By Kim Crane
The Gloucester County Education Association (GCEA) held an educational support professional (ESP) overnight Dec. 5-6 in Swedesboro. The event was designed to celebrate, support and empower ESP members. The overnight began with an NJEA Member Benefits fair followed by a formal dinner program featuring remarks from GCEA President Stephen Whitehead, GCEA Vice President Roberta Rissling, NJEA Associate Director of Organizing and Development Bob Antonelli and NJEA Secretary-Treasurer Tina Dare.
Whitehead explained why this is one of his favorite events of the year. “This is a great opportunity for ESP members to ‘fill their cup’ and de-stress, and for us to celebrate our essential support professionals and recognize their achievements.”
The first night of the event concluded with a two-hour wellness program focused on rejuvenation and self-care for ESPs. Participants rotated through stations including yoga, massage chairs, functional movement, Zumba and reiki. A tarot card reader was on site to conduct readings.
Saturday’s breakfast buffet was followed by a dual-workshop format. In the workshop Building Power Through Conversations, members gained the tools and confidence to lead meaningful organizing conversations. Participants learned how one-to-one dialogue can build trust and mobilize collective action as union members.
Running concurrently was the Responding with Care: Mental Health and Conflict Management Skills workshop, an interactive session that offered practical strategies for recognizing signs of student stress and responding with empathy. Members practiced de-escalation techniques and explored ways to support students while maintaining safe, positive environments.
By offering thoughtful programming, wellness opportunities and high-quality professional development, the Gloucester County ESP Overnight reflected the GCEA’s strong commitment to honoring and uplifting ESP members.
Kimberly Crane is an NJEA Communications Consultant and former president of the Highland Park Education Association. She can be reached at kcrane@njea.org.