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WINTER 2015/16 | ADVOCATE 23 ESProfessional Eligibility The recipient must be an AEA member and work in an education support professional (classified) position.* The award winner may be an individual, a group of ESP members within a wall-to-wall unit, or an ESP affiliate. The effort for which the winner will be recognized should directly benefit students in some way and go beyond the usual expectations of any particular job held by the employee(s). Instructions Nominations must be submitted no later than February 29, 2016: AEA (ESP Award), Chris Mayer, 345 East Palm Lane, Phoenix, Arizona 85004 or FAX (602) 240-6887. Selection Procedures The AEA Board of Directors or a designated committee or subcommittee will read and rate all nominations. Its members may also conduct follow-up interviews by phone or in person with nominees or references. * For example, such non-certified employees as technology specialists, cafeteria workers, paraprofessionals, maintenance engineers, clerks, custodians, bus drivers, etc. Previous Recipient Cyndi Tercero, Phoenix Union Classified Employee Association For over twenty years, Cyndi Tercero has been a champion for public education and at-risk youth. As the Dropout Prevention Programs Coordinator for Phoenix Union High School District and in her numerous volunteer efforts, Cyndi has helped countless students stay engaged in school so they will graduate with a high school diploma in hand. Outside of school, Cyndi volunteers her time to a number of community outreach programs that strengthen her community, builds coalitions between communities and their neighborhood schools, and connects parents to available community resources. Cyndi is also an advocate for her profession and colleagues. She serves as Vice President of the Phoenix Union High School District Classified Employee Association and is a member of the AEA Latino Outreach Cadre. ESPecially for Kids Award This award recognizes extraordinary efforts by classified education support professionals on behalf of young people. The 2016 ESPecially for Kids recipient will receive a $1,000 cash award. It will be presented at the 2016 AEA Foundation's Salute to Excellence Luncheon. NOMINATION FORM Submit to AEA by February 29, 2016 2016 NEA ESP Conference Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista March 11-13 , 2016 Save-the-Date The NEA ESP conference is the premier professional development opportunity for Education Support Professionals across the nation. The goal of this conference is to enhance the skills and knowledge of ESP members to positively impact student achievement, build community relations, organize members, advocate for educators, build stronger locals, and help our members do their jobs better. Visit www.nea.org/espconference for details.