Education Support Professionals from across the state gathered virtually for the 2021 MTA ESP Conference — and their focus was on fighting for respect and dignity through the PreK-12 ESP Bill of Rights, helping students traumatized by the COVID-19 pandemic, and celebrating the essential work of ESPs.
The event began on Friday, April 9 — when participants could meet individually with retirement consultants — and continued on Saturday, April 10, when the main conference took place.
Although the format did not allow for the social and networking opportunities that are a huge draw of in-person ESP conferences, a variety of professional development workshops and an opening session for everyone helped provide for an engaging and energizing event.
ESP Committee Co-Chair Jean Fay welcomed the group on Saturday. "While we are not together in person this year," she said, "we are always together in spirit for our love of what we do."
The pandemic year has reinforced ESPs’ crucial roles in the lives of students, she added, but it has also taught ESPs to be engaged in the political process — "because elections matter" — and in fighting systemic racism. ESPs, she said, "need to be co-conspirators" with students and colleagues who are people of color.
In addition, she reminded the audience of the need for self-care. "We already know we are superheroes," Fay said. "But even superheroes need to take care of themselves."
Participants learned about the many opportunities the MTA provides for ESPs throughout the year — including personal and professional development workshops; the ESP of the Year program; leadership weekends; and the ESP Bill of Rights campaign.
During the opening session, MTA President Merrie Najimy thanked the ESPs for getting up early to attend.
"You’re exhausted, I know," she said, noting that the conference was held on the first weekend after many districts went back to full in-person learning for many grade levels.
Najimy lauded participants’ commitment to each other and to realizing that "in this space, we get our power from each other."
Fighting for a living wage is at the top of the agenda for the MTA in the coming year, Najimy said, and leadership development tracks in the past few years have put ESPs in position to champion the campaign.
ESPs, Najimy continued, have been at the forefront of winning health and safety protocols in classrooms and on buses. They are also working together with other educators on contract campaigns — and winning on that front as well. "We all share the same struggle," Najimy said.
She said that while the MTA’s PreK-12 ESP Bill of Rights is gaining traction, "adopting this in name only is not enough."
"This has to become a fight at the bargaining table," Najimy told the audience. "It has to become a fight in your municipality, in your town meetings, in your city halls, in the streets, and at the State House."
MTA Vice President Max Page said that respect for all educators is at the center of organizing efforts, adding: "Respect comes in the material conditions of our members’ lives, in their working conditions, and in living wages."
He also urged all members to be involved in the fight for fair treatment.
"Paraprofessionals in the district came together, and we started talking about common issues," Soares said. "Money. Sick time. Job security. Subbing for teachers and constantly missing our own students. The list went on and on. As we discussed what the problems were, it became clear to me that the overarching issue was that paraprofessionals were not respected and were undervalued. This was my turning point, and it became my mission: for Arlington paraprofessionals to receive the respect and the fairness they deserved."
"This is the year for all of our locals to endorse the ESP Bill of Rights and then win living wages for all workers at bargaining tables across the state," Page said.
For many participants, one of the high points of the annual conference is celebrating the MTA ESP of the Year — and the tradition continued on April 10. The crowd warmly welcomed 2021 ESP of the Year Susan Soares, who was introduced by her 2020 predecessor, Sonia Fortin.
Fortin played a video tribute produced by colleagues of Soares, a special education teaching assistant at the Stratton Elementary School in Arlington, and ESP Committee Co-Chair Yahaira Rodriguez presented Soares with a gift from MTA Benefits.
Fortin described Soares as an "amazing and much-appreciated leader" in the Arlington Education Association, noting that she plays many roles in the AEA. "Her leadership shows through her vision, her determination, her kindness and the many hats she wears," Fortin said.
Soares acknowledged the accolades from her fellow ESPs, exclaiming, "I love being part of the union!"
She recounted the success of the 2017-2018 membership drive in her community, which organized one of the last major non-union groups of ESPs in Massachusetts.
"Paraprofessionals in the district came together, and we started talking about common issues," Soares said. "Money. Sick time. Job security. Subbing for teachers and constantly missing our own students. The list went on and on. As we discussed what the problems were, it became clear to me that the overarching issue was that paraprofessionals were not respected and were undervalued. This was my turning point, and it became my mission: for Arlington paraprofessionals to receive the respect and the fairness they deserved."
She thanked past and current AEA leaders, the negotiating team that worked to secure the unit’s first contract, and her husband and children. She went on to pay tribute to her late father and grandfather, both airline union members. She said she hoped they were "looking down with a smile" because they taught her that "unions create fairness and give everyone the power to have a voice."
Workshops at the conference covered a wide range of topics.
Titles of the sessions included "Creating Space to Talk about Race," "Building Inclusivity: Supporting LGBTQ+ Students and Families," and "Resilience Road Show: Building a Trauma-Informed Community."
The MTA campaign for the PreK-12 ESP Bill of Rights was also a key subject. Former ESPs of the Year Fortin and Joni Cederholm outlined the history of how the effort emerged from a wide-ranging survey of ESPs.
They urged all ESPs to bring the document back to their locals and their towns and cities, with the goal of getting districts across the state to endorse it.
"We won’t give up until the PreK-12 Bill of Rights becomes a reality," Cederholm said. "We’re going to be loud, vocal, and we’re going to make it happen!"
For more information about MTA Education Support Professionals and to become involved in the MTA PreK-12 ESP Bill of Rights campaign, please visit massteacher.org/esp.
Get involved!
Volunteer to serve on an MTA committee
MTA committees are vital to the work and mission of our association. Serving on an MTA committee is an ideal way to get involved with your union at the state level. If you are interested in volunteering to serve, we would like to hear from you!
Visit massteacher.org/committees to learn more
NEEDED AN AMBULANCE?
YOU’LL NEED ANOTHER WHEN YOU SEE THE BILL.
Ambulances and airlifts aren’t always covered by Medicare. One trip can cost $50,000 or more. With the Medical Air Services Association (MASA), you’ll get best-in-class emergency transportation 24/7 from home or anywhere in the world. No premiums, deductibles or other hassles.
Learn more: 1.833.852.7202
