Conferences & Leadership Opportunities for MTA ESPs

ESP Conference Leadership Weekends Organizing Labs

Three training opportunities for Education Support Professionals to learn, grow and connect.

ESP Conference

Designed specifically for MTA Education Support Professionals,  this annual conference offers professional development, networking and fun. It's a great experience – a chance for ESPs to have the space to explore their roles in public education, their workplaces and their unions.

This conference is tailored for both Higher Ed and preK-12 ESPs and their allies.

The conference is free to attend and hotel rooms are available at a discounted price.

Leadership Weekends

The MTA ESP Leadership Weekends program is a four-weekend course focused on leadership and communication strategies, strengthening interpersonal skills and supporting emerging ESP leaders.

Participate in this program if you are:

• An active member and work as an ESP in PreK-16, including positions as paraeducators, custodial, food, security, transportation, technical services, skilled trades and other careers.
• Motivated to take on more responsibility in your local.
• A person who may or may not have experience as a union activist.
• Looking to learn new skills, willing to participate in learning and learn from others.

The program requires a commitment to all four sessions. The MTA will provide training materials, overnight lodging and meals in a hotel near the training location.

The MTA ESP Leadership Weekends program is a four-weekend course focused on leadership and communication strategies, strengthening interpersonal skills and supporting emerging ESP leaders.

Register Download a Flier

The deadline to apply is Sept. 1, 2026.

ESP Bill of Rights & Living Wage Organizing Lab

The MTA ESP Bill of Rights & Living Wage Organizing Lab program is a two-weekend course and two full-day trainings focused on organizing skills and campaign planning strategies. ESP locals/units are encouraged to send 2-3 ESP members who will learn to organize, develop and launch successful campaigns to address the needs of their members.

Training, meals, lodging, and organizing toolkits provided by the MTA.

These weekend-long trainings will be held from 9:30 a.m. on Saturday to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Register & Learn More  Download a Flier

Deadline to apply is August 22, 2026.