There is a growing need to provide education support professionals (ESP) with current, relevant professional development. In many cases, the district does not or can not afford this training. Through many man hours, using ESP from each job family and the guidance of the ESP(Q)uality Department at the National Education Association (NEA) the culmination of this work in now a tangible product that can be used by ESP to further their profession(s). The Professional Growth Continuum (PGC) is now available for download and ready to assist you in your journey to the next level of professionalism. The PGC is broken out by ESP career families, universal standards, levels of practice, and opportunity pathways. With the exception of the “career family”, this continuum is meant to be a fluid document to track your movement and growth, noting that you may find yourself at varying levels of proficiency while moving through the process.
No matter which of the nine ESP Career Family categories you find yourself in,
- Clerical Services
- Custodial and Maintenance Services
- Food Services
- Health and Student Services
- Paraeducators
- Security Services
- Skilled Trades
- Technical Services
- Transportation Services
there are growth opportunities, Universal Standards and Levels of Practice that will help guide you to your best self, grounded in the core belief that the success of every student is the responsibility of all adults at a work site – administrators, teachers, and ESP.
What it is and what it isn’t.
The PGC is a tool to provide clear pathways for professional growth through various professional learning opportunities. It is meant to have a positive impact on ESP and with that on students, schools, and communities when the work put forth is valued. There is the ability to choose different routes that meet the specific needs and interests of the school community. Opportunities are available for leading, mentoring, and being a role model.
It is not meant to be linear or hierarchical. An individual can be proficient for one standard of practice, but also advanced for another. It is not meant to be used as an evaluation by the district, but rather a tool to reflect on current levels of skills and knowledge and map out the area(s) that can be strengthened or improved upon in order to move along the continuum of professional growth. Thereby reflecting a strong, dedicated workforce of professionals at each school site.
When we, as ESP, begin to see ourselves as playing a critical role in helping to develop the whole student by providing a healthy, safe, engaging, supportive, and challenging environment, we indeed, will raise the bar of excellence of our profession, schools, and communities. Thereby, creating the necessary by-in from community members and stake holders, that will fortify our community schools and ensure continued support.
So, let us begin the “hard work” of self assessment, study, coaching, and encouraging one another while working toward our individual goals. And collectively we can say “we did it our way.” There are pre-assessment and post assessments to guide our journey and growth.
Get on board by visiting www.mynea360.org for more information on the ESP Professional Growth Continuum. You can also download NEA ESP GROWTH CONTINUUM by clicking here.