The National Education Association (NEA) has announced that applications are now open for the ESP Leadership Institute (ESPLI). This program is designed to help education support professionals (ESPs) develop leadership skills. ESPLI is known for its competitive nature, accepting only 30 participants nationwide.
The program is crafted by members and aims to turn ESPs into leaders who can make significant impacts in their schools, unions, and communities. LiseAnn Mills, co-president of the Mountain Home Education Association and a member of the Idaho Education Association Board of Directors, recently graduated from the program. She expressed that participating in ESPLI has enhanced her self-confidence and affirmed her ability to lead.
The institute includes a combination of in-person training sessions, virtual meetings, and independent assignments over a period of 17 months. Participants must complete a capstone project addressing a real-world challenge at their worksite or community to graduate.
All eligible ESP members are encouraged to apply. Applicants will be vetted through their state affiliate before receiving invitations. Despite the daunting application process, Mills encourages others to apply. “Three days before the deadline for the video submission, I was like, ‘Do I really want to do this? Do I have the time to do it? Am I really going to get anything out of it?’” she shared.
Ultimately, Mills found value in her experience with ESPLI. “I took that leap and did it,” she said, adding that what she learned and the friendships she made were invaluable.
Important dates for prospective applicants include June 25 for online applications and June 30 for video introductions. More information can be found at nea.org/ESPLI or by contacting Jennie Young at [email protected].
