I also love St. Patrick’s Day! As a classroom teacher, I had students cut shamrocks out of green construction paper, and we sent Shamrock Salutations, filled with positive messages, to adults and children throughout the school. These included sentiments like “You are my favorite person at school” or “Thank you for always being there for me.” It was such a simple thing, but it brought joy to both givers and receivers while really lifting everyone’s spirits.
One of the times I love most are the in-person events where we can network together, as a union. In that regard, I would like to highlight the NEA-NM Southern Education Support Professional (ESP) Conference that was held in Las Cruces at the Hotel Encanto on February 23rd and 24th. A planning committee of ESP members worked across the span of many months to put on a successful conference, and it was successful.
Irma Valdespino, President of the Classified School Employees Council-Las Cruces had this to say, "It was a privilege to have Ms. Pamella Johnson, the 2023 NEA ESP of the Year, attend the NEA-NM ESP Conference. Her sharing her work as a social-emotional and behavioral interventionist at Rochester High School in Rochester, Washington, and her work in the Washington Education Association advocating for best practices in equity education for students is exceptional and indicates why she was chosen the NEA ESP of the Year. Ms. Johnson's words of how ESPs play a vital role in public education were inspirational and affirm how we are to be recognized for our service to the children of our community. We were fortunate to have this outstanding advocate attend our conference."
Ms. Johnson herself stated, “The conference was great. The level of professionalism and respect was very evident.” She went on to say, “People didn’t want to leave when it was over.” Wow! Great job to all who made this event a success.