Education Support Professionals are critical members of the K-12 and Higher-ed public education workforce. Whether you’re a parent, student, or a member of a school community, education support professionals help make schools better places to learn.
NJEA has been a leading advocate for the careers and interests of education support professionals from the local to national level. We safeguard and advance their professional interests, training, job security, pension and health benefits.
Volunteering
Volunteering is time and effort that you devote to a cause or group of people without any financial gain. It can be organized through not-for-profits, community organizations or family members.
Students can also gain valuable skills in the areas of leadership, communication, teamwork and problem-solving. This helps them build their resume and may increase their chances of a job or scholarship down the road.
It can also improve their social skills by allowing them to work with others from different backgrounds and experiences. This can be helpful for overcoming shyness and other issues that come with being part of a new group.
Volunteering can help people feel a sense of purpose in their lives, which is a huge factor in happiness. It can also give them a chance to get involved in issues that they care about, such as helping animals or promoting sustainability. It can also allow them to explore their interests and hobbies.
Helping Your Child Develop Good Study Habits
Developing good study habits is important for all kids, whether they’re still in grade school or heading off to college. Having strong study skills can help your child achieve academic success and build their self-confidence.
One way to help your child develop good study habits is by providing them with a positive study environment. This means removing distractions from their studying space so they can focus and have a clear mind.
It’s also helpful for them to find their own working style. Some children like to study in short bursts, while others prefer to take more time and work on multiple projects at a time.
Another effective way to improve your child’s study habits is by modeling them. Make sure they see you working hard on your own tasks. If your child is studying at a table, sit next to them and work on something yourself. They’ll be less likely to feel lonely and distracted if they see you working hard too.
Supporting Your Child’s Unique Educational Needs
As a parent, you have a huge role to play in helping your child achieve academic success. You know your child best, and you have a unique set of insights that can help school staff develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) that will be the most beneficial to your child’s learning.
Be an active participant in IEP meetings and the development of your child’s plan, and use your knowledge to inform the team about your child’s strengths and needs. This will ensure the IEP is crafted with your child’s long-term goals in mind.
Keep up to date on special education news, such as proposed changes to legislation or the impact of medical breakthroughs. This can help you prepare your child’s IEP, or even advocate for changes that directly affect your child.
As a parent, you have a large role to play in helping your child achieve academic and social success. You know your child best, and your insights can help school staff develop an IEP that will be the most beneficial to your child’s growth and development.
Supporting Your School
The school environment plays a critical role in preparing students for college and life. It helps shape their sense of self-worth and competency, beliefs about who they are, and how they view the world.
Schools need a flexible system of supports to help students overcome barriers to learning, especially those that come from poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, and other adversities. A strong relationship between schools and families can help prevent these issues from affecting student learning.
Attending parent organization meetings is a great way to get involved and learn what’s happening at your school. You can also volunteer to be a room parent or help out at your child’s performances.
Most schools hold regular parent-teacher conferences to discuss how you can help your child do their best in class. These meetings give you a chance to meet with your child’s teachers and start conversations that will continue at home. You can also ask for information about individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans if your child has special needs.