Union leadership and professional development will be highlighted this year at the MTA Education Support Professionals Conference.
The conference will be held on Friday, April 3, and Saturday, April 4, at the Sea Crest Beach Hotel in Falmouth.
Workshop sessions will cover subjects of interest to all ESPs, whether they work in higher education or preK-12 schools.
Topics were still being finalized as MTA Today went to press, but an expanded array of special education workshops is planned. Other subjects include classroom skills, health and safety issues in the workplace, organizing for a living wage and conflict resolution skills. There is also a special track of workshops for ESP local and chapter presidents.
The recent MTA PreK-12 ESP Survey will also be discussed. Results of the survey, developed with Rutgers University, will be used to help develop future bargaining and legislative priorities for the MTA.
Two popular offerings from last year’s conference, focusing on retirement planning and licensure consultations, will be repeated this year. In addition, child care will be offered for the first time.
Following a workshop session on Friday afternoon, participants will be treated to dinner and a favorite conference event — presentation of the annual 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 and the winner of the 2020 MTA ESP of the Year award will address the ESPs.
On Saturday, a breakfast buffet will be followed by two workshop sessions and a closing luncheon at which attendees will have a chance to learn about the MTA ESP Leadership Weekends program.
Eighteen members of this year’s program will conclude their training during the weekend of the conference. The program, held during three weekends in the fall and winter, focuses on intensive leadership training and interpersonal skill building.
The conference is expected to conclude by about 3 p.m. on Saturday.
A full listing of workshops and other activities can be found at massteacher.org/esp. Early bird registration ends on Friday, March 6. After that date, the conference fee will increase by $10. Discounted hotel room rates are also available until March 6. The final date to register for the conference is March 25. If your school district or local association does not pay or reimburse your conference costs, you may be eligible to apply for a grant. For more information on costs, grant reimbursement, hotel charges and registration, please visit massteacher.org/esp. Other questions can be emailed to Jessica Parlon in the MTA Division of Training and Professional Learning at jparlon@massteacher.org. Her phone number is 617.878.8153.
