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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.”

2020 One Conference: Due to the COVID 19 situation, the 2020 One Conference will not be taking place as planned this year. Some of the constituency groups are planning to offer periodic virtual sessions to their members over the course of the year in place of the conference.  Look for the conference to return on October 1-2, 2021.

[Webinar] Student Debt Relief for Educators Now

AVAILABLE TIMES

Thu, Jun 25, 3:00pm–4:00pm EDT-Notice Eastern timeThu, Jun 25, 7:00pm–8:00pm EDT-Notice Eastern timeJoin experts in student loan law to help you:

• Lower your student loan payments before the payment suspension expires in September 2020;
• Fight for broader suspension and loan cancellation in current COVID relief legislation;
• Put yourself on the path to get your current debt canceled under the Teacher Loan Forgiveness and Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs.

Together we can create a plan to combat your debt, advocate for urgent relief action from Congress, and elect future leaders who support canceling student debt and reforming the student loan system.

FYI-A Note From Me – I am currently enrolled in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Please if you have student loans, or your kids have student loans….or they will in the future, please attend this webinar to find out more information.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday released long-awaited guidance for schools across the state as questions swirl over how instruction will resume in the fall.