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Education support professionals (ESPs) across the country are flexing their political muscles by creating local, state, and national ESP Bill of Rights campaigns. These campaigns are designed to address the most critical needs of ESP members, including fair compensation, benefits, safe work environments, and a voice in decision-making processes. The National Education Association (NEA) has introduced a National ESP Bill of Rights campaign, outlining the top concerns of ESPs such as fair compensation, recognition, healthcare, and the right to bargain.
States like Illinois, Massachusetts, and Michigan are also creating their own ESP Bill of Rights, with ESPs like bus driver Jimmy Johnson in Vermont using their influence to demand change. Johnson, with 34 years of experience, advocates for better pay, safety in the workplace, and time for collaboration and planning for ESPs. He believes that ESPs need to speak up and prioritize education in budget decisions.
Johnson was instrumental in creating Vermont-NEA’s Educators’ Bill of Rights, which outlines key issues like pay, safety, and collaboration time for all educators in Vermont. He emphasizes the importance of ESPs being involved in political conversations and understanding the impact of elections on education funding, class sizes, and programs.
In conclusion, Johnson highlights the importance of educators, especially ESPs, using their voices to ensure they are not undervalued and are seen as essential contributors to students’ education. The Educators’ Bill of Rights serves as a model for ESP advocacy at the bargaining table and in influencing policies and practices within unions and education systems.
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Photo credit www.nea.org
