By Marie Knutson
NEA ESP At Large Director
When you first look at the title of this blog entry you are possibly saying, “What are National Classified School Employees?” This is another name for Education Support Professionals (ESP) that is used in a number of other states. There is a bill being introduced, H.R. 2377, the National Classified School Employees of the Year Award bill, that recognizes the hard, important work of often unrecognized professionals who transport, feed and keep our students safe, who clean our schools and keep them running, etc.
Wow! When I first heard about this my thought was, “Do you mean someone will know I am part of the education team?” I have been a kindergarten paraeducator since 1991 and it is surprising to me when I am talking about work, how many people will say, “Are you a teacher?” or when I listen to the radio and hear, “The state’s largest teachers' union.... .”
I know these are not uncommon statements to most ESP members, and though we try to not be frustrated or offended, it is hard not to be recognized as part of the team. I am fortunate to work with a group that recognizes my efforts and what I do for the children each day, whether it is loading and unloading buses, on the playground, ensuring safety, or tutoring the 15 kids I see each day. I cannot do my job without the kindergarten teachers I work with, my principal, or the other staff members in my building, but hey, can they do their job without me there?
Growing up with a mom who was a teacher until I was born, raising three kids before going back into public education in the food service department in one of our high schools in the district, I feel I have a unique understanding of ESP members. My mom would tell me a lot about the differences but also the similarities. Bottom line was you had to care about kids and know the importance that education plays in a child’s life.
If I could look through a child’s eyes about a typical school day, this is what I believe they see. First I would be greeted by a bus driver picking me up near my home or the safety person making sure I get across a street or into my school building. If I am going to have breakfast, I would have a quick conversation with one of the cafeteria ladies who make sure I have a good meal to start my day. You have to say hi to the custodian or security personnel as they are everyone’s friend. I might stop by the office to drop off something with the secretaries or maybe to the library to get a new book where the media para helps me. As the day goes on, I see the playground supervisors, lunch supervisors, and the list goes on. More often than not, an ESP member will be the first person a child sees on a school day and an ESP will be the last person a child sees before going home. Surprisingly, we are seldom mentioned when people talk about public education.
We have an opportunity to change that and be recognized but only if we let our congressional representatives know it is important for them to support HR 2377. Please contact your congressional representatives today and let them know you are an important part of the education team that is preparing our children for the future.