinars, outside reading and completion of a capstone project designed to elevate the goals of their association and NEA’s core values.
I love that my union fights for ESPs everyday. The National Education Association is fighting to give all ESPs the voice they deserve here at home and around the world.
Education International gave voice to education support professionals across the globe at its 8th Annual World Congress held last month in Bangkok, Thailand.
Education International (EI) is a 400-member federation of global teachers’ trade unions representing 32 million education personnel, and its World Congress is a meeting of the decision-making body that determines the policy, programs, and budget for the organization.
This year the World Congress voted unanimously in support of the rights and status of Education Support Personnel (ESP) and to officially declare May 16th as World ESP Day to recognize their work and contribution to quality education.
Attending the congress was an NEA delegation that include ESP members Lois Yukna and Saul Ramos. Ramos, a paraeducator from Massachusetts and the 2017 ESP of the year, addressed the World Congress in favor of the resolution to support ESPs. NEA Today spoke to Ramos about his experience at EI. Click button to read more about Ramos and the World Congress event.
ESPs need to have there voice heard! YOUR voice needs to be heard!! #rESPect!!!
Today a fabulous group of members attended the IEA Membership Kickoff that was hosted at the Minooka IEA Office! Members spent their day honing their skills to better represent their members.
Topics covered were: Members Benefits, Getting to Know Legal, Membership Processing, IEA Communication: Tools and Tricks, Elections Training, Tips For Starting The Year, TRS, IMRF, and Financials Procedures Training.
NEA and IEA staff presented multiple topics but we were honored to have members from area locals also present. Patricia Hendrix, SEEGC (ESP) and Jill Scarcelli, TROY EDU. ASSO. (ESP) – Both members of the IEA ESP Council were two of today’s presenters. Also presenting were Jen Silverman, TROY EDU. ASSO. (Certified) and Megan Krull, Braceville EA. (Certified)
#Nosummersoff #StrongerUnited #rESPect
NEA ESP Leadership Institute (ESPLI) is a powerful leadership development program, grounded in diversity, equity and cultural competence that brings together the overarching NEA Leadership Competencies (Advocacy, Communication, Governance and Leadership, Leading Our Professions, and Organizing) to train ESP members to be effective leaders in their associations. ESPLI is designed and collaboratively delivered by ESP members. This eleven-month program requires participants to commit to three in-person trainings, webinars, outside reading and completion of a capstone project designed to elevate the goals of their association and NEA’s core values.
It’s not surprising that paraprofessional and support staff remain largely ignored during coverage of work actions. By definition, they work in a supporting role behind the scenes to make sure schools and colleges run smoothly, so sometimes they can seem invisible.
Classified employees, or paraprofessional and support staff, are most often paid hourly. In many cases, if they’re offered healthcare insurance, it’s unaffordable. The district often cuts back their hours just far enough so that they’re not eligible for any benefits. This differs from their teacher or administrative co-workers. So, when school is out for bad weather or building-related issues, paraprofessional and support staff lose pay, while their co-workers do not.
Paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodians, secretaries and the many other job categories are vital to their entire school or college communities. It’s important to acknowledge the work they do and to ensure they have the resources and respect they deserve.
For the last 11 years, the NEA ESP Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) program has supported the development of nearly 200 ESP leaders in 45 states across the country. The LFT program has been instrumental in helping ESP members acquire skills and confidence to lead at the local level. Many program graduates have even stepped into state or national leadership positions. This strength and success has seeded a desire to expand its positive impact. To accomplish this, we’re happy to announce Leaders for Tomorrow will be restructured to reach and develop an increasingly growing body of ESP leaders.
The redesign effort will commence in Spring 2018 and progress towards five important outcomes, all designed to assure growth and strength of ESP and their affiliates:
Applications for the next cohort of Leaders for Tomorrow will open shortly after the redesign is complete. Check back for updates!
