Advancing the MTA PreK-12 ESP Bill of Rights and higher education bargaining goals will both be major subjects at this year’s MTA Education Support Professionals Conference.
The event will be held virtually on Friday and Saturday, April 9 and 10. Registration will begin early in March. All conference presentations and workshops will be free for MTA preK-12 and higher education ESPs.
"The committee is developing an event that will allow ESPs to find their voices — and use them," said ESP Committee Co-Chair Yahaira Rodriguez.
Events on Friday will focus on individual appointments for members and local unions to connect with experts about licensure, retirement and membership data. Signup will be available when registration begins.
On Saturday morning, a "welcome session" will allow ESPs to share their challenges and successes of the past year. The session will be followed by a number of workshops and a separate breakout session for local treasurers.
During the welcome session, participants will be treated to a favorite annual conference event — presentation of the MTA ESP of the Year award.
The statewide award honors an ESP who has been nominated by their local association as one who stands up for workers’ rights and stands out for making a difference in the lives of students.
MTA President Merrie Najimy, Vice President Max Page, 2020 ESP of the Year Sonia Fortin and the recipient of the 2021 ESP of the Year award will address the audience.
Large-group workshop sessions will follow, covering subjects of universal interest to all ESPs, whether they work in higher education or preK-12 schools. Specific topics were still being finalized as MTA Today went to press.
Advancing the goals of the MTA ESP PreK-12 Bill of Rights will be a significant topic of discussion throughout the conference.
The Bill of Rights, written last year by the MTA ESP Standards Task Force, was created after a survey of all preK-12 ESPs across the state.
It encompasses pay and benefits, job security, professional development and recognition, and affordable educational opportunities for ESPs to help strengthen their careers. The document is being used to help develop future bargaining and legislative priorities for the MTA.
Before the close of the conference on Saturday, attendees will have a chance to learn about the MTA ESP Leadership program and other opportunities for union involvement at the state and national levels.
The conference is expected to conclude by 1 p.m. on Saturday.
Watch massteacher.org/esp for more information about this year’s conference.
