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.
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!
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!
Who is heading to Houston and attending the NEA RA 2019?
NEA RA
The World’s Largest Democratic Deliberative Assembly
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!
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.
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.
Kandy Bekeris, President, Cedar Rapids Organization of Teacher Associates (CROTA), Iowa Tania Johnson, President, Cedar Rapids Education Association (CREA), Iowa
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.
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
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 Excelawards. 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.)
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.
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
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.
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
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.
July 22-25, 2019 Illinois State University Normal, Illinois
Hundreds of Illinois Education Association leaders (elected, appointed, emerging, and aspiring) will gather together this summer for training on leadership skills and abilities that make a difference for our students, our schools, and our communities. In addition, several professional development electives will be available.
The 165th Illinois Education Association Representative Assembly (RA) convenes on April 11, 2019. The debates and decisions made by the assembled delegates set the direction of IEA for the coming year.
Past practice has proven that once legislators change this threshold for TRS and SURS, they do the same for IMRF. So, if we don’t speak out now, our own IMRF contributions also could be capped at the 3 percent limit.
The bill to #repealthe3 has still not been called for a vote. That’s why we need your help now! Please call your lawmaker. Tell them to strongly encourage House leadership to call the bill before lawmakers leave for break on Friday. Click to call now or call 1-888-412-6570 You can also sign our petition to help #repealthe3. Thank you to those who’ve already signed. So far, we have nearly 50,000 signatures!
We cannot delay any longer – our future depends on it! If we don’t protect our profession, our students will suffer and ultimately public education in this state will lose. We are the largest education organization in the state and when we stand together our voice cannot be ignored. We are always STRONGER when we are UNITED.
In solidarity, Kathi Griffin President Illinois Education Association
I’ve lost count of how many ESPs have said to me when describing their career as, “I’m just a teachers aid”, or I’m just a bus driver”. This is so far from the truth!! You educate the future!! It’s right in your title you are an Education Support Professional! There are many ESP job categories, all equally as important. Imagine a school day if just one category was taken away. Students, and learning would suffer GREATLY!! You name it, an ESP touches every aspect of a students day. Bus drivers are the first and last person students see, nurses keep them healthy administering medication, cafeteria staff gives our students the nourishment for them to stay focused, security keeps everyone safe, and so so much more. Listen to Saul Ramos NEA ESP of the year 2017 explains his leadership story and experiences as an ESP.
On the #SchoolMe podcast, Saúl Ramos shares his ESP leadership story and experience as a paraeducator.
WHERE: Bloomington IEA Office 304 S. Eldorado Suite 2 Bloomington, IL 61704
WHAT: Meet the IEA ESP Council. Share what’s happening in your school district and local. Learn what the Council offers and how we can assist your members.
Greetings, NCUEA Local Presidents! The National Council of Urban Education Associations continues its partnership with NEA’s Center for Organizing (C4O) by providing NCUEA members trainings for new local presidents in the 2018-2019 school year. Moreover, NCUEA members are given preferential registration notice before non-NCUEA members to register for these training opportunities.
TRAININGS FOR NEW LOCAL PRESIDENTS
NCUEA continues to recognize the need to support new local presidents with training sessions aligned with NEA’s Leadership Competencies to provide skills and tools needed to achieve the Association’s 2018-2019 priorities. NCUEA and C4O will offer two additional, new local presidents’ trainings in the 2018-2019 school year. Each session is capped at 15 participants and registration is on a first come, first served basis.
ELIGIBLITY: The New Local Presidents Training will be open to NEW local association presidents, within their first 24 months.
FOCUS: The training focuses on Level 1 of the NEA Leadership Competencies, Foundational.
WHEN & WHERE: The training will start at 9:00 AM on Thursday, May 16, 2019, and conclude at noon on Saturday, May 18, 2019. The training sessions will take place in Las Vegas, NV.
LODGING & MEALS: NEA will cover the cost of the hotel (room and tax) and meals (breakfast and lunch) during the training. All other meals are the responsibility of the individual attendees. Participants will receive the hotel information once registration closes. All guests must submit a credit card upon check-in at the hotel to cover any incidental charges.
