Author: ieaesp

If you could ask him a question about the issues that matter most to you, your students, and your community, what would it be?

For the first time in its more than 160-year history, the National Education Association (NEA) will host a virtual Representative Assembly, a necessary and prudent safeguard for its delegates during a global pandemic.

“NEA’s Board of Directors has decided to convert the 2020 NEA RA into a virtual meeting, which is our safest option,” said NEA President Lily Eskelsen García. “We cannot take the risk of educators becoming infected and spreading the virus to students, their families and colleagues, or their communities. We look forward to the 2021 RA, where we can hopefully once again come together to set policy and chart the direction of NEA business.”

Nearly 8,000 educator delegates from every state will come together virtually during NEA’s 99th Representative Assembly (RA) on July 2-3, 2020, with a streamlined agenda, packed with major speakers who will address the many crises public education faces during one of the most trying times in our history.

Tonight at 7pm CT. You won’t want to miss this event tonight.

“We Rise Together”

Join the NEA family at 8 pm EST on July 1st 2020 as we launch the first ever virtual Human and Civil Rights Awards celebration. Tune in on this pivotal evening to honor the outstanding work of this year’s honorees.

#NEAHCRAwards #WeRiseTogether

Colleagues,

As you have heard, our Center for Social Justice is offering a Summer Justice Series Camp throughout the summer. This is a phenomenal opportunity for professional development and we wanted to make sure everyone had it on their radar. To register for the Summer Justice Series, please visit: https://neaedjustice.org/summerjustice/. The kick-off begins tonight at 5:00pm. Please see additional information below and we hope to “see” you there!

The National Education Association’s Center for Social Justice invites you to join us for a powerful kick-off to the Summer Justice Series on June 29th at 5pm ET/ 2pm PT

Gather around the (virtual) campfire to warm up and welcome one another as we kick-off the Summer Justice Series with:

1. A special opening by renowned comedian and actress, Kym Whitley.
2. A discussion on addressing anti-Blackness and achieving educational freedom with author and researcher, Dr. Bettina Love.
3. And a closing dance party with world-renowned DJ Kemit.

Like so many parents, even though fall is still a few months away, I’ve been thinking non-stop about WTF is going to happen when (and if) schools reopen. Will my kids’ school district be able to offer options that seem educationally and socially appropriate while also keeping my kids safe? Could we handle another potentially disastrous few months of distance learning? What would the risks be to my children if I did end up sending them back?

My instinct right now is that there is no way returning to school can be made safe enough for me to send my children back. I mean, enclosed spaces are known vectors of COVID-19, and half of the grown ups I see walking around town can’t properly wear a mask—how the heck would a room full of third graders pull this off? I just can’t imagine that school would be a safe or a happy place for my kids.

But. The other thing that I don’t really talk about is that my husband is a teacher, and I’m worried sick about him having to go back to work. My husband loves his job, and his students love him back. His school has very successfully implemented distance learning and he diligently sat at his desk at home from March-June delivering awesome virtual lessons to his middle school students.

ESPs are an integral part in the success of our students. Many ESPs go beyond their job description, to make a difference in both schools and communities.

Check out these great ESP Resources:

• ESP Coloring Books-English and Spanish
• A Guide to Celebrate National Education Support Professionals Day
• ESP: Ensuring Student and School Success Hand Out Card
• ESP: School Superheroes Hand Out Card
• ESP: Ensuring Student and School Success Learning Poster
• Celebrate ESP Day Learning Poster
• ESP School Superheroes: Keeping Students and Schools Safe Learning Poster

The Tacoma Public Schools Board of Directors on Thursday approved a new contract for Superintendent Carla Santorno, which includes a salary increase of around $9,000.

The decision drew criticism when, immediately after the approval of the superintendent’s new contract, the school board also voted to approve layoffs for numerous paraeducators.

“Frankly, it feels like a slap in the face when her monthly salary is what most paras make in a year,” Kari Madden, a 13-year Tacoma paraeducator who had her hours cut next year, told The News Tribune through text. “I recognize she has a tough job, however I struggle to see the rationalization of that amount she was making before but especially taking a large raise during a pandemic.”