Professional development opportunities for education support professionals at MEA
October’s MEA conference has many great workshops and sessions for education support professionals. Below is a description of some of the offerings that are available at the MEA conference and through MEA Online.
Teachers and ESPs: building a collaborative working environment
This course provides an overview of the history and evolution of our two unique professions and highlights strategic differences both inside and outside the classroom for our licensed and non-licensed educators. Participants will leave this session with tangible strategies that help us maximize our collective impact in schools while building an environment together that fosters better outcomes for our students.
Special Education Paraprofessional Personnel Requirements and Technical Assistance
This comprehensive information session is dedicated to understanding the personnel requirements and qualifications necessary to excel in the paraprofessional special education role. Participants can also engage in a Q&A segment where they will be able to ask questions, seek clarification and engage with special education workforce specialists from the Minnesota Department of Education.
Other courses of interest that benefit all members include:
- Get Real: Authentic Learning Experiences Increase Student Engagement and Motivation.
- Dismantling Ableism.
- Navigating Challenges & Building Resilience.
- Overview of the READ Act.
Can’t make it? No problem! MEA Online ofers several free professional development opportunities that are accessible from anywhere. Plus, this portal includes access to the National Education Association’s online training.
MEA Online trainings that are designed for ESPs include:
- Certified Negotiator Program for Education Support Professionals.
- ESP Costing Spreadsheet.
