Sixty-three Education Support Professionals from around the state gathered at the Ramada Palms Resort and Conference Center on April 17 and 18 for a conference. Laura Vernon, the NEA ESP of the Year, was the keynote speaker. Laura Vernon has served in the field of education for 32 years, currently in the Division of School Safety and Security in Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS). She has been employed as a paraeducator and safety assistant, as well as taking the role of a leader in her community.
Vernon ’s national union involvement include the National Council of Education Support Professionals (NCESP) for six years; National Council of Urban Education Associations (NCUEA) for four years; and National Education Association (NEA) Black Caucus for nine years. She has participated in NEA training seminars and served as an alternate NEA Director for two years.
She has served as a member of the Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC) Board of Directors for four years, and as a board alternate four years. She has been a member of the WEAC Leadership Team for two years and has served as chair of the New Board Members Committee and the Awards and Elections Committee. She is recipient of a WEAC Presidential Award and ESP of the Year Award.
As a strong member of her local, the Milwaukee Educational Assistants’ Association (MEAA), she has served on the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association (MTEA) Executive Board, receiving MTEA recognition of service. She was MEAA president and secretary and has served on many committees.
Participants at the ESP conference attended workshops on living wage campaigns, member recruitment, employee rights and AR trainings.
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