New News!
A new flight of ESP member stories about their careers…
We know Education Support Professionals overwhelmingly say they chose to work in education because they want to make a positive impact on students. So we asked a number of members at the NEA ESP Conference to say a few words based on the conference themeESP: It’s more than a job. It’s a career!
In the link below ESP member share their thinking about their careers. We’ve placed the links here and on the ESP site for state news and features at http://www.nea.org/home/41810.htm We hope you’ll find them as inspirational as we did.
Paraeducators: Key to classroom operations
ESPs work in education because they want students to succeed. Here is a story about four paraeducators from around the country. Read on about how these ESPs work to help students achieve academically and beyond.
Go to http://www.nea.org/home/51550.htm for the full story.
2012 NEA ESP Conference Highlights
The 2012 NEA ESP Conference in Memphis enabled participants to gain skills needed to build strong locals, build strong internal and external relationships, organize members and enhance NEA ESP members ability to positively influence student achievement. The weekend included over 72 interactive sessions, award ceremonies, and much more. Go to the site and check the links to Conference highlights, speeches and more.
www.nea.org/espconferencehighlights
2012 NEA ESP of the Year Winner
Congratulations to Judy Near from Colorado for being named the 2012 ESP of the Year! Read more about her successful career as an Education Support Professional.
VIDEO: Judy Near's acceptance speech
VIDEOS: Conference Keynote Speakers
NEA President Dennis Van Roekel's Message for ESPs
"You can't run a school without ESPs!" In this video, NEA President Dennis Van Roekel gives the keynote address at the 2012 NEA ESP Conference in March in Memphis, TN.
NEA Vice President Lily Eskelsen's Message for ESPs, "It's War"
This dynamic speech is only available for viewing via the NEA FUND members only page. Please sign up on the NEA FUND site for access if you are not already a member.
NEA Secretary-Treasurer Becky Pringle's Message for ESPs
As the opening speaker for the 2012 NEA ESP Conference in Memphis, TN, NEA Secretary-Treasurer Becky Pringle proudly declared her feelings for her fellow support professional colleagues and members when she said "My mother is my favorite ESP."
Arnie Arnesen's Message to ESPs
Arnie Arnesen, a radio and TV commentator based in New Hampshire, brought the nation's economic disparity to life with a unique audience participation demonstration at the March 2012 NEA Education Support Professional Annual Conference in Memphis, TN.
Something new we are adding to the site…
The first of three training sessions videoed at the 2012 ESP Conference. The first video is about how your rights as voters are in danger. The second one is about how ESPs can be positive messengers in their communities. The third, being finalized, will focus on how ESPs can use social media to their advantage. We’ll post ASAP so keep an eye out for it. Click on the titles to take you right to the videos.
You Can Fight Back When Voting Rights are Threatened
In many states voting rights and procedures have been severely undermined, resulting in widespread voter disenfranchisement. This presentation at the ESP Annual Conference gives an overview of these initiatives and how they impact voters. You’ll get ideas about how to engage members, build relationships with others and educating the public. Do share with members and colleagues. Presented by Shilpa Reddy, NEA Government Relations
The next video… is about how ESPs can be positive spokespeople in their communities.
You Can Share Good News With Easy Community Organizing
Today it is more important than ever for ESPs to educate the public about the valuable work they do in public schools and communities. This workshop from the 2012 NEA ESP Conference shows you the many way to establish relationships in your community to win public support. The URL for materials mentioned in the video are at http://www.njea.org/members/educational-support/esp-day Presented by NJEA staff members Christy Kanaby and Dawn Hiltner.
NEA’s Bully Free: It Starts With Me
Recent NEA research is clear when it comes to the issue of bullying: ESP are very concerned about the issue. They take action to stop it when they see it. ESPs believe a bully-free environment is very important to a student’s ability to learn.
The bullying issue is very much on the public’s mind, and the upcoming release of the documentary “Bully” is welcome. It is a movie every school employee will want to see. Go to http://www.nea.org/home/NEABullyFreeSchools.html for more information about the release and NEA work to promote the film.
Check out the NEA Bully Free Public Service Announcements
On the right side of the page are four PSAs produced for markets where the movie “Bully” is opening this weekend.
For all the information about what ESPs think about bullying and the resources we have available for your use go tohttp://www.nea.org/home/3207.htm
We can fight privatization…
Outsourcing School Services is a Bad Bargain
If you want the truth about privatization and how it costs more, consider what is happening to public school transportation in Pennsylvania. School districts across the state that contract with private bus operators spend more money on transportation than those that manage their own bus fleets, according to a new report from the Keystone Research Center (KRC), an independent research and policy development institute based in Harrisburg, PA. The full story is at http://neatoday.org/2012/04/09/outsourcing-school-services-is-a-poor-bargain/.
We have resources… SPREAD THE NEWS !!!
The NEA ESP Quality Department has launched a new ESP Virtual Career Resource Center! This new site is accessible to all educators as long as you’re a member of NEA. You are only moments away from opening doors to endless resources. This database is designed to provide you with the tools you need to support you in your careers and it is ever growing!
Visit www.neaespcareercenter.net and sign up today! Tell your colleagues about this new resource...encourage your members to sign up too!
PS – per our Monday message…
Don’t forget join NEA’s campaign to close Corporate Tax Loopholes…
NEA’s Closing Corporate Tax Loopholes campaign begins with a great animated bang. Check that out at http://www.educationvotes.nea.org/loopholes/
The message is to the point: At a time when so many families are struggling and state and local budget cuts are impacting our students, we understand that as a nation we have the opportunity to make better choices. Corporate tax loopholes are one way corporations and CEOs drain resources from the public services that are the foundation of our nation’s middle class.
We ask:
· that you watch the animation;
· sign the petition to close corporate tax loopholes;
· share with your network of members, colleagues, friends, neighbors and community via E-mail, Face Book and Tweets.
It will take all of our collective voices to ensure our elected leaders make the right investments and protect the American Dream.
Need more information? Check out the stories on Education Votes like this onehttp://www.educationvotes.nea.org/2012/03/30/educators-allies-tell-lawmakers-close-corporate-tax-loopholes/