Today I’m packing and prepping for the NEA RA in Houston. Many of your ESP Council members will be attending and will arrive there on Tuesday for a busy week of meetings and voting on amendments (legislative & constitutional), resolutions, policy… and more. We would love to hear your ideas or concerns. Go to NEA RA 2019. Go to business item tab. You can review items and share your thoughts here. We will take your ideas and concerns to Houston. Please comment below or contact us using the Contact Your ESP Council tab on the main menu. We look forward to hearing from you!
Our Democracy. Our Responsibility. Our Time!
#StrongPublicSchools
#StrongerTogether
#UnionStrong
Who is heading to Houston and attending the NEA RA 2019?
NEA’s Annual Meeting takes place during the final week of June and/or the first week of July. Various committees, constituencies, caucuses, leadership groups, and delegates from state and local affiliates gather to set policy and chart the direction of NEA business. The 2019 Annual Meeting will take place in Houston, Texas.
Thousands of NEA members will come together to voice their ideas and beliefs, to vote on various policies that will help grow our membership and make our membership stronger. I am extremely proud to be able to attend!
Your IEA membership guarantees representation at the bargaining table and ensures you have access to free legal services should the need ever arise.
UniServ Directors – IEA’s front-line
UniServ Directors (UDs), located at 22 offices statewide, are IEA’s front-line support for your local association. UDs advocate for your best professional interests and support your efforts to provide high-quality education. Your working conditions are your students’ learning conditions. Like you, IEA wants both to be the best they can be.
Contract negotiations
As a public education employee, your union, as your exclusive bargaining representative, has the legal right to negotiate the terms of your employment. Your contract is the basis for most of your employee rights. It spells out your working hours, evaluation process, work/life benefits, job responsibilities, use of social media and school safety.
Your UD supports your local representatives as they negotiate contracts representing your – and ultimately your students’ – best interests.
Other areas of expertise
UDs also help your local association, at no additional cost, with:
Contract interpretation • Grievance processing • Job security protection • Training programs to meet local needs • Employee counseling for work-related problems • Arbitration case presentations • Unemployment information • Bargaining crisis preparation • Retirement concerns • Public relation programs development • Governance matters assistance • Civil rights violations process • IEA-NEA benefits access
Many ESPs have started or are about to start their summertime recharge. Once the last student leaves the building and you head home, take time for you and recharge your mind, body, and spirit. Many ESPs work second or third jobs to help make ends meet. I encourage you to try to slow down, breathe, and do something you enjoy.
To the many ESPs who work all summer, thank you for doing what you do to prepare for the upcoming school year! What you do is extremely important. I also encourage you to find time to do a little recharge as well. You deserve it!!
You only have one you and you deserve to rest. Thank you for being a hero to so many! Thank you for putting your students successes to the forefront, and thank you for your tireless determination to make our students, schools, and communities better. Enjoy your summer!
WE ARE ESP!!
The 2019 legislative session has come to an end. Few, if any, thought it would have ended on such a high note on so many levels. The majority of this update will focus on the IEA legislative priorities. We also think it is important to inform you about the state budget and other significant legislative initiatives that will greatly benefit IEA members.
ESPs are the backbone of our education system. We support, educate, and inspire our students and help them reach success. Do you wish you had a certain training you could attend to improve your skills? Do you have an idea or topic for a session you would like to present to other ESPs? We are looking for presenters for the One Conference in October for every ESP job category. Yes, you can share your acknowledge and skills with others. Please submit an RFP to present at this years One Conference. I have submitted mine.
CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE NOW!
Applications are being accepted for the following conferences:
o 2019 IEA One Conference – due Sept. 6
o 2019 IEA Ethnic Minority & Emerging Leadership Training (EMELT) – due Sept. 16
The applications are available on Members Only under EVENTS/Funding.
Applications can either be mailed to the attention of Kathi Griffin, President of IEA, 100 E. Edwards St., Springfield, IL, 62704 or emailed to Courtney Gillespie. Any questions regarding funding for the conferences can be directed to Courtney Gillespie.
