IEA Education Support Professional Council

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2022 NEA ESP NATIONAL CONFERENCE

March 25-27, 2022

New Orleans Marriott 555 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130

Keep a watch on the website for more information.

https://www.nea.org/espconference

Nearly three million Education Support Professionals work in America’s schools. They keep students healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.

There are several great articles in this months NEA Today magazine. I especially enjoyed the article on “NEA’s ESP of the Year Gives Back in Every Aspect of Her Career” and “Lean On Me”. Two great articles that inspire me to be better and makes me so proud to be an ESP and work in public education. Also, “Q&A Meet the New Secretary of Education”. Miguel Cardona answers educators’ questions at an NEA-hosted virtual town hall. Go figure… a Secretary of Education who is pro public education.

Summer Leadership Academy (Virtual – 2 weeks) *FREE*
July 19-22, 2021
July 26-29, 2021

SLA registration is now open!
There are over 70 sessions planned for the 2-week conference (July 19-22 & July 26-29). Session offerings include trainings on equity, trauma responsiveness, restorative practices, communications, school finance, health insurance, organizing, and grievance to name a few. SLA will also contain additional sessions designed for local association presidents, association representatives, local treasurers, and those seeking a National Board Certification.  Many sessions at SLA will also provide PD clock hours to attendees.

We will be limiting the number of attendees in each session to provide the best virtual training experience. In the event a session is full, we will have wait lists available & most sessions will be recorded and made available after SLA is over. Take a moment to review the Schedule At-A-Glance document for the session choices.

REGISTER NOW

Register | Agenda | Schedule At-A Glance

Registration Deadline – July 9, 2021

A collection of research, guidance, and tools for families and educators to support summer and extended learning programs and activities.

Research shows that students benefit from quality summer and extended learning experiences, especially students from low-income communities who typically lack resources to extend their education beyond the school day. 

We’ve curated this list of resources from trusted organizations and partners to help educators, families, and school and district leaders create quality out-of-school learning experiences for all.

A special legislative update for our ESP members! HB 12, HR 77, HB 3474, HB 2643 and SB 8112 have all passed. Hear from IEA GR Director Sean Denney on what these bills mean for our ESPs.

*Edited for clarification-HB 2643 has passed both houses. The governor still has to sign it. As soon as I hear I will update this post.

HB 2643 is headed to the governors desk. Once this is signed it is effective immediately and can be retroactive. More information to come.

Bill Status of HB2643

Benefit of membership

Join fellow IEA members this fall at one of four opportunities for professional development:

• Educator Well-Being — This course focuses on increasing educator well-being through research-based strategies rooted in the field of positive psychology. Positive psychology is the scientific study of the strengths that enable individuals and communities to thrive. Members will learn how to increase their well-being through the principles of positive psychology. Being offered in the month of October. Eligible for eight clock hours.
• Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences — This course introduces members to the concept of adverse childhood experiences and explores the psychological and behavioral impact of traumatic stress on preschool, elementary, middle, and high school students. Members will learn what can be done at school to help traumatized children, and how to prevent the development of secondary traumatic stress. Being offered in the month of October. Eligible for eight clock hours.
• Using Formative Assessments — This course explores research-based strategies for embedding formative assessment practices into daily instruction that are proven to increase student motivation and achievement. Members will learn how to apply these strategies in contexts ranging from kindergarten through high school. Being offered in October. Eligible for eight clock hours.
• Join the IEA Online Book Club – Pushout: The Criminalization of Black Girls in Schools — Monique W. Morris chronicles the experiences of Black girls across the country whose intricate lives are misunderstood, highly judged-by teachers, administrators, and the justice system-and degraded by the very institutions charged with helping them flourish. Pushout exposes a world of confined potential and supports the rising movement to challenge the policies, practices, and cultural illiteracy that push countless students out of school and into unhealthy, unstable, and often unsafe futures. Will take place in the months of October and November and is eligible for eight clock hours.

SCORE Grants!

The deadline to apply for the next round of SCORE Grant funding is July 15. Do you have a great idea on how to partner your students and your fellow association members with a community organization to do a project that makes a difference? Have you come up with a plan you think can help your school recover from the pandemic, but you’re not sure how to fund it? Or, has there always been a social justice issue you’ve wanted your school to tackle in the community? If so, the SCORE grant can help. The IEA’s Foundation has funded hundreds of member projects up to $1,000 over the past several years and yours could be next. To find out more about SCORE grants, to read about other projects to come up with ideas for your own, or to watch videos about past projects, check out the SCORE Grant page!

Was very fortunate today to share lunch with some of the IEA ESP Council members today. We are already planning and looking forward to meeting ESP’s throughout the state in person next year. Have a awesome summer— eating lunch with MaryAnn Rivera, Gina Lazano, Cheryl Jones, Julie Spaargaren, Johnny Ramos, Kathy Jesuit, and Jill Scarcelli at Freddy’s Pizzeria.

Patricia Hendrix