IEA Education Support Professional Council

We have three webinars scheduled specifically for education support professionals. Join us as we discuss important issues, learn how we are advocating for members, and celebrate the amazing things that you do every day. Click the links below to register.

• Scheduling ESP Council virtual meeting/Roundtables:
  • February 25, 2023 RESPECT Campaign/Sub Certification and the impact on IMRF
    • https://www.mobilize.us/ieanea/event/550175/
  • April 3 IEA RA Recap/RESPECT Campaign
    • https://www.mobilize.us/ieanea/event/550178/
  • May 6, 2023 10am-11am Respect Campaign/ESP Celebrations
    • https://www.mobilize.us/ieanea/event/550181/
• Upcoming council meetings
  • April 15, 2023 – Springfield PDC 
  • June 3, 2023 – Naperville Office

RESPECT | Raising Education Support Professionals by Elevating Careers Together is a statewide effort by ESPs, with the support of IEA staff, to improve working conditions by focusing on four areas:

Wages – A minimum salary, fair substitute teaching compensation and unemployment insurance

Health insurance – Affordable health insurance for the currently employed and the retired

Pensions – Making the Tier 2 pension system equitable for all education employees

Retention, recruitment and job duties – Tuition reimbursement, Grow Your Own Teacher from ESP to certified, paid family leave, licensing fees relief, quality job-related professional development, “hold harmless” language for assigned duties, appropriate access to IEPs and suitable job duties for ESPs.

Saturday  |  Feb. 25  |  10-11 a.m. Keep Emotions Away from the Table: How to handle the emotional aspect of bargaining In this conversation, we will discuss how emotions impact the bargaining process and how to work with difficult personalities. We will also share techniques one can implement prior to the bargaining process to help create a positive bargaining environment. Lastly, we will discuss how to handle emotions and outbursts that occur at the bargaining table. Facilitator: Crystal Bush, IEA UniServ Director Crystal is the coordinator of support and services for Education Support Professionals, highly experienced as a negotiator and has taught contract law to college students. Register here!

Saturday  |  March 4  |  10-11 a.m. Afraid of Public Speaking? Anyone can do it! Participants will learn how to enhance their public speaking skills and strategies for creating a winning presentation. In order to enhance our learning, each participant will be coached on a brief presentation for feedback and positive tips. Facilitator: Ryan Danzinger Ryan was an IEA ESP member, middle school teacher and graduate of the NEA ESP Leaders for Tomorrow training. He coached the John Hersey High School Debate team for 16 years, winning three state championships. Register here!

Saturday  |  April 1  |  10-11 a.m. Paper Cuts: Understanding microaggressions in the workplace Microaggressions can cause discord in the workplace and prevent ESPs from doing their personal best in schools with their students and colleagues. Participants will learn what they are, when they happen, and how they contribute to creating toxic work cultures along with strategies to reduce their occurrence. We will have clear conversations about micro-aggressions to create deeper and meaningful collaboration among ESPs and their colleagues. Facilitator: Linda Matsumoto Linda is an IEA ESP Council member, Ethnic Minority representative and educator from region 41. She is also an Asian American advocate who presents AAPI history workshops at IEA and NEA conferences. Register here.

Wednesday  |  April 12  |  6:30-7:30 p.m. Get Your MIND Right! Join us for an intimate conversation on meditation and mindfulness. Listen, share and adopt strategies that best meet your personal and professional needs. Facilitator: Hanifah Ross Hanifah is an IEA Instructional Resource and Professional Development Director with more than 25 years of educational experience serving as a classroom teacher, dean of students, and program coordinator. Hanifah specializes in program development, creating restorative practice-infused programs and professional development focused on improving the attendance, behavior and academic performance of at-risk-of-not-graduating high school students. Register here!

Wednesday  |  April 19  |  6:30-7:30 p.m. You’re a member, now what?  – Understand the structure of the IEA? In this training, participants will learn about the structure of the IEA with a focus on the role and relationships between staff and governance. Participants will also learn various ways to become involved at the state level including participating on state level committees. This is an ideal workshop for newer members who want to learn more about the inner workings of the IEA. Facilitator: Amy Evans Amy is a K-4 Educational Support Professional in Canton School District where she works as a reading aide. Amy is co-president of her local, an IEA Region chair and a member of the IEA Board of Directors. Register here!

Thursday  |  April 20  |  6:30-7:30 p.m. Van Gogh “Starry Night” Paint & Sip In this session, we will put “mindfulness” in action. Artist DeSande R. will walk you through a watercolor painting on Van Gogh’s Starry Night. A list of suggested materials will be sent to you prior to the event. Join us with a glass of wine or your favorite evening beverage as we enjoy a relaxing evening of painting and lively discussions. Facilitator: DeSande R. DeSande is an art professor at John A. Logan College in Carterville, IL where she has been teaching for more than 20 years. DeSande received her Master of Fine Arts degree in painting from SIU Carbondale in 2002. Register here!

Program Description

ECACE Flyer

This is a great opportunity to help alleviate the shortage of qualified early childhood educators, though I realize it may increase the shortage of fabulous and essential education support professionals in our schools, I feel I must share this great opportunity.

If you work or have worked in early childhood education and you’re seeking additional credentials and/or a degree in early childhood education, you may be eligible for the Early Childhood Access Consortium for Equity (ECACE) Scholarship Program. The program was created to address the shortage of qualified early childhood educators by encouraging the pursuit of credentials and advancement of already-held degrees in early childhood education, with an aim toward building a strong, well-prepared workforce. If you would like to be connected to someone who can walk you through all the available educational opportunities, consider completing the Higher Education Navigator Interest Form. A Higher Education Navigator from your local Child Care Resource and Referral Agency will reach out to you and can help you find and enroll in the college that best meets your needs.

Illinois Education Association Spring Elections

Online nominations must be submitted by 4 p.m. on Feb. 15 and hard copy nominations must be received by that date. Make your voice heard! Visit: nom.election-america.com/IEA

I highly encourage you to fill out the nomination form and bring your voice to the table! It only takes about 5 minutes but will make a lasting impact.

ESP Community Conversations: Professional Development 

Thursday, February 16, 2023, 7-8:30 p.m. ET., virtual (note: Eastern Time Zone)
Join us for a virtual networking session where you’ll connect with fellow NEA ESP members across the country to discuss your professional development experiences and the resources and support you need for professional growth. Register Here. 
*Open to NEA ESP members only 

ESP Learning Network Webinar: Pensions 101 for Advocates 

Thursday, February 23, 2023, 7-8 p.m. ET., virtual 
This webinar will give you a working knowledge of pensions and access to additional resources so that you can be an effective advocate for pensions and protect our members’ futures. Register Here. 
*Open to all educators