Supporting Multilingual Learners 101 (Facilitated)   This course introduces educators to the unique learning needs and challenges surrounding Newcomer and Multilingual Learners (MLs). Today, more than 55% of teachers in the United States have at least one ML in the classroom, making it critical for all educators to become familiar with the key roles that parent and community involvement, legal protections and policies, advocacy, and community organizing play in supporting these students in learning core academic content.   Read more

This course examines the deficit/medical and social models of disability and explores their implications on society and educational practices. Learners will gain an understanding of ableism and learn about ways to challenge stereotypes and biases that impact individuals with disabilities. Additionally, this course will address intersectionality, including what it is, its implications for people with disabilities, and the ways that bias and ableism have distinct implications for multiply marginalized people with disabilities. Read more

The ESP Professional Growth Continuum, published by NEA, identifies Health and Safety as one of the eight Universal Standards that describe what education support professionals should know and be able to do. If you haven't spent a lot of time exploring the Health and Safety standard, that is OK! This course, which contains seven lessons, will help you gain a solid understanding of how to access important health and safety information, as well as what to keep in mind when making important health and safety related decisions at work.   The ESP Professional Growth Continuum outlines skills and knowledge related to health and safety (and all of the eight Universal Standards) at three levels of practice. Those are: Foundational (I know this) Proficient (I do this consistently) Advanced/Mastery (I lead this) This self-paced, independent study course can be explored on your own, or with colleagues. It has been developed by NEA members and staff specifically for ESPs, and features the perspectives of education support professionals just like you. Read more

Three main laws are largely responsible for impacting the education of students and staff with disabilities in today’s climate: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In this course, you will learn more about each of these laws and how they serve different purposes within the educational setting. Read more

This introductory course empowers educators to strengthen inclusive practices by providing fundamental information about special education, including pivotal legislation, essential acronyms, and inclusive language etiquette. Read more

Through this course, you will explore the purposes and uses of assessment and learn how to develop a balanced, equitable, and supportive system for all learners. When used within a balanced system, high-quality assessment strategies can advance equity for learners, promote academic achievement, and foster student self-efficacy. While assessment systems exist at the classroom, school-wide, and school systems levels, this course will devote much of its attention to promoting equity and balance in assessment systems at the classroom level. Read more