LOCAL COMMITTMENT: Each participant is responsible for making their own flight and travel arrangements. NEA is not responsiblefor the cost of airfare, taxi, baggage, or other travel expenses.
REGISTRATION: Click here to register for the May 16—18, 2019 training. After the first 15 registrants, we will begin a waiting list. Please contact Sharon Holbrook, sholbrook@nea.org with any questions.
If you cannot attend this training, our next training will be:
August 8—10, 2019, Washington DC
Registration opens for NCUEA locals: May 27, 2019
Registration extends to all NEA locals: June 3, 2019
Thanks to the advocacy of NEA’s members and board of directors, the Senate joined the House in voting to create a national award for ESPs. Support was overwhelming in both chambers: the vote was unanimous in the Senate and 387-19in the House. The measure directs the Secretary of Education to establish the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award Program for ESPs in pre-K-to grade 12: paraeducators, clerical assistants, bus drivers, custodians, food service workers, security professionals, nurses, and more. In the words of NEA President Lily Eskelsen Garcia, “This long overdue bill appropriately respects and rightly acknowledges the hard work, dedication, skills and expertise of our ESPs.” The bill creating the national ESP award now goes to the president to be signed into law.
Senate version of Dream and Promise Act introduced
The Senate version of the Dream and Promise Act (H.R. 6), introduced March 26, consists of two bills. Both provide legal status and a path to citizenship: the Dream Act (S. 874) for people brought to this country as minors and the SECURE Act (S. 879) for people allowed to remain here for humanitarian reasons under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) programs. The Migration Policy Institute estimates that nearly 40,000 educators could benefit. H.R. 6 has 225 cosponsors, enough to guarantee passage in the House, which is expected sometime after the April recess. Click on the take action button and tell your representatives to support H.R. 6, S. 874, and S. 879.
Tell your representatives to cosponsor and support the IDEA Full Funding Act
The bipartisan IDEA Full Funding Act, introduced this week in both the Senate and the House, would fulfill the promise Congress made in 1975 when it passed the Individuals with Disabilites in Education Act: to pay 40% of special education costs. Currently, the federal government pays less than 14% of those costs. The IDEA Full Funding Act would increase the federal contribution over a 10-year period until it reaches the 40% level in 2029. Nearly 7 million students receive special education services-13% of all public school students. Click on the take action button and tell your representatives to support the IDEA Full Funding Act.
Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) introduced the bipartisan Dream Act (S. 874) to provide legal status and a path to citizenship for people brought to this country as minors who know no other country as home.
Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Ben Cardin (D-MD) introduced the SECURE Act (S. 879) to provide legal status and a path to citizenship for people in the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) programs.
Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS), and Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA),John Katko (R-NY), David McKinley (R-WV), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Glenn Thompson (R-PA), Joe Neguse (D-CO), Dean Phillips (D-MN), and Kurt Schrader (D-OR) introduced the bipartisan IDEA Full Funding Act.
Representative Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) introduced the Universal Full-Day Kindergarten Act, the first-ever House bill to take steps toward providing universal access to full-day kindergarten.
Labor, HHS, Education Appropriations subcommittee chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), full committee chairwoman Nita Lowey (D-NY), and Representatives Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Katherine Clark (D-MA), Lois Frankel (D-FL), Cheri Bustos (D-IL), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) forcefully challenged Education Secretary Betsy DeVos at a hearing on her budget proposal, that DeLauro called “cruel” and “reckless.”
If you get the chance…You have to attend an ESP Conference. Sometimes as ESPs we forget we are professionals, we are important, and we are NECESSARY for the success for EVERY students. When you come together with other ESPs you are reminded that what you do every day matters. You matter!!
If you think you are “just” a para professional, bus driver, lunch lady, or any of the many other essential ESP job categories. Let me remind you, You Matter!! You are a professional!!! It’s right in your job title, Education Support Professional!! You deserve respect for what you do everyday. Everyday you have the opportunity to be a light, make a difference, and change the world one students at a time. WE ARE ESP!!
