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 ESP Day Toolkit

●     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

November 20, 2019

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

Nov. 4 7:30-8:30 p.m. Teletown Hall with Illinois Superintendent of Schools Carmen Ayala, Ph.D.

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.

Nov. 7  |  4:30 p.m.
Webinar – Introducing the app: Beginning with Babble (For anyone who deals with parents of small children)

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.

Nov. 18-22  |  #AEW2019

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.

Take Survey Now

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.

Wear Red for Ed on 10.23.19

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.

The ESP Council and President Support Team have partnered to bring you two very important supports in one location. There will be an ESP Assembly and a President Support Team Presidents’ Roundtable in the Champaign IEA Office, 2110 Clearlake Blvd., Suite 103, on:

Saturday, November 9, 2019

* 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.

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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

Educational Support Professionals: My School, My Voice

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.

Conference Registration Room Reservation

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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.

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

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NEA ESP Leadership Institute (formerly ESP Leaders for Tomorrow) online application now available! Deadline is midnight, September 13, 2019.

NEA ESP Leadership Institute

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.

As we read about “teacher” strikes across the country and the fight for better pay, smaller class sizes, sound infrastructure and adequate resources for schools, we don’t often hear about the paraprofessional and school support staff who also are walking the picket lines and making sure that children are cared for and their families fed during these walkouts. Paraprofessional and school support personnel are just as important as teachers and make just as much of a difference on strike day — and every day.

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.

Paraprofessional and Support Staff Losing Pay

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.

Exciting News!

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:

• quality and impact for ESP participants, 
• deep and deliberate connections with local affiliates, 
• alignment with NEA Leadership Competencies, 
• increased number of annual participants, and
• strategic engagement and activism of LFT alumni.

Applications for the next cohort of Leaders for Tomorrow will open shortly after the redesign is complete. Check back for updates!

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.

Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in the National Education Association’s webinar What You Need to Know: ESP Mentoring ESP in the Workplace

Thursday, May 23, 2019
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST

Register at http://neaorg.adobeconnect.com/evbo41l2ikly/event/event_info.html

Do you have inadequate opportunities for professional learning and support? Are you working in isolation with little to no feedback or support? Would you or your ESP colleagues benefit from mentoring? Join our webinar and find out ‘what you need to know’ before developing or designing an ESP peer mentoring program. In this webinar, we will also hear from the Schaumburg Educational Employees Organization (SEEO) about their Partners mentoring program, which has been in existence since 1999 and from the Cedar Rapids Organization of Teacher Associates (CROTA), who are developing a mentoring program for newly hired paraeducators. Let’s learn more about how ESP can support one another through high-quality mentoring programs to build professional excellence across their entire career continuum and ensure student success.

Presenters:

Kandy Bekeris, President, Cedar Rapids Organization of Teacher Associates (CROTA), Iowa
Tania Johnson, President, Cedar Rapids Education Association (CREA), Iowa

Connie Joniec, New Employees & Partners Chair, Schaumburg Educational Employees Organization (SEEO), Illinois

Grace Hwang, Senior Program Specialist, National Education Association, Education Support Professional Quality
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.
Questions? Contact Jessica Brinkley at jdbrinkley@nea.org.
For more ESP professional development opportunities visit http://www.nea.org/esppd.

Happy World ESP Day!

Today is #WorldESPDay. Let’s celebrate #education support professionals who contribute so much to our school communities all over the world! #ProudToBe #ProudToBeESP

This Thursday we are celebrating #WorldESPDay! Today, and every day, we celebrate how #education support professionals help make quality education a reality. Thank you for all you do for the success of your students, schools, and communities. #ProudToBe #ProudToBeESP

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• Restorative Practices and Prosocial Skills Training: Interested in learning more about non-exclusionary student discipline? Register today for one or both of our summer training opportunities. On day one we will learn about restorative practices as a straightforward problem-solving framework that can be used as an alternative to exclusionary discipline. On day two we will learn about prosocial skills training as an intervention designed to promote prosocial behavior in adolescents using techniques to develop social skills, emotional control, and moral reasoning. All workshops will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. Lunch and clock hours will be available. Register for one or both trainings. Space is limited! Register today.

Trainings will be held at the following locations:

• June 11 & 12, Bloomington IEA Office
• June 25 & 26, Springfield IEA Professional Development Center
• The IEA Summer Book Study will begin on June 3. Our next book will be “The Restorative Practices Handbook for Teachers, Disciplinarians, and Administrators: Building a Culture of Community in Schools” by Bob Costello, Joshua Wachtel, and Ted Wachtel.
• Summer Leadership Academy (SLA) July 22 – 25 registration is open!

The IEA Summer Leadership Academy (SLA) will be held July 22-25, 2019 at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois.

Many of the highly valued SLA “Schools,” which offer in-depth training over a-day-and-a-half, will reach their capacity limits during the Early-Bird Registration period, which starts now and ends June 15. SLA Schools will be offered on Tuesday, July 23 and on Wednesday morning, July 24. The Organizing School will begin at 10 a.m. and the ESP Emerging Leaders Academy will begin at 12 p.m. on Monday, July 22. On Wednesday afternoon and Thursday morning, a wide-range of professional development sessions will be offered.

New Presidents Orientation and Experienced Presidents Pre-Training will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, July 22. Beginning on Tuesday, Presidents Schools will be offered through Thursday at noon. Please register here for the 2019 Summer Leadership Academy.

• Degrees Not Debt Resources

Did you know the IEA website has a Degrees Not Debt section with the new Department of Education Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) help tool?  The automated tool walks participants through the PSLF Program, helps them assess if their employer and loans qualify for PSLF, helps them decide which forms to submit and even helps by completing the necessary forms. Any member interested can access the tool on the IEA website at Degrees Not Debt.

