Bargaining Health Benefits Post Ch.44
Sunday, Feb. 7
Since the passage of P.L. 2020, c44, health benefits negotiations have been somewhat limited. Although c44 does not sunset until December 31, 2027, many contracts being negotiated now include that timeframe. This session will cover health benefits terminology and current trends that are pushing up costs dramatically. It will also address the limits of what can be bargained now and what can be bargained after the sunset of c44. Finally, this session will offer general strategies when bargaining health benefits.
Be the Voice: AR Training for Leadership and Advocacy
Sunday, Feb. 7
Develop the knowledge, leadership skills, and advocacy tools needed to be an effective Association Representative. This training prepares ARs to serve as informed leaders and trusted member advocates by focusing on contract enforcement, basic school law, member benefits, membership engagement, emerging educational issues, legislative advocacy, and the role of county, state, and national associations.
Beyond the Conversation: Recognize It. Interrupt It. Change It.
Saturday, Feb. 6
Conversations about race matter—but what happens after the conversation? Through real-world scenarios, reflection and discussion, participants will explore how race, bias and power can show up in our workplaces and examine the role each of us can play in responding. Together, we’ll move beyond awareness and toward practical ways to recognize, interrupt and challenge racism while building more equitable workplaces and union communities.
Creating a Safe & Smooth Ride: Supporting Students with Autism on the School Bus
Saturday, Feb. 6
School bus drivers and transportation staff play an essential role in creating safe, predictable, and successful transportation experiences for students with autism. This practical workshop will provide drivers with strategies for understanding and responding to common behaviors that may occur during the bus ride, including difficulty with transitions, communication challenges, anxiety, sensory needs, and challenging behavior.
Participants will learn how to establish predictable routines, use effective communication and prevention strategies, respond appropriately to behavioral challenges, and promote positive behavior while maintaining safety. The workshop will also highlight the importance of collaboration among drivers, paraprofessionals, teachers, families, and behavior professionals. Through practical examples and hands-on strategies, participants will leave with tools they can immediately apply to help create a safe, calm, and smooth ride for every student.
This workshop is being presented by Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center at Rutgers University.
Grieve, Don’t Gripe: Grievance Processing
Saturday, Feb. 6
This workshop will introduce participants to the basic vocabulary, essential tools, complete process, and changing laws of grievances from the local association level through court appeals. Problem-solving ideas and strategies will be reviewed through case studies illustrating specific solutions to real problems. Members will be asked to determine whether gripes are grievable or should be handled in other ways.
How To Keep Yourself Safe & Sane in Your Worksite
Offered on Saturday, Feb. 6 and Sunday, Feb. 7
In this workshop participants will learn the ins and outs of Workman’s Comp, IAIU, the restraint and seclusion law, and violence and vandalism reporting. During the presentation we will develop strategies to minimize the threat of personal injury which can be shared with your local.
Member Benefits for You, Your Members, and Your Families
Saturday, Feb. 6
Learn how members can take full advantage of their membership and achieve savings on everyday and big purchases. The workshop will include an overview of popular member benefits, how to access them, and how to use them as an organizing tool.
Mindfulness & SEL: Supporting Students and Ourselves
Saturday, Feb. 6
Discover how mindfulness and Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) can strengthen connections with students while supporting your own well-being. Participants will explore the key components of SEL and learn how mindfulness can positively impact the school environment. Through practical techniques and strategies, attendees will leave with tools they can use immediately to support themselves and the students they serve.
Prompt, Protect, Prepare: AI for ESPs
Sunday, Feb. 7
AI is already changing the workplace, and ESP members need to know both how to use it and how to protect themselves from its misuse. This hands-on workshop will help participants use AI tools to save time, communicate more effectively, organize union work and create useful materials, while also exploring job-security concerns, workplace surveillance, automation, bargaining issues and the importance of human judgment. Participants will leave with practical skills, sample prompts and ideas they can use in their union roles and on the job.
Protecting Staff: Addressing Workplace Violence in Schools
Sunday, Feb. 7
Violence against school staff—particularly incidents involving students—is a growing concern. This workshop will empower ESPs to respond effectively, advocate for safer working conditions, and ensure members understand their rights and protections. Learn how to strengthen your health & safety committee, support impacted staff, and push for policies that create a safer school environment.
