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December 17, 2024 |
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From all of us at AESA, we wish you a joyful holiday season filled with moments that bring you happiness—whether that’s traveling, gathering with loved ones, or simply enjoying some quiet time at home. As our staff will also be enjoying the holiday, the AESA Online News will not be published on December 24, 2024. |
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AESA News |
Celebrating 2024 AESA Award Winners |
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A highlight of our annual conference is recognizing individuals and organizations whose exceptional dedication drives excellence in education. Below is a list of the national awards presented to this year’s honorees during the conference.
Outstanding Achievement in ESA Writing & Research Award The Willamette ESD Communications Team has shown extraordinary leadership in educational communications, using innovative multimedia strategies to support districts across Oregon. Led by Michael Clark, their work has enhanced district engagement, crisis communication preparedness, and strategic communication support, setting a model for excellence statewide. Read more here.
Excellence in Executive Leadership Award Dr. Gladys I. Cruz, District Superintendent and CEO of Questar III BOCES, has led with vision and dedication, transforming educational opportunities across New York State. From expanding career and technical education to supporting bilingual instruction, Dr. Cruz’s contributions reach students of all backgrounds. Her influence extends nationally as the past-president of AASA, where she championed public education. Read more here.
Exemplary Service & Innovation for Technological Advancement Award As Executive Director of the Learning Technology Center, Tim McIlvain has spearheaded initiatives that have transformed technology access and support for Illinois schools. Under his leadership, the LTC has significantly increased its reach, bringing essential tech services, cybersecurity training, and professional learning to thousands of educators. Read more here.
Women of Inspiration in Leadership Award Naomi Norman, Superintendent of Washtenaw ISD, is a leader who empowers others through innovation and mentorship. She has pioneered programs to address the teacher shortage, expanded equity initiatives, and uplifted women leaders across Michigan. Her visionary work is helping reshape education for a more inclusive future. Read more here.
We heartily congratulate these inspiring champions of education. Our sincerest thanks for your outstanding service, dedication, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of students, educators, and communities. |
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2024 AESA Annual Conference Photos Now Available |
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The 2024 AESA Annual Conference was an unforgettable event, and now you can relive those special moments! High-resolution photos from the conference, captured by EPNAC.com, are available for download. Presenters and business partners will especially appreciate these stunning shots of themselves in action! |
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Federal Advocacy Updates |
Share Your E-Rate Stories: Help Support Advocacy in the Supreme Court Case |
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AESA and AASA are joining forces to collect stories and anecdotes about E-Rate usage in ESAs and schools nationwide. This effort is critical to supporting the amicus brief for the upcoming Supreme Court case on E-Rate.
To make participation easy, we’ve created a single online data form. This allows you to quickly share the link with your districts and provide input in a format that can be effectively summarized into key points for advocacy.
The form will remain open through this Friday, December 20. Your contributions—whether from your ESA or the districts you serve—are vital to demonstrating the impact of E-Rate and strengthening our collective voice.
Survey Link: https://survey.k12insight.com/r/EdLiNC-24
Thank you for helping us advocate for this essential program! |
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As our coalition gears up to kick off the 50th year of IDEA, we want to have a jump start on the new year and new Congress in terms of giving them actionable steps they can take to show their support. We have drafted a sign on letter—open to national, state and local supporters—that gives Congress to explicit ways to support IDEA funding: asking them to prioritize funding for IDEA in appropriations and urging them to co-sponsor the IDEA Full Funding Act. You can access the letter and sign-on form; we are leaving the letter open through Monday, December 23.
We welcome anything you can do to not only sign on your organization, but to also share with any state or local partners who share our priority for IDEA full funding. |
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AESA Joins Education Groups in Letter Supporting COPPA 2.0 |
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AESA joined 11 other national organizations in a letter expressing support for passing COPPA 2.0 before year’s end. |
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PIPC Blog Cross Post: A Privacy Bill Masquerading as a Holiday Gift? |
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Senator Blackburn (R-TN) released a new version of KOSPA which reconciles several of these differences–and may even be able to pass both chambers of Congress before the end of the year. Read this informative cross-post from Public Interest Privacy Center (PIPC). |
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Last week, the Social Security Administration released a Dear Colleague Letter for the release of their School Professionals and Survivors Benefits Toolkits, designed to help increase awareness of their benefit programs. Find these resources here. |
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USED Issues Guidance Promoting Expanded Use of Behavior Assessments |
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USED released non-regulatory guidance promoting the use of individualized behavioral assessments and support plans for students with disabilities to help schools address problem behavior and reduce suspensions and expulsions.
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Donald Trump announced his nomination of Brooke Rollins, the president and CEO of the America First Policy, for Secretary of US Department of Agriculture, where she will oversee programs that reimburse schools to provide meals for low-income children. (More information on Rollins’ background is available in this K-12 Dive article). |
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Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced the Returning Education to Our States Act to eliminate the Department of Education and “redistribute all critical functions under other departments.” (More on the proposed bill is available here.) |
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No, the U.S. Ed. Dept. Won't Be Abolished. But Here's What’s Likely to Happen Instead |
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Big changes are on the horizon, with the potential to surprise educators, advocates, and others. Our advocacy team is committed to keeping members informed as we navigate these developments together. We believe this piece is well worth your time. |
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Q&A: David Adams on Using AI to Improve Teacher Practice |
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This FutureEd Q&A focuses on an R&D collaboration between a school support network in New York, a technology company, and the creators of the CLASS observation tool. The project aims to leverage AI to help instructional coaches provide more feedback to more teachers in less time.
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Member News |
Reminder: Share Your Podcasts with AESA! |
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The following are the podcasts we've compiled. We know there are MANY more!
Central Region Char-Em ISD, MI The purpose of the Leaders in Education Podcast is to give a voice to educators and experts in northern Michigan to share content and advice from respected leaders and experts in education, and to cultivate engagement among educators, board members, and other partners.
One-to-One Podcast Edtech is so much more than apps, devices, frameworks, and lifeless data. The LTC in Illinois interviews real-life people who are transforming edtech daily.
Eastern Region Carbon Lehigh IU, PA
Lead On with Greg & Mark (LOwGaM) Bucks County IU and Carbon Lehigh IU, PA We invite you to join us as we talk about the world of leadership during times of complexity.
WIU Pulse The WIU Pulse features an in-depth look at the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit. Join us to learn about this vibrant educational service agency and the many programs and services it offers!
Southern Region Kentucky Educational Development Corporation, KY Discover timely conversations from educators and important partners to increase your knowledge, find inspiration, and get updates on programs and supports accessible to KEDC member districts.
Kentucky Educational Development Corporation, KY This podcast presents a unique opportunity to shine a light on the good happening in the KEDC region every day.
Western Region Let's hear from you!
What we need from you! AESA is compiling a comprehensive list of member podcasts to feature on our website. This is a great opportunity to showcase your expertise, share innovative ideas, and connect with others in the ESA community.
What to Do:
Submit your podcast details to Claire Sowder at csowder@aesa.us.
Let’s amplify the voices of our ESA community and create a resource hub for shared learning and inspiration. We look forward to hearing from you! |
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