From the WEAC Education Support Professional (ESP) Committee:

A part of American Education Week, ESP Day is Wednesday, November 17, 2010. Celebrating ESP Day is an important way to gain the recognition and acknowledgement for our contribution we need to be the best employees we can be for the students as well as survive in the world of education reform and reduced spending.

Who are ESP (Education Support Professionals)?

We play a critical role in the school and in the students’ lives. “We are behind the scenes, keeping everything running…” Shirl Anne Ingram, Arizona Education Association. We are what you might refer to as “support staff.” We are:

Check out who we are and use as an educational tool with this flier.

Why do we celebrate ESP Day?
All ESP members work hard. You deserve appreciation for your efforts and an opportunity to demonstrate your value to key decision-makers. Here are some critical reasons we need to celebrate:

• Help members identify with each other and the term ESP. We need ESP members know to that they are part of this union and their actions are influential.
• Help members recognize their own worth and value to the educational system. If we don’t value ourselves, no one else will.
• Recognition from our colleagues, teachers, administrators. Students already know how valuable we are, now we need to be treated as a partner in student success by our coworkers.
• Recognition from the community and legislators. If we celebrate and educator these decision-makers, they will begin to respect our roles in education and value our contribution enough to fund our jobs.

How can you celebrate ESP Day, either as an ESP or Teacher?
Whether you are an ESP or a teacher, you can celebrate ESP Day. Express your gratitude for one another, or use this opportunity to influence your decision-makers in your community and school.

• Reach out the media and give ESP members a “shout out”! Draft a news release, write a letter to the editor, or create a public service announcement. There are many resources here, and if you scroll all the way to the bottom you will find a great handbook full of ideas and assistance.
• Encourage the school board or your legislator, even your superintendent, to be an “ESP for the Day.” Wearing your “shoes” for the day will definitely help them respect and value you.
• Say “thank you” with candy, a meal, or a personal note.
• Distribute the “I am ESP” flier linked above with a message to create recognition.
• Find time to celebrate together. Teachers, maybe you could cover ESP members’ duties for an hour over lunch so they can enjoy a meal together.
• Teachers, work with your administration, to do something special for ESP members.
• Wear buttons showing your partnership and value. Here is a great button design that reads “ESP + Teachers=Equal Partners in Student Success.” You can create buttons or stickers to celebrate this year’s ESP Day, and continue to wear throughout the year. You can also order these buttons (for a small fee) for production at the WEAC Print Shop. Please submit your order to Kim Wiemer Noyce.

 If you need help reaching out to the media or planning your ESP Day activities, contact your UniServ Director or Kim Wiemer Noyce.