Waiting on an update
Education Support Professionals are exceptional at making adjustments…and making lemonade out of lemons.
We respect the bargaining process. I’m sure an agreement will come soon.
National Education Association Representative Assembly held in Philadelphia
Day 1
Each summer, nearly 7,000 educators gather to discuss the crucial issues influencing public education, establish National Education Association policies, and propose new business items for the upcoming year. These delegates represent the 3 million members of the NEA across the nation.
The days are long…about 12 hours today…but the work is essential! Starting early with a steering meeting and Illinois caucus discussions and debates, then heading to the main hall where delegates from across the country discussed and voted on NEA Resolution and Constitutional amendments. We then started on New Business Items (NBIs) to determine the direction of this next year. Some of the best time is making new friends and seeing old ones.
Undo Tier 2 Informational Webinar or Union Members
We all know that fixing Tier 2 pensions won’t happen overnight. This is a problem that has been growing for years. But we also know that it is critically important for all of us to understand the causes and consequences of the broken Tier 2 system as we fight for changes.
That’s why we are holding an informational webinar for union members to better understand the recent history of Illinois public employee pensions, the key differences between Tier 1 and Tier 2, and the path to fixing the broken Tier 2 system. This webinar is open to active or retired union members on Tier 1 or Tier 2 pension plans.
Please join us on July 16 at 6 p.m.
for our We Are One Illinois Tier 2 webinar.
If you’re heading to Philadelphia for the NEA RA…
I can’t wait to see you there!
The National Education Association Representative Assembly is being held in Philadelphia, PA, July 4-7th, with meetings starting on the 3rd. If you are traveling please be safe and I hope to see you there.
If you have a rESPect shirt, please bring it and wear it proudly, I know I will be!
Wow, did you know? I just learned of another member benefit!
Benefit Highlight – CustomGuide Interactive Training Courses (I’ll definitely be checking these out!)
Did you know IEA members and staff have access to the interactive online CustomGuide training library for free? Brush up your Google Skills with the Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Forms, and Google Meet courses!
Self-register for an account then login to access these courses and more. Questions? Reach out to Kelsey.Harms@ieanea.org P.S. I have to say, Kelsey is A M A Z I N G!!
What does “Education Support Professionals” mean to you?
At our last Education Support Professional Meet and Greet on Saturday, June 22nd, we asked this question and these are the responses from the amazing ESPs in attendance.
You’re invited – ESP Council Virtual Meeting – June 22nd
Dear Education Support Professional,
You are cordially invited to join us as we come together to bring ESP voices to the table.
Join us virtually and share your successes, challenges, hopes and dreams and help us as we advocate to improve ESP wages, health insurance, pensions and job duties to retain and recruit new staff.
**Virtual Event** All ESPs Welcome
Saturday, June 22
(For those who have already signed up, this meeting has been changed to Virtual Only)
VIRTUAL Meet & Greet
9 a.m. – 10 a.m.
VIRTUAL Roundtable
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
What is Juneteenth? Why do we celebrate?
The First Juneteenth
On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas with news of freedom. More than 250,000 African Americans embraced freedom by executive decree in what became known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day. With the principles of self-determination, citizenship, and democracy magnifying their hopes and dreams, those Texans held fast to the promise of true liberty for all.
“The people of Texas are informed that in accordance with a Proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired laborer.”Gordon Granger
Union General, June 19, 1865
Juneteenth Today
In 2021, Juneteenth was established as a federal holiday, opening it to symbolic and global interpretation and providing a better understanding of the evolution of our nation and its people. Juneteenth celebrations then, like now, recognize the ongoing fight for human rights and equality and are commemorated through family cookouts, faith services, musical performances and storytelling. Today, Juneteenth celebrates African American resilience and achievement while aiding in the preservation of those historical narratives that promoted racial and personal advancement since Freedom Day.
Undo Tier Two Tuesday
It’s Tier 2 Tuesday! Share and tag three friends who need to sign this with you 
IEA Education Support Professional Council 