Author: ieaesp

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about the Leaders for Just Schools program here!

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

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

It has been a busy summer with:

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

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

Education Support Professional Proud!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Let’s finish strong!! We are NEA!!!