IEA Education Support Professional Council

ESP of The Year Award (Nominated by Local President or Region Chair)

This award is meant to emphasize the contributions of education support professionals to their association, their schools and their communities.
Deadline: Dec. 15, 2022.

Apply Online

The ESP Council created the ESP STAR program to allow IEA local leaders, members and board of directors to recognize and publicize the good work of their ESP members across the state. Use the online nomination form to nominate a special ESP. Nominations can be submitted monthly

Apply Online

Reg Weaver Human and Civil Rights Award

An individual IEA-NEA member or an IEA-NEA group may be nominated for this award, which recognizes those who have performed an outstanding humanitarian/civil rights activity or community service above and beyond normal association endeavors.
Deadline: Dec. 15, 2022.

Apply Online

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:

• Improve Wages
• Affordable Health Care
• Equitable Pensions
• Retention, Recruitment, & Job Duties

RESPECT | Raising Education Support Professionals by Elevating Careers Together
is a statewide effort by support staff in Illinois schools, Pre-K through college, with the
support of IEA staff, to improve working conditions. This is a long-term campaign made
up of short-term goals. In 2022-23, we hope to:

• Pass legislation to improve wages and retirement security; including a $20/hour minimum wage.
• Create a library of model contract language for support staff locals.
• Organize, organize, organize!

May we all remember that freedom isn’t free!

The General Election is Nov. 8! 

Go to ieavotes.org for info and resources on:

• Early voting
• IEA recommended candidates
• Workers’ Rights Amendment – Watch and share Pres. Kathi Griffin’s video
• School board elections – Sign up for a 30-minute virtual training on Oct. 26 and Nov. 30

Check out the ESP collection for rESPect apparel and the new Red for Ed collection for short and long-sleeved T-shirts and more at ShopIEA.org. Remember: On Wednesdays wear Red for Ed!

Network with ESPs – and make community connections – November 15, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. cst.  Join us for the first-ever ESP Community Conversation, a one-hour virtual networking session that will connect you with fellow ESP members to discuss the challenges and successes you have experienced while bargaining and advocating for your students and for your professions.  Registration will close on 11/11 or when the attendee count reaches 70 people.

Register Now ><https://secure.ngpvan.com/dxsbVq7efkStt4Qic6Z56w2?utm_source=edpractice&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20221026edpractice&ms=edpractice>

Your voice is extremely important to help move our union forward. Deadlines are quickly approaching to submit your nomination form to attend as a delegate! For more information contact your building representative or local’s president.

If you would like more information about the RA or to attend as a RA Assistant click the link below.

Together we can make a difference.

Voting for public education means voting for candidates who will support our students, our public schools and our union.