NEA ESP Conference Highlights
2013 NEA ESP Conference Highlights
The 2013 NEA ESP Conference, held in Louisville, KY March 8-10, 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 65 interactive sessions, award ceremonies, and much more. Below is a pictorial of some of our conference highlights and a video of NEA President Dennis Van Roekel's ESP of the Year Award Ceremony speech. Soon to come will be videos of invigorating speakers and conference presentations in action!
Click here to view a complete list of ESP professional development offerings through NEA.
2013 NEA ESP of the Year Award Winner Announced
Congratulations to Donna Schulze, Paraeducator out of Maryland, for being the 2013 NEA ESP of the Year Award winner. Read more about her and her accomplishment!
Click Here to see a clip of Donna Schulze accepting her award!
PODCASTS: Conference Workshops via Podcast
PLEASE NOTE: These videos are longer than usual. After clicking on the link, we recommend letting the video load for a few minutes instead of starting the video immediately. This will minimize possible streaming disruptions while viewing.
Building Successful Partnerships Within Communities of Color
Communities of color around the country are entering a new era of Community Organizing/Engagement. This session introduces NEA’s new Minority Community Organizing and Partnerships (MCOP) Department and connect members to social activism through the union. It will help viewers understand the purpose and process of community organizing and mutually beneficial partnerships, how we can enhance state and local relationships with ethnic minority populations and organizations, and how to establish new union roles related to parental and/or community engagement, enhancing social justice activism by our members.
Project A.B.L.E.: Acceptance By Learning Experiences
Project A.B.L.E. is a hands-on disability awareness workshop which offers simulations of a variety of disabilities. Promoting empathy, acceptance, and respect, the presentation is held in open forum style. Viewers will gain an understanding of disabilities and gain valuable knowledge and strategies for working with individuals and groups of individuals with disabilities.
Raise Your Hand
This workshop discussion focused on ways to learn more and be inspired to make a difference in the lives of students.The goal of the program is to ensure success for every student through great public schools.
VIDEOS: Conference Keynote Speakers
NEA President Van Roekel's Message to ESP
NEA President Dennis Van Roekel gave a rousing speech to more than 800 education support professionals (ESPs) and others attending the opening gala at the 2013 NEA ESP Conference March 8-10 in Louisville, Kentucky.
NEA Vice President Lily Eskelsen's Message to ESP
NEA Vice President Lily Eskelsen presents leadership training and explains the NEA governance structure.
Conference Archives
2012 NEA ESP Conference Highlights
Memphis, TN
March 9-11, 2012
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
The Colorado Education Association communications staff spoke with Judy Near about her responsibilities as a school health technician and attendance clerk, how she helps organize members and locals, the growth of ESP associations in Colorado, and how ESP's contribute to the overall academic achievement of students.
PODCASTS: Conference Workshops via Podcast
PLEASE NOTE: These videos are longer than usual. After clicking on the link, we recommend letting the video load for a few minutes instead of starting the video immediately. This will minimize possible streaming disruptions while viewing.You Can Fight Back When Voting Rights are Threatened
In many states voting rights are under attack. This session at the 2012 NEA ESP Conference reviews these initiatives and the impact on voters. You will get ideas on how to engage members, build relationships with others and how to educate the public. Watch this informative presentation and share this link with others.
You Can Share Good News With Easy Community Organizing
Today 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 the many ways to establish relationships in your community to win public support. Workshop materials mentioned in this video are also available for viewing.
ESPs - You Can Be a Social Media A.C.E.!
Developing a social media strategy for your local is not complicated - especially with the lessons in this video from the workshop presented at the 2012 NEA ESP Conference. Gather round and learn the details. You'll be ready for organizing your members on Facebook and Twitter in no time.
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.
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.
VIDEOS: ESP - It's More Than a Job, It's a Career
ESP members across the country speak out at our 2012 NEA ESP Conference on what their work as ESPs mean to them. Their voices and passion echo precviously interviewed NEA ESP members Jossette Threatts of Delaware, Stacy Yanko of New Jersey, Karen Blackwood of Maryland, Lynn Witts of Montana, Joseph Almaguer of New Mexico, Stephone Avery of Arkansas, Debbie Solis of Colorado, Chris Bridges of North Carolina and Wende O'Brien of Massachusetts.
Click on the video below and listen to what these conference attendees have to say.
2011 NEA ESP Conference Highlights
Washington, DC
March 11-13, 2011
VIDEO: NEA Vice President Lily Eskelsen Engages Conference Participants
NEA Vice President Lily Eskelsen calls for grassroots organizing at the 2011 NEA ESP Conference.
VIDEO: NEA Secretary-Treasurer Inspires Conference Participants
Attendees of the 2011 NEA ESP Conference are inspired and energized by NEA Secretary-Treasurer Becky Pringle to stand strong.
VIDEO: USDA Undersecretary Janey Thornton Holds a Roundtable Discussion
USDA Undersecretary Janey Thornton discusses the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act at the 2011 ESP Conference
VIDEO: Guest Speaker Gail Rasmussen, ESP Member and Oregon Education Association President
Oregon Education Association President Gail Rasmussen speaks to members at the 2011 NEA ESP Conference
North Carolina Bus Driver and Teacher Assistant Named 2011 NEA ESP of the Year
In front of a banquet hall at the Washington Hilton, Ernest “Jameel” Williams graciously accepted the 2011 National Education Association Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year Award, surrounded by about 1,000 fellow ESPs, state Association staff and others from across the country.
Georgia Custodian Wins C.L.E.A.N. Award
Barry Crocker is considered the superstar of Nicholson Elementary in Marietta, Georgia. A custodian for more than 20 years, Crocker was recently awarded the 2011 C.L.E.A.N. Award in Washington, D.C., by the National Education Association.
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