Education Support Professionals

ESP Empowerment Roundtable
You are invited to attend the IEA ESP Council’s February roundtable where the discussion will be facilitated by Robert Powell, IEA ESP Council Member. Our commitment to equity and excellence in education requires the centering of cultural competence in all of our endeavors and utilizing a racial and social justice framework to support all students.
ESP Bargaining Resources
ESP Bargaining Resources consolidates resources related to bargaining for use by ESP Leaders.
ESP Emerging Leaders Academy
The ESP-ELA was develop to provide support and leadership training for IEA’s emerging ESP leaders.
ESP of the Year Award
This award is meant to emphasize the contributions of education support professionals to their association, their schools and their communities.
ESP STARS Award
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. Use the online nomination form to nominate a special ESP. Nominations can be submitted monthly
ESP Insider Reporter Form
We are working to recognize ESP contributions and action through the ESP Insider. When you participate in an event involving ESPs or hear of such an event please send a completed Insider Report Form.
ESP in Action Booklet
Events, connecting with other ESPs, professional development and action opportunities, ESP council committees, resources, and your statewide elected representatives. (Spanish version also available.)
Professional Development Webinar Trainings - Upcoming
A wide variety professional development webinar series designed to support the professional growth of Education Support Professionals.
Professional Development Webinar Trainings - Archive
Did you miss one of the live webinar sessions? View the past webinars here! A wide variety professional development webinar series designed to support the professional growth of Education Support Professionals.
ESP Council Website
Website for the Education Support Professional Council. Visit for the latest information and updates.
ESP Council List
The Education Support Professional Council consists of thirteen (13) people all of whom are ESP school employees and members of the Illinois Education Association.
Request ESP Council Members to Attend Meeting Form
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.
About ESPs
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.
NEA ESP Website
NEA’s 510,000 Education Support Professional (ESP) members take care of our children every day and make sure they have the tools they need to succeed in our schools and classrooms.
NEA ESP Publications
The NEA ESPQ Department offers a variety of publications designed to support and elevate the careers of Education Support Professionals in all career categories.
NEA ESP Organizing Toolkit
Ultimately we seek to build power to make change. In this toolkit, we will cover the critical elements of organizing.
ESP Mentoring
Learn the difference between Peer Mentoring and Peer Review and is your Local Association ready for this concept.
Privatization/Subcontracting and The Law
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.
Contact Us
Arlene Criglar
ESP Paraprofessional
Phone: (847) 428-7640
Fax: (847) 428-9607