• The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) is accepting nominations for the 2020 Illinois Teacher of the Year and Those Who Excel awards. The awards honor individuals who have made significant contributions to Illinois’ public and nonpublic PreK-12 schools. Any person or organization may submit nominations for the awards. Nominations are open in several categories, including:

o    Classroom Teacher (Licensed)

o    Early Career Educator

o    Education Service Personnel (Unlicensed)

o    School Administrator

o    School Board Member/Community Volunteer

o    Student Support Personnel (Licensed)

o    Team

ISBE will select the 2020 Illinois Teacher of the Year from the Classroom Teacher category. A nomination packet can be accessed here.All nominations must be received electronically (by close of business) or postmarked by Monday, June 3, 2019.  Submit nominations by email to jseiler@isbe.net or mail to: Illinois State Board of Education, Communications Department, 100 N. First St., Springfield, IL 62777. (Share with members, see below.)

Jean Wicks-Evans

Jean Wicks-Evans, UniServ Associate

Minooka IEA Office

106 Ridge Rd, Unit 100

Minooka, IL  60447

800-919-7446

815-255-2534

Fax: 815-828-5759

  

I’m so excited to be heading to the IEA ESP Lock Box Challenge today, May 4th. The IEA ESP Council is hosting a statewide livestream event. Before the council meeting, ESPs will gather at the Matteson, Palatine, Carterville and Bloomington offices to participate in a statewide challenge hosted by the leadership academy.

The ESP Lock Box Challenge will start at 10 a.m. and end promptly at noon.
PLEASE REGISTER HERE
This is a fun networking event to learn more about the IEA, the ESP Support Council, ESP Connections and the IEA-NEA Emerging Leaders Academy. Join Us! We look forward to including you in our ESP network and resources.

Thank you for all the hard work you do! As fellow ESPs, we’re here for you every step of the way. Your active support is what makes a difference for all of us. We look forward to seeing you at this exciting event! 

If you’re interested in participating and have questions or concerns, please email Crystal Bush, IEA UniServ Director, Palatine office. 

I hope to see you there! Challenge accepted!!

Check out our Dates to Remember page for important upcoming dates and information.

Thursday, May 23, 2019

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST

Do you have inadequate opportunities for professional learning and support? Are you working in isolation with little to no feedback or support? Would you or your ESP colleagues benefit from mentoring? Join our webinar and find out ‘what you need to know’ before developing or designing an ESP peer mentoring program.  In this webinar, we will also hear from the Schaumburg Educational Employees Organization (SEEO) about their Partners mentoring program, which has been in existence since 1999 and from the Cedar Rapids Organization of Teacher Associates (CROTA), who are developing a mentoring program for newly hired paraeducators.  Let’s learn more about how ESP can support one another through high-quality mentoring programs to build professional excellence across their entire career continuum and ensure student success.

Presenters:

Kandy Bekeris, President, Cedar Rapids Organization of Teacher Associates (CROTA), Iowa

Tania Johnson, President, Cedar Rapids Education Association (CREA), Iowa

Connie Joniec, New Employees & Partners Chair, Schaumburg Educational Employees Organization (SEEO), Illinois

Grace Hwang, Senior Program Specialist, National Education Association, Education Support Professional Quality

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.

Questions? Contact Jessica Brinkley at jdbrinkley@nea.org.

For more ESP professional development opportunities visit www.nea.org/esppd.

Please join us!

Save the Date:  Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m. – noon Great news! You’re receiving this message because you are an education support professional (ESP). In case you haven’t heard, we are members of the very first IEA Emerging Leaders Academy: Class of 2019 (Cyclones)! We’re keeping you informed of exciting upcoming events that you can be a part of! On Saturday, May 4, the IEA ESP Council is hosting a statewide livestream event. Before the council meeting, ESPs will gather at the Matteson, Palatine, Carterville and Bloomington offices to participate in a statewide challenge hosted by the leadership academy. The ESP Lock Box Challenge will start at 10 a.m. and end promptly at noon.  PLEASE REGISTER HERE This is a fun networking event to learn more about the IEA, the ESP Support Council, ESP Connections and the IEA-NEA Emerging Leaders Academy. Join Us! We look forward to including you in our ESP network and resources.   Thank you for all the hard work you do! As fellow ESPs, we’re here for you every step of the way. Your active support is what makes a difference for all of us. We look forward to seeing you at this exciting event!  If you’re interested in participating and have questions or concerns, please email Crystal Bush, IEA UniServ Director, Palatine office.  Sincerely, Class of 2019   IEA-NEA ESP Emerging Leaders Linda Colon, Amy Lynn Evans, Nikhat Farheen, Oeinna Jackson, Karin Lennon, Lorena Lopez, Leatreasa Lily Madison,Tyler McKinney, Latoya Montgomery, Shazia Pathan, Craig Sigele and Phillip Wallen

Center for Great Public Schools Webinar
What You Need to Know: ESP Mentoring ESP in the Workplace

Do you have inadequate opportunities for professional learning and support? Are you working in isolation with little to no feedback or support? Would you or your ESP colleagues benefit from mentoring?

Join our webinar and find out ‘what you need to know’ before developing or designing an ESP peer mentoring program. In this webinar, we will also hear from the Schaumburg Educational Employees Organization (SEEO) about their Partners mentoring program, which has been in existence since 1999 and from the Cedar Rapids Organization of Teacher Associates (CROTA), who are developing a mentoring program for newly hired paraeducators. Let’s learn more about how ESP can support one another through high-quality mentoring programs to build professional excellence across their entire career continuum and ensure student success.

Don’t miss this great opportunity!