Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1144159
SUMMER 2019 | ADVOCATE 13 ESProfessional ESPecially for Kids Award AEA honors an exceptional education support professional with the "ESPecially for Kids" Award, which recognizes a classified employee for "extraordinary efforts on behalf of young people." J uanita "Jenny" Miles has been a Health Assistant for 22 years. Every day she takes care of the physical and emotional needs of students, teachers, coworkers, and sometimes the community. On a daily basis, Jenny administers first aid, serves as a liaison, all while keeping the school health office running smoothly. She provides a welcoming atmosphere in her office, listens to the problems of students, staff, and parents, and she does her best to provide for the health and emotional needs of everyone with whom she comes into contact. Jenny is unquestionably a leader, and not only in the Education Support Professional (ESP) community, but within all of Tucson Education Association (TEA). She has taken on many leadership responsibilities, including Ethnic Minority At-Large TEA Board Member, TEA ESP Committee Chair, and TEA Bargaining Team Member. During last year's walkout, Jenny was actively engaged from the beginning, helping to set up walk-ins at her school, being part of the standouts in Tucson, marching on the Capitol, and engaging other educators in these actions throughout. Once it came time to work on the INVESTinED ballot measure campaign, Jenny passionately collected signatures within her community, outside of businesses, and within her church. Jenny has actively recruited members, both Certified and Classified, as she knows we are stronger together. Jenny has attended the AEA Delegate Assembly, as well as multiple NEA ESP Conferences, continuing her growth and development as a leader. Jenny is an integral part of her school community, and a valued leader within TEA. Her voice carries weight with her peers within the Health Assistant community in Tucson Unified School District (TUSD), and equal weight on the TEA Board of Directors. Her work with the TEA ESP Committee has led to improvements in the Classified contract, and her various opportunities to represent TEA has improved the image of both TEA and ESPs. On top of her work as a TUSD ESP, and her leadership within TEA, she also serves as a teacher in the preschool at her church. Jenny's commitment to the education of every child is evident in her compassionate way of working with students, while also taking on the challenges of being a leader within a large local association. She has received praise within TEA and TUSD and is incredibly deserving of recognition from AEA.