Category: Uncategorized

Power Up is a series of summits hosted by the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Excellence, Equity, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans and Discovery Education. These events aim to directly engage the Black community, local organizations, national stakeholders, and federal agencies on important issues.  

During this series, attendees will hear from students, educators, parents, school, district, community, and business leaders, different federal agencies, and subject matter experts. Best practices and resources to advance educational equity and economic opportunity in the Black community will be highlighted.

The next installation of the Power Up series will be hosted virtually on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm Eastern. This dynamic event will convene speakers from all four locations and welcome new voices. We will provide access to the resources and best practices typically shared at the event to many of the cities, states, and territories that have not been able to attend in person. This virtual convening will showcase our collective efforts to “Power Up” across the United States. Please join us for a stimulating array of panels and more!

Please register here and feel free to share with others.

Additional information and locations for the Power Up Series can be found at https://sites.ed.gov/whblackinitiative/powerup/. 

See you there!

White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue SW | Washington, DC 20202

Facebook @WHBlackInitiative and Twitter @WHBlkInitiative 

Thank you, Benjamin Kulhman, President of District 21 EA, for signing the rESPect Campaign’s Resolution of Support! This is a commitment from District 21 EA to advocate for the respect that Education Support Professionals deserve.

We are calling on our locals to take action for RESPECT. This small action can send a message to school districts, and with more locals signing on, it will send a message to our lawmakers! Sign the rESPect campaign’s Resolution of Support at your next membership meeting, and take a photo so we can share.

Learn more: https://ieanea.org/members/esp/respect/#resolution

Here is an important lesson to teach students and remind adults. As we head back into our school/university buildings, lets remember that words have power. We can use them to build someone up or tear someone down… Lets build a community of kindness!

Remember to be kind and teach kindness!

Palatine area members: First-of-its-kind professional development for higher ed ESPs, adjunct leaders and K-12 ESPs! Participants of the Strategic Communications Skills program will receive a $500 stipend upon program completion. The program is being offered through the Harper College Adjunct Faculty Association and Harper 512 Association (ESP) and will be held at the IEA Palatine Region office.

Click for more information and to register: K-12 ESPs: https://bit.ly/3WC5TG5

Click for more information and to register: Adjuncts and higher ed ESPs: https://bit.ly/4dgupUh

RESPECT Steering Meetings: 2024-2025 school year

Time: Thursdays 5:30 – 7pm CDT

Location: Virtual event Join from anywhere

About this event

Join us as we advocate to improve wages, benefits and working conditions for education support professionals (ESPs) throughout Illinois. Who is invited to attend? ALL Education Support Professionals and ALL Education Support Professional allies.

We need YOUR voice at the table! Please RSVP to get the Zoom link and automatic reminders for our RESPECT meetings.

*The RESPECT campaign is led by education support professionals (bus drivers, library associates, paraprofessionals, secretaries, security, nurses, cafeteria workers and other school and campus support staff) and supported by IEA staff.

Accessibility

Have accessibility questions? Reply to your registration email to confirm your requirements or ask for more information.

Share widely with colleagues and ESP Allies.

Because of Tier 2… 

• Have you thought about moving out of state?
• Have you thought about changing careers? 
• Have you discouraged family members from entering the profession?
• Are there other ways your public school or college has been impacted?

Tier 2 pensions are driving talented teachers, education support professionals (ESPs), higher ed staff and other licensed staff out of the profession. Regardless of your tier, share with us why Undo Tier 2 matters to YOU!

Support staff are typically the first to arrive at schools/campuses as they unlock doors and turn on lights. They are some of the first people to greet students when they arrive, who give students the academic support they need to become successful scholars, who carefully assist with students’ health and nutritional needs and see to their safety throughout the day. Their work is essential.
So it’s time we start treating them that way!

Elected representatives from across the state come together monthly to drive the goals of our union. The July Board of Directors meeting is held during Summer Leadership at Illinois State University.

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone who is attending Summer Leadership as we continue to grow as leaders and educators.