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About this event

Education support professionals provide a critical voice in our school communities and make our union stronger than ever. But how do we get colleagues to a union meeting, and how can we keep members engaged and active in the important work to secure wins for our students, our professions, and public education?

This month, join us for ESP Community Conversations, a virtual networking session where you can connect with ESP members from across the country to share experiences, strategies, and insights on union organizing and member engagement.

The National Education Association’s 2023 Education Support Professional (ESP) of the year, Pamella Johnson, delivered a speech to her fellow educators at NEA’s 2023 Representative Assembly.

Students with disabilities deserve to see themselves reflected in stories!

Check out NEA’s disability awareness booklist, featuring a wide range of disability experiences bit.ly/43o7lxe

A lot of great business has been done at this years NEA RA. It is always inspiring to participate in the this democratic process as we advocate for our students, members, and communities. I would like to highlight just a few of the business items that was accomplished.

• Legislative Amendment that establishes an ESP Bill of Rights
• New Business Item – to promote who education support professionals are, why education support professionals are essential, and what education support professionals do to those make decisions, ie legislators, local administration.
• New Business Item – “A Day Without ESPs” video
• Several other New Business Items that promote inclusion for ALL students and staff.
• Several other New Business Items that promote safety for All students and staff.

At this year’s NEA RA eight fabulous education support professionals were elected to the NEA Board of Directors. Our very own Debra Ward-Mitchell was elected and received the top number of votes with 100.24 percent of the vote. (Yes, it is possible to get more than 100 percent of the votes if everyone who voted for Debra, and several voters target vote, meaning they only voted for Debra instead of voting for the 8 possible candidates.)

Check out some of our highlights from this years NEA RA:

Tomorrow (July 3rd) is our first official day of the National Education Representative Assembly, but there is still work to do today (July 2nd) as we prepare. I am blessed to be on the Illinois Education Association’s Executive Board and Steering Committee so a lot of pre-conference business has to happen.

First we meet as a steering committee to review all of the proposed amendments. We have NEA Constitutional, Bylaws, Standing Rules, and Legislative Amendments, plus around a hundred New Business Items to review, Then, we will have our first Illinois State caucus meeting to begin working our way through the items as a whole delegation . These items, are important! They are the work of our members as we push to advocate for our students, colleagues, and communities. The days are long but the work is amazing!!

Pictures to come!

#NEARA2023 #rESPect #

June 2nd, first Illinois caucus. Illinois delegates are ready to get to work and do the business for IEA.

What is the National Education Association Representative Assembly?

I am so excited an honored to be able to attend this event and bring my voice to the table with so many other union advocates!

Pictures to follow!

Summer Recharge Required

#rESPect #IEAESP #ESPsAreEssential

Join us for this fun, interactive 2-day session. Learn to facilitate a peace circle. This two-day session will teach educators about the various aspects of restorative practices and the core components of the peace circle. Educators will participate in, learn to facilitate, and observe a peace circle. They will provide feedback to and receive feedback from other participants. Reflecting on the needs of their students, they will determine how to best incorporate restorative practices and peace circles into their professional practice. Facilitated by Hanifah Ross, IEA Instructional Resource and Professional Development Director. Professional Development Hours Available: 8. Lunch will be provided. Limit 20.

It is expected that participants attend both sessions.

8 Professional Development Hours (PDHs) available. Lunch will be provided.
MATTESON – June 27 & June 28, 2023 | 10AM – 2PM | www.cvent.com/d/blqd26
ELGIN – June 13 & June 14, 2023 | 10AM – 2PM | www.cvent.com/d/flqd2b
NAPERVILLE – June 20 & June 21, 2023 | 10AM – 2PM | www.cvent.com/d/qlqd26
STERLING/DIXON/ROCKFALLS – June 7 and 8, 2023 | 10AM – 2PM | www.cvent.com/d/qlqdzr

Don’t miss this! As one of the most recent graduates from the NEA ESPLI cohort, let me tell you, it changed my life! This is a once in a life time amazing leadership opportunity!!

I am excited to announce the application period for the next NEA ESP Leadership Institute (ESPLI) cohort is now open!

Offered exclusively to NEA ESP members nationwide, ESPLI is a powerful leadership development program grounded in diversity, equity, and cultural competence. The program brings together the NEA Leadership Competencies to train ESPs to be influential and effective leaders in their schools, associations, and communities. 

ESPLI has been designed by ESP members for ESP members. The program requires in-person trainings, virtual meetings, and webinars, as well as outside readings and homework. To graduate from the program, participants must also identify, implement, and present a capstone project that reflects their growth as an ESP leader and puts into practice at least one skill or content area they have learned from ESPLI.  All Pre-K-12 to higher education NEA ESP members who meet the eligibility requirements may apply.

NEA will select up to 40 members to participate in the next cohort. Selected members will be vetted with their state affiliate before an invitation is extended.

Important Dates