Share Your Story, Show Your Value
Offered on Saturday, Feb. 6 and Sunday, Feb. 7
Every ESP has a story, and sharing those stories can be a powerful tool for building support and protecting ESP jobs. Participants will learn how to use the Story of Self, Pinch Hit for an ESP, and effective public relations practices to showcase the essential work ESPs do every day. Learn how proactive storytelling can strengthen relationships with members, parents, communities, and decision-makers while building support before privatization becomes a threat. Participants will leave with practical ideas for turning their stories into action and building ESP power.
Social Media: Protecting Yourself in the Digital Age
Sunday, Feb. 7
This workshop will review a variety of effective strategies to engage on social media while steering clear of pitfalls and potential issues. You will learn what the law says about public school employees’ rights on social media, ways to protect your privacy, and tips to avoid both peer and parental backlash, as well as any adverse effect on your employment.
Tapping our Political Power
Saturday, Feb. 6
This empowering workshop is designed to help ESPs unlock and harness their collective political power to drive meaningful change in their communities. Participants will learn how to quickly identify and connect with their specific legislators and representatives to ensure their workplace needs are heard at every level of government. This session provides practical strategies for organizing your local to build a strong, unified advocacy network that champions ESP rights.
The 50-Year Conspiracy Against Your Paycheck
Sunday, Feb. 7
This workshop combines history and politics to identify and reveal the anti-union forces working to take money out of your paycheck and benefits from your family. You’ll learn about the birth and golden age of unions, the origins of the anti-union reaction, and the present-day web of think tanks that exist to undermine your contract. We’ll discuss how public employees and our unions are on the front lines of a larger battle over control of the American economy, and the ways in which race and identity have been used to divide unions to prevent us from advocating for our economic interests.
The Power of Belonging: Building a Stronger ESP Union
Saturday, Feb. 6
Why do people join, stay involved, and step up? Discover how creating a sense of belonging can strengthen membership, develop new leaders, and turn everyday workplace conversations into opportunities to organize and grow ESP power.
Understanding Autism: Strategies, Inclusion & Possibilities
Sunday, Feb. 7
Build your understanding of autism spectrum disorder and learn useful strategies for supporting students in the school setting. Participants will also view Intelligent Lives and discuss how inclusion, high expectations, and individualized support can open doors for students with disabilities. Together, we’ll explore how ESPs can play an important role in creating learning environments where every student is valued, supported, and given opportunities to succeed.
What is Chapter 66 and How Does it Protect Me?
Sunday, Feb. 7
You’ve heard of Chapter 44 but what is Chapter 66? This workshop will teach you about the law commonly referred to as our due process law, “Chapter 66,” which took effect in 2020. It provides non-teaching school staff with the right to binding arbitration for disciplinary actions, such as reprimands, increment withholdings and terminations. This law aims to give these employees, including custodians, drivers, cafeteria workers and more, similar protection to teachers by ensuring that disciplinary decisions are reviewed by an impartial arbitrator. We will go into depth around what ESPs’ rights are when they are disciplined, terminated or non-renewed. You will learn how to prepare for a Donaldson hearing, as well as what documentation will help you when moving into arbitration.
You & Your Pension
Saturday, Feb. 6
Learn about your PERS pension benefits. Discuss options, retirement dates, life insurance, purchase of prior service, Social Security, taxation of retirement benefits, and health insurance after retirement. Procedures for retirement and completion of forms will also be discussed.
Your Voice, Your Value: Negotiating for Better Pay and Professional Respect
Offered on Saturday, Feb. 6 and Sunday, Feb. 7
This workshop is designed to help Educational Support Professionals build the confidence and skills needed to effectively discuss compensation issues, navigate common negotiation challenges, and advocate for better pay, benefits, and professional respect.
When Life Calls: Understanding Leaves of Absence
Offered on Saturday, Feb. 6 and Sunday, Feb. 7
Life events can have a significant impact on members and their families. This workshop explores leave options, access available resources, and navigate the leave journey from start to finish. Through real-world examples and best practices, participants will learn how to deliver meaningful support when it matters most.