Education Support Professionals

The 510,000 Educational Support Professional members of the National Education Association and the 29,500 ESP members of the Illinois Education Association take care of our children every day and make sure they have the tools they need to succeed in our schools and classrooms. We are truly the unsung heroes of public education.

Raising Education Support Professionals by Elevating Careers Together is a statewide effort by ESPs, with the support of IEA staff, to improve working conditions.

• 4/18/2026 – Edwardsville – 9 am – 2 pm
• 6/6/2026 – Naperville – 9 am – 2 pm

• 4/25/2026 – Register Here
• View the latest recorded meeting.

The Education Support Professional Council consists of 13 ESP school employees and members of the IEA

Website for the Education Support Professional Council. Visit for the latest information and updates.

Bring ESP Council members to your next meeting.  Presidents, Region Chairs, and members can now invite members of the ESP Council to your local or regional meetings by using this request form.

Education Support Professionals archive of the monthly email newsletter.

The ESP Council created the ESP STAR program to allow IEA local leaders, members and board of directors to recognize and publicize the good work of their ESP members across the state.

Resources related to bargaining for use by ESP Leaders.

Ultimately we seek to build power to make change. In this toolkit, we will cover the critical elements of organizing.

In 2007, the Illinois Education Association achieved a major victory in providing job protection for all ESP employees. Read the exact text of Public Act 095-0241 introduced as House Bill 1347.

Empowering Our Own Supports Education Support Professionals (ESPs) through mentoring, leadership, and professional growth aligned with the ESP Professional Growth Continuum. This statewide program offers personalized support, training resources, program guidance, sample bargaining language, and targeted professional development designed for use at your workplace or within your local.

We have an exciting announcement! Back by popular demand beginning August 2025, the National Resource Center for Paraeducators (NRCP) and the Center for Technical Assistance for Excellence in Special Education (TAESE) have organized a NEW year of monthly, low-cost, professional development webinars for paraeducators, teachers, administrators, etc.  Registration | Flier

ESP Skills workshops are designed for and often by our Education Support Professional (ESP) members. They offer informal, engaging conversations on topics that matter most to ESPs. Each session is aimed at building specific skills, increasing leadership capacity, and deepening our understanding of the IEA. To support open dialogue, create a brave space, and ensure a personalized experience, workshops will not be recorded.

IEA Unionism & Leadership Education delivers high-impact training on the essential work of union activism including organizational development, member representation, contract enforcement, collective bargaining, effective advocacy, and leadership development. These courses are designed to build powerful union leaders, sharpen critical skills, and strengthen your union’s ability to fight for and win real gains for members.

The IEA strives to offer you free, high-quality online professional development that fits your needs and is available on-demand to fit your changing schedule. View these ESP specific courses.

ParaSharp online professional development builds confidence and increases job satisfaction. With easy-to-use videos, interactive discussions, tracking tools and more, this program helps paraeducators hone their skills. Instructions | Flier

ESPs help ESPs! Also known as peer assistance, newer ESPs are paired with experienced, highly accomplished ESPs for support and guidance.

Your IEA membership guarantees representation at the bargaining table and ensures you have access to free legal services should the need ever arise.

The IEA provides attorneys to represent local affiliates and members in disputes with school boards covering a wide-range of legal issues.

The purpose of IEA’s education policy work is to identify the impact of proposed and current education policy and improve outcomes for educators and students.

Are you a staff member working in higher ed? Check out the IEA Higher Ed page for more resources

Tell us what matters to you most! Fill out the membership interest form so we can send you resources on the topics and issues you care about.