IEA Education Support Professional Council
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.
Join us as we advocate to improve wages, benefits and working conditions for education support professionals (ESPs) throughout Illinois.
Please RSVP to receive the Zoom link for our RESPECT meeting.
*The RESPECT Campaign is led by education support professionals (bus drivers, librarians, paraprofessionals, secretaries, security, nurses, cafeteria workers and more) and supported by IEA staff.
Support staff are typically the first to arrive at school as they unlock doors and turn on lights. They are some of the first people to greet students when they arrive at school in the morning, who give students the academic support they need to become successful scholars, who carefully assist with their health, safety, and nutritional needs, and are the last people who see students safely home at the end of the day. The value of their work is priceless.
So it’s time we start treating them that way!
Early bird registration for the 2024 Summer Leadership Academy is $45 and open. On Wednesday, May 1, registration will go up to $90.00 per registrant.
To guarantee your early bird pricing, please register with the – SLA Early Bird Registration link. Once the schedule is complete, you will receive an email to select sessions and submit your payment.
The Recognizing Inspirational School Employees (RISE) Award is to recognize and promote the commitment and excellence exhibited by classified school employees who provide exemplary service to students in pre-kindergarten through high school and to inspire innovation and excellence among all classified school employees.
Head Custodian
Lincoln Elementary School, Palatine, Illinois
Governor J.B. Pritzker
RESPECT is a coordinated campaign lead by education support professionals, assisted by IEA staff and supported by ESP allies.
When: The Second Thursday of each month
What to expect: Attendees collaborate in breakout rooms where all voices are essential and valued as we work to achieve the goals of RESPECT.
When: The Second Thursday of each month
What to expect: Attendees collaborate in breakout rooms where all voices are essential and valued as we work to achieve the goals of RESPECT.
Thursday, April 25
6 – 7pm CDT
Communication skills are often the foundation for implementing student behavior supports. How educators communicate with students during times of crisis or challenging behaviors can impact students’ level of de-escalation. This webinar will provide foundational information on verbal intervention, phases of de-escalation, and positive communication skills. The presenter will share effective verbal de-escalation strategies that ESPs can use to help support students across school environments. Participants will also learn how verbal intervention strategies aid in creating a positive school culture that promotes student safety and inclusivity.
Presenter: Mr. Jason Fletcher
IEA Education Support Professional Council 