ESPs from around the country are coming together in Las Vegas to attend the NEA ESP Conference. This is a premier conference helping ESPs to develop greater skills in many areas. Just a few topics include sessions that enhance a wide variety of job category skills, ACES: Building Resilient Students, Organizing, and Racial Justice. #WeLoveOurESP
The NEA ESP conference is the premier professional development opportunity for Education Support Professionals across the nation. The goal of the conference is to grow and strengthen the professional excellence of ESP members working in Pre-K to Higher-Ed through Association-convened, educator-led, and student-centered learning experiences. With more than 60 interactive workshops to choose from over the course of four days, participants will enhance their knowledge and skills to build community relationships, organize members, advocate for educators, and sustain stronger local associations, helping members excel in their careers and positively impact student success.
Who’s attending? What are you looking forward to most?
Seeking members to serve on IEA committeesProposed bylaw amendments to be considered at the IEA RAUpdate on the 3 percent repeal effort
Seeking members to serve on IEA committees
It’s that time again to begin the process of appointing committee and task force members for the next year (2019-20). Recommendations are due no later than May 15.
If you are interested in serving on a committee or task force, please review the procedures which will be followed in recommending committee appointments.
Proposed bylaw amendments
Three bylaw amendments have been proposed for consideration at the 2019 IEA Representative Assembly at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Rosemont on April 11-13, 2019.
These proposals have been timely submitted and have been presented to the IEA Executive Committee pursuant to the IEA Bylaws amendment deadlines. All proposed amendments must be posted on the Association website for at least thirty (30) consecutive days in advance of the RA. In addition, these proposals are emailed to each member who has an email address on record and a notice issued through association social media sites no later than thirty (30) days prior to the RA. These proposals will need approval by a two-thirds vote of RA delegates to be adopted. Additional amendments may be made at the RA at least one business meeting prior to the meeting at which the final vote is taken; however, proposals made in this fashion must be approved by at least three-fourths of the RA delegates in order to be adopted.2018-19 Proposed Bylaw Amendment 12018-19 Proposed Bylaw Amendment 22018-19 Proposed Bylaw Amendment 3The current bylaw language is printed in the left-hand column. The proposed amendments are printed in underlined type in the right-hand column.
Repeal the 3 percent update
More than 40,000 IEA members have signed the petition to repeal the 3 percent TRS/SURS salary limitation! If you haven’t already, sign the petition! Also, we are asking you to send an email to your lawmakers. All you have to do is follow this link, and the tool will walk you through the process. Click the Take Action button and enter your mailing address and your lawmakers’ names will pop up, along with a pre-written email that outlines the issue and why IEA members across the state are finding problems with the 3 percent law.Watch the videoView the toolkit
Each year, one Education Support Professional receives the NEA ESP of the Year Award in recognition of their outstanding contribution to their schools, communities, and profession.
The ESP of the Year serves as an ambassador for Education Support Professionals around the country, promoting the value of ESP members at national and state conferences.
While it showcases one outstanding support professional each year, the Award recognizes and honors the contributions to great public schools all Education Support Professionals make year-round.
Tina Pizzitola is our 2019 Illinois ESP representative. ESPs throughout Illinois are very lucky to have you representing us. You represent the very best of our profession.
NEA will present its 28th annual NEA ESP of the Year Award at the 2019 NEA ESP National Conference on Saturday, March 23rd. Good luck Tina Pizzitola and thank you for all you do for your students and for the betterment of all ESPs.
Paraprofessional, Instructional Assistant, Teacher’s Aide, Educational Assistant… these wonderful people go by many names. When we read these titles, however, we may not really understand what their jobs entail. After almost 10 years in education, though, I think I can sum up a parapro’s job description in one word: superhero.
Welcome Carbondale Educational Support Professionals Association (Region 2)
Welcome CESPA
Pictured left to right: Secretary Amy Weber, President Tricia Lueker, Vice President Leatreasa Lilly-Madison (all three are building secretaries), Treasurer Donovan Burk and Regional Council Rep Phillip Wallen(both special education aides). Not pictured is instructional aide Joan Rogers, elected RCR alternate.
