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Wow…that was a rough year. I’m officially on summer break. You probably have noticed I haven’t been able to post as often as I used to. By the time my work day and union opportunities finished each day…I just didn’t have it in me to post. I think you all can relate. Thank you for all you do! I hope you enjoy your summer and can rest and recharge! I know that is my goal!

Received May 16th

Today, on World ESP Day, I am reminded of the impact education support professionals (ESPs) have on school communities not only in this nation, but around the world. In every state and almost every country, ESPs are educating, nurturing, and caring for our students and communities. They are with us on picket lines and in front of legislatures, protecting our rights and freedoms from those who try to take them away.

In many countries, including our own, ESPs are overworked and underpaid. We recently surveyed NEA ESP members and found that 90 percent of those who work in K-12 schools see low pay as a “moderate or serious” concern for them. Thirty-seven percent take on a second job and one-third have a moderate or serious problem buying food. This is unacceptable. Every education support professional deserves fair pay, good benefits, better working conditions, quality professional development, and respect. As an ESP leader in Michigan recently said, they deserve not just living wages but thriving wages.

The good news: we have the power to make big changes. In this newsletter, you will find several ways to take action in support of ESPs and the students they serve. I hope that you will join us to protect our public schools and the educators who make them safe, welcoming, and inclusive places for students everywhere.

In solidarity,

Amber Parker
Director
NEA ESP Quality Department

Come on summer!!! Please don’t be a train.

It has been a challenging year. I’ve had to stop, breathe, and count my blessings…and yes, I’ve found so many blessings! If noone has told you lately… Thank You!! Thank you for being a blessing to me, your students and your colleagues.

Early bird registration for the 2025 Summer Leadership Academy is $45 and is open. On Saturday, May 23rd, 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.

How are you doing…? No, really?

This school year has been a real challenge for me! I love what I do, but my work schedule was to say the least…extremely draining. I just haven’t been able to do…and keep up with everything like I want to.

Why is it easier to give others grace…but not so easy to give ourselves that same benefit. I want you to know that you matter! What you do matters! You are enough! You are needed in this space! Thank you for just being you!

Hope you are doing well and looking forward to a relaxing summer! 😊

Summer Leadership Academy registration is now open and the early bird cost is $45.  This Early Bird rate will close on May 1st so I wanted to be sure to send this information out in advance. Here is the registration link. You may sign up multiple people at time to secure a spot. Please encourage your exec boards and local leaders to attend.  Once the schedule is complete, you will receive an email to select sessions and submit your payment. SLA is held July 28-31 at Illinois State University.

The 2025 SLA agenda has not yet been created/finalized, however, I have attached LAST YEAR’s agenda so you can get a feel for what sessions may be provided this year. SLA usually starts the first day with new BOD training and stakeholder summit, followed by a series of training sessions over the next two days.

Undo Tier 2 Week of Action

I hope this finds you well on this beautiful sunny day!!

Important Call To Action!! Please register for the upcoming Undo Tier 2 Week of Action. There is a We Are One Legislative Update webinar tomorrow, Monday at 6pm. – Here is the link to register –
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wwjkvgHGRSOkcEYl1uDfoQ?link_id=0&can_id=8d5cdedaa04d37e9a64c9d1c57a193e0#/registration

This is very important to bring a push to Undo Tier 2!! Time is of the essence for this legislative session to push this over the finish line.

What is Undo Tier 2 and why is it important we fight to undo the inequitable retirement requirements? Click to learn more – https://ieanea.org/undo-tier-two/

Tonight 33 amazing education support professional leaders, certified allies, and IEA staff collaborated on ways to improve how we advocate and support ESPs around the state. It is important to review our progress regularly so effective adjustments can be made and targets can be hit.

Topics discussed:

• Legislation goals and successes
• Suggestions for improving ESP presence and voice at the Illinois Representative Assembly
• Suggestions for improvement at the ONE Conference
• Challenges ESP are facing in locals to review how we can support

Please join us at our next rESPect Steering meeting on May 8th from 5:30-7:00.

We could see a vote from state senators this week on SB1799. Take action for ESPs TODAY! Write your state senators and ask them to VOTE YES on SB 1799 to protect Education Support Professionals from third-party contracting. Senate Bill 1799 will Increase the accountability of third-party contractors, Reduce wasteful spending, and Ensure school districts are hiring district employees for long-term services.

Click HERE to take action!

1100 Delegates from across the state came together to discuss, debate, and direct the next year of our Illinois Education Association. We had several guest speakers who attended. One of the extremely important goals of our union is to ensure that every student has a high quality public education and as you can imagine that was an important topic of discussion.