I joined the association as soon as I started working. I valued the association and knew it was important, but I sat back for the most part. In 2012, I was asked to ‘just come sit in a meeting and see how things run.’ I soon found myself becoming the treasurer of my local. And the more I attended our local meetings, the more I started to see how unfair things were and I wanted to be more of an advocate for my profession.
The way we test students, fund our schools, the way students learn and teachers work in crumbling school buildings, not providing a living wage for education support professionals while giving tax cuts to corporations, etc… all unfair.
When some parents or others start to say ‘public education isn’t working,’ it isn’t because public school educators are not giving their all. It’s because public schools are being starved of resources. It’s because the powers that be take and take while giving out more requirements without any support—this is what compels me to be an active member and advocate for the resources students need and the respect educators deserve.
For me, I was always able to speak for myself, but by being a part of my local, state, and national associations, I learned to use my voice more effectively.
I have learned that my voice as an ESP was just as critical as all the other voices in the room. It didn’t matter if someone was certified or classified, I was a vital part of the process.
What I appreciate most about my association is that I’ve never been made to feel that I’m ‘just’ an ESP. Everybody’s job is important.
Often our students enter our schools dealing with the weight of the world on their shoulders are met first by an ESP. I want other ESPs to know their value and that some student is looking up to you waiting for you to be the voice that they cannot.
