2024 ESP Conference

Event

OEA’s ESP and Classified Employees Conference is a professional learning opportunity for Education Support Professionals in Oregon. Designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of our union’s ESP members by providing professional development that is relevant to the critical work we do in our public schools and community colleges every day.

An illustration of educators surrounded by colorful symbols. Text reads: "ESP Conference for OEA Classified and Support Staff Members."

By: Oregon Education Association

Published: September 13, 2024

Event Overview

Dates and Times

Friday, November 15, 2024 5:00 PM (PST) -
Saturday, November 16, 2024 4:00 PM (PST)

Cost

Free

Location

Lane Community College
4000 E 30th Ave, Eugene, OR 97405

Topics

Advocacy
Bargaining
Disruptive Learning
Working Conditions

If you have already registered for the 2024 ESP Conference, please use this form to select the sessions you would like to attend. Descriptions of sessions can be found below ⤵️

Session 1 Workshops: 12:45-2:00PM Saturday, November 16

The Art of the Ask

Become confident in asking your fellow workers to join you in building your union power! We will work on whole group and one-on-one conversations grounded in shared values, how to respond to objections, and how to have genuine conversations that strengthen your connections and collective action.

ASK ESP Bargaining Strategies

Want to improve your ESP bargaining contract? In this session we will discuss our experience with Open Bargaining. How it helped us bring our union back to life, change the balance of power with our transparent approach with our members engaged every step of the way! You will leave this session empowered and ready to bargain a strong contract!

ESPs and the Law

Learn about your legal rights to a safe work environment and discover ways to challenge unsafe working conditions. In this workshop, labor union attorney Sarah Drescher from Tedesco Law Group will discuss the laws that protect classified and support staff from threats of harm, with a special focus on protecting employees from student-inflicted injuries. We will discuss the new Oregon law granting access to IEP information/meetings, the OSHA complaint process, the circumstances in which an employee can refuse to perform unsafe job duties, and more.

Union 101

What is a union? Why is it imperative to be active in my union? This session will immediately orient you to your role in your collective union. We will interact to dispel common myths about labor. We will discuss the unique role unions have in changing our lives and our material conditions. You will be energized and ready to be an emissary for all things OEA/Union after this session. In Solidarity!

Session 2 Workshops: 2:15-3:30PM Saturday, November 16

ESPs and the Law

Understanding Unemployment

Curious about what the new unemployment benefit rules for educators mean for you and your members? Come to this session to hear about the ins and outs of the new unemployment benefits rules.

Unlocking Resources: Grant Opportunities and Professional Learning for Education Support Professionals

Get ready to unlock your potential and elevate your career through the power of professional learning and grants. This engaging course is designed specifically for education support professionals. Participants will learn how to navigate various platforms to access resources and discover the secrets to successfully obtaining grants. We’ll also share proven contract language from districts across the nation that are leading this work. Whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge or a seasoned pro, this session will offer a fresh perspective on what is possible. Don’t miss this opportunity to empower yourself and your colleagues!

Panel: Strategies for Managing Student Behaviors Reflecting Different ESP Roles

ESPs play a crucial role in managing student behaviors and creating positive learning environments. It is important for us to identify and understand the underlying causes of student behaviors, as they can be influenced by various factors. Join us and learn how to recognize and address these behaviors, build strong relationships with students, and create supportive and conducive learning environments so all students can succeed.

Friday, 5:00-6:00pm

Networking/Meet and Greet OCESP Regional Directors

All Participants

Friday, 5:55-6:00pm

Land Acknowledgement

All Participants

Friday, 6:00-6:55pm

Dinner & Living Wage Campaign Presentation

All Participants

Friday, 7:00-7:15pm

Opening Remarks

OCESP Chair, Laura Warren

Friday, 7:15-8:00pm

Activity: Jeopardy

Regional

Saturday, 8:00-9:00am

Light Breakfast

All Participants

Saturday, 9:00-9:30am

Gallery Walk

All Participants

Saturday, 9:35-11:00am

Roundtable Panel: Winning Strategies for Achieving Safety, Respect & Professionalism at your Worksite

Facilitator: Deb Wiskow

Saturday, 11:00-11:45am

Job Alike Networking

Facilitators: TBD

Saturday, 11:45am-12:30pm

Lunch

All Participants

Saturday, 12:45-2:00pm

Workshop 1

Selected Workshop

Saturday, 2:15-3:30pm

Workshop 2

Selected Workshop

Saturday, 3:30-4:00pm

Closing Remarks & Adjournment

All Participants

Learn More

Do More

When we act together and lift our voices together in unison, we can improve the lives of children.

Event Overview

Dates and Times

Cost

Location

Topics

Session 1 Workshops: 12:45-2:00PM Saturday, November 16

The Art of the Ask

ASK ESP Bargaining Strategies

ESPs and the Law

Union 101

Session 2 Workshops: 2:15-3:30PM Saturday, November 16

ESPs and the Law

Understanding Unemployment

Unlocking Resources: Grant Opportunities and Professional Learning for Education Support Professionals

Panel: Strategies for Managing Student Behaviors Reflecting Different ESP Roles

Agenda

Networking/Meet and Greet OCESP Regional Directors

Land Acknowledgement

Dinner & Living Wage Campaign Presentation

Opening Remarks

Activity: Jeopardy

Light Breakfast

Gallery Walk

Roundtable Panel: Winning Strategies for Achieving Safety, Respect & Professionalism at your Worksite

Job Alike Networking

Lunch

Workshop 1

Workshop 2

Closing Remarks & Adjournment

References

Learn More

Do More

Keeping the Promise of Quality Public Education

Suggested Results

2024 ESP Conference

Event Overview

Dates and Times

Cost

Location

Topics

Section with embed

Session 1 Workshops: 12:45-2:00PM Saturday, November 16

The Art of the Ask

ASK ESP Bargaining Strategies

ESPs and the Law

Union 101

Session 2 Workshops: 2:15-3:30PM Saturday, November 16

ESPs and the Law

Understanding Unemployment

Unlocking Resources: Grant Opportunities and Professional Learning for Education Support Professionals

Panel: Strategies for Managing Student Behaviors Reflecting Different ESP Roles

Networking/Meet and Greet OCESP Regional Directors

Land Acknowledgement

Dinner & Living Wage Campaign Presentation

Opening Remarks

Activity: Jeopardy

Light Breakfast

Gallery Walk

Roundtable Panel: Winning Strategies for Achieving Safety, Respect & Professionalism at your Worksite

Job Alike Networking

Lunch

Workshop 1

Workshop 2

Closing Remarks & Adjournment

References

Learn More

Do More

Speak Up For Students and Public Schools

Together, we will claim victories for public education

Keeping the Promise of Quality Public Education