Thursday – May 9th 5:30-7:00pm

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.

Congratulations to:

Mario Diaz Albarran 2024 RISE Honoree

Head Custodian
Lincoln Elementary School, Palatine, Illinois
Governor J.B. Pritzker

U.S. Department of Education

Thank you to all of the amazing drivers and monitors who safely transport our students. You deserve rESPect!!

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.

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.

Time

Thursday, April 25

6 – 7pm CDT

About this virtual event

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

Join us in 2024 for a two-day event offering a variety of elective sessions for Education Support Professionals, Higher Education, and IEA Retired members

Professional Development Request for Proposal

The 2024 IEA One Conference will be held on October 18 & 19 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago-Oakbrook.  We are seeking proposals for presentations for the conference.  The One Conference is an opportunity for IEA Education Support Professionals, Higher Education, and IEA Retired Members to develop professional skills, earn professional development credit, and network with colleagues from around the state.  The deadline for RFPS is May 10, 2024 so please submit session proposals as soon as possible.

I received this in my email and wanted to share it with you. Hello IEA Member! The Illinois Education Association has received a generous grant from the NEA to start IEA Educator Voice Academies across the state. The goal of the EVAs is to identify, elevate and implement effective educational policies that can positively impact our students, our schools and our profession. The statewide EVA steering committee will be selecting and supporting Educator Voice Fellows in every IEA office across the state. Every EVA Fellow will receive an organizing stipend and a micro-credential that could qualify them for local salary advancement based on their local collective bargaining agreement. We are excited to announce that we are accepting applications for Educator Voice Academy Fellows for the 2024-25 school year. Applications will be accepted through May 31, but take a moment to apply now, as we will be starting to reach out to applicants about next steps. Thanks for all you do!

APPLY NOW!