Welcome to the AEA ESP Division!

The purpose of the Education Support Professionals division of the AEA is as follows: to promote the welfare of its members and to advance the cause of education at all levels in Alabama; to enable members to speak with a common voice on matters pertaining to their individual and common interests before school boards, the State Board of Education, the state and federal legislative bodies and other legal authorities; to promote membership in the National Education Association (NEA), the Alabama Education Association (AEA), and the AEA-ESP division; and to unite support professionals for effective political action.

The ESP division of the AEA continues to be the fastest growing division of the association. Since the ESP division was formed in 1975, there has been continuous growth in membership. ESPs have come a long way. Prior to 1975, ESPs had no rights and did not enjoy the benefits that many take for granted today. AEA-ESP advocated for health insurance, personal leave, sick leave, job security, retirement, and raises just to name a few. With ESPs speaking in unison, politicians take notice. 

AEA-ESP has fought for ESPs through the court system, at the local and state school board levels, and the federal government. ESPs are now respected as an integral part of the education family. Many understand that it takes everybody working together as a team to keep schools running. ESPs transport the children to and from schools, assist teachers, prepare the meals, clean the schools and grounds, keep the school buses running, ensure that everybody gets paid, make sure the buildings are maintained, answer the telephones, greet parents, and take care of sick children. These are a few of the very important roles ESPs play. Just imagine a day without the fine men and women who perform these duties. AEA values ESPs. We thank ESPs who have made a decision to join the most respected organization in the state that advocates for education support professionals.

Click on these links for more information on Fair Dismissal and Wage and Hour Issues.

ESP Board of Directors