The Carbondale Educational Support Professionals Association-IEA/NEA (CESPA) has its first set of local officers! At their maiden general membership meeting Nov.1, members ratified local bylaws and then elected CESPA’s Executive Committee. CESPA is the newest affiliate of Region 2, served out of the IEA Carterville Office. They will partner with the longstanding Carbondale Education Association which represents teachers and other certified employees of Carbondale Elementary District #95. The ESP local representing nearly 100 aides, paraprofessionals, secretaries, cooks and maintenance staff organized last spring with overwheling support.Submitted by IEA Organizer Dave Vitoff Edwardsville
Welcome Johnsburg Support Staff Organization (Region 23)
Welcome JSSO
Members of JSSO met at Ringwood Elementary School in Ringwood on Dec. 11 to vote in their very first election. After a whirlwind three-month campaign, 48 paraprofessionals and teachers’ aides formed a new ESP local and they are already preparing to enter bargaining. Congratulations, JSSO!
(Pictured L to R): Jennifer Schmitt, association representative;Kathleen Zakrocky, regional council representative; Julie Young, treasurer; Laurie Stade, president;Dawn Becker, association representative; Kelly Berwick, vice president; Mary Kay Martino, secretary; and Suzy Martin, association representative.
I had the privilege to attend Region 51’s monthly meeting, which was held at the IEA office in Minooka, Illinois, this past Thursday Feb. 28th. Illinois Senator Michael Hastings was the honored speaker for the evening. Many topics were discussed but the 3% cap was the hot topic of the evening and how it is effecting many districts during the already stressful time of bargaining.
How does 3% effect ESPs if it pertains to certified staff retirement compensation?
Past practices have shown that ESP IMRF contribution rules usually follow TRS contribution rules. So if we don’t speak out now our own IMRF contributions could soon be capped at the 3% limit also.
Illinois has many districts that are “wall to wall.” Wall to wall contracts cover ESPs and certified staff under one contract. This usually means that all members under the contract get the same raise. The 3% cap is effecting ESPs who are already suffering from low wages making it much more difficult to get the raises they need and deserve.
Great news! With a vote of 387-19, the House overwhelmingly passed HR276, a bill to honor education support professionals (ESP), who play an essential role in keeping students safe, challenged, engaged, supported, and healthy in our public schools and communities.
HR276 would create the RISE Award, an annual recognition through the Dep. of Ed that would put a national spotlight on the commitment and professionalism of ESP careers.
A huge thank you to @repdinatitus & @RepSusieLee for championing this bill. We’ve worked with fellow labor organizations and unions on this legislation for many years. While this is a victory, we’ll continue to see this journey through until this bill becomes law. #WeLoveOurESP
School code: Education Support Personnel HB 921 Would allow an ESP who has been RIF’d and then hired back within one year of the RIF notice, to retain all seniority rights and benefits that would have been afforded them if they had never been laid off. The IEA supports this Illinois Federation of Teachers initiative. The bill passed out of the Education Committee and now resides on the House floor.
Having a good time while getting things done!! Meeting amazing ESPs from area locals. Hearing what great and not so great things are happening for ESPs. #StrongerUnited #IEAESPs
IEA ESP Council Elgin Assembly
What a great day spending it with Elgin area ESP’s! Thank you to our visitors who joined our meeting and giving us great insight into what is happening in their locals.
Concerns Discussed:
Bargaining/Negotiations
Fair Pay-some ESP’s are barely making over minimum wage
Retirement Benefits
Need for Full Time Nurses in Every Building
Concern regarding edays
Member apathy
Positives Discussed:
Some locals saw very few member losses due to Fare Share
Some growth in local memberships after Fare Share
Ideas shared to grow member awareness-tee shirts, newsletter, quick monthly 10 min meeting (snacks), council member to speak at local meeting, host summer event
This free event would help give you the tools to better serve the most fragile students and prepare you to help give them the tools to become Resilient amd succeed in school.
