The National Education Association recognizes the vital role Education Support Professionals (ESPs) play in ensuring a great public school for every student. That's why, in ESPs: Supporting Our Own Through Peer Mentoring, we're providing you the tools and knowledge necessary to build your own unique ESP peer mentoring program. ESPs need professional support at all stages of their career. Through peer mentoring, ESPs can receive the specialized, targeted workplace preparation and support that empower ESPs in the workplace, advance their professional excellence, and build the education systems that all our students and members deserve.   ESPs: Supporting Our Own Through Peer Mentoring is a learning path of four online courses. After completing each course, you will automatically be enrolled in the next course in the learning path. Learner Types You may take the learning path as an individual or team learner. If you are an individual learner, take the learning path independently and at your own pace. If you are a team learner, take the learning path concurrently with your team members. Each team learner must enroll individually in the learning path. At the end of each learning path course, teams should meet to work together to complete the course team activity.​   Learning Objectives To enroll in this FREE learning path Click "Add to Cart" Log in or create an account Complete the purchase  Questions? Contact ESPMentoring@nea.org Read more

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and CULTURAL COMPETENCE SERIES Diversity, Equity, and Cultural Competence in Classroom Instruction In this 15-Hour NEA Blended Learning facilitated course, educators will develop a common language and understanding of diversity, equity, and cultural competence. This will allow them to effectively develop and implement strategies that value the cultural experiences of all students and their families. When students’ diverse cultural experiences are valued in their education, they are honored and feel a sense of belonging, which helps them engage with the content. Thereby, promoting social and academic success.  Tuesday Virtual Meeting Dates: (9/9, 9/23, & 10/14) Meeting Times: 7-8:30 pm ET/CT/PT   Read more

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and CULTURAL COMPETENCE SERIES Exploring and Unpacking Bias In this 15-hour NEA Blended Learning-facilitated course, educators can define and describe implicit and explicit bias and identify how bias influences decisions, actions, and behaviors with students and families. They will also identify specific actions they can take to disrupt bias in their classrooms, schools, and districts.   Monday Virtual Meeting Dates: (9/8, 9/22, & 10/13) Meeting Times: 7-8:30 pm ET/CT/PT     Read more

PROFESSIONAL LEARNING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, and CULTURAL COMPETENCE SERIES Leveraging Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices The United States is a country with ever-increasing diversity. Studies show that instructional techniques that connect educational content to a student’s life experience and culture lead to better academic outcomes, especially for children of color. In this 15-hour NEA Blended Learning facilitated course, educators will identify how to leverage culturally responsive teaching practices effectively. Thursday Virtual Meeting Dates: (9/11, 9/25, & 10/16) Meeting Times: 7-8:30 pm ET/CT/PT Read more

Professional Learning  LGBTQ+ Learning Series  Making the Case: Communication Strategies on LGBTQ Issues This 15-hour NEA Blended Learning facilitated course is designed for educators and education leaders and provides an overview of effective messaging and communication strategies on controversial issues. It also offers resources and models for talking to constituents about addressing LGBTQ+-related bias in schools, advocating for LGBTQ+ affirming policies, and providing LGBTQ+ inclusive education. Read more

  Reconnecting and recharging are foundational for humanizing our work and precursors to teaching and learning whether that be with kids or adults. Part 1 of this 2 part series starts with self. In this session, you will learn strategies to develop greater self-awareness and self management through mindful practices. These skills can support your own healing journey and reconnect you to your true purpose to bring greater fulfillment in your professional life. Read more