Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/686175
A S K A Q U E S T I O N at El Rincon Elementary School in Culver City, and invariably the answer is "Ask Debbie, she'll know." at would be Debbie Hamme, winner of the 2016 CTA ESP of the Year Award in honor of Paula J. Monroe. Hamme knows all because she has worked as a school secretary in the Culver City Unified School District since 2001, and for the past 10 years has served as president of the Association of Classified Employees, Culver City, a chapter representing some 350 noncertificated employees. "Debbie is a wise counselor, a standard bearer of integrity and civility, and is highly respected," said CTA President Eric Heins at the April State Council meeting, where he presented Hamme with the award. "Her powerful voice has made her a visible proponent of equity and fairness for education support staff in her district and community." In accepting the award, Hamme was quick to give credit to her fellow ESPs. " We go to work every day and give 110 percent of ourselves in hundreds of ways, because that's what support staff does, and in doing so we make valuable contri- butions to the educational day," she said. Colleagues describe Hamme as an outstanding professional, mentor, role mo d el and activ i st. Sup erint end ent Dave LaRose publicly thanked her "for her leadership and deep belief that the best thing we can all do for our kids is to work together and operate as true part- ners." She has provided input on ways to positively impact students, enhanced skills and knowledge of school support staff, and helped shape the course of the school district. For her work, she was named the district's Rotary Club Classified Employee of the Year in 2015, and more recently was honored at the annual Tribute to the Stars Gala at Sony Pictures. As recipient of the 2016 Paula J. Monroe ESP of the Year Award, Hamme will be CTA's nominee for NEA ESP of the Year next year. Inspired Leadership Debbie Hamme honored as CTA ESP of the Year "Always remember, for at least one child, their interaction with you will be the high point of their day. Be patient, be kind, and be inspiring." —Debbie Hamme A Special 10-Year Anniversary In June, it will be 10 years since CTA changed its bylaws to include educa- tion support professionals. The change allowed 5,000 ESPs to become full, active members of CTA, and has enriched our union and its activities considerably. The CTA ESP of the Year Award is named in honor of Paula J. Monroe. Monroe, the 2013 award winner and 2014 NEA ESP of the Year, was a driving force for an inclusive CTA, and lobbied tirelessly for the bylaw change. She made history as the first education support professional to be nom- inated by State Council for NEA Executive Committee member. She was also a founding member of the National Coali- tion of Classified Employees, which is a voice for 1 million ESPs. See stories and social media posts from #CaliforniaESP Day: bit.ly/ESPDay2016 51 May / June 2016 CTA President Eric Heins introduces Debbie Hamme to State Council in April. CALIFORNIA ESP DAY MAY 17, 2016 Honoring the Education Support Professionals who keep our students HEALTHY, SAFE, ENGAGED, SUPPORTED and CHALLENGED so they are ready to learn. HEALTHY Each student enters school healthy and learns about and practices a healthy lifestyle. SAFE Each student learns in an environment that is physically and emotionally safe for students and adults. SUPPORTED Each student has access to personalized learning and is supported by qualified, caring adults. CHALLENGED Each student is challenged academically and prepared for success in college or further study and for employment and participation in a global environment. ENGAGED Each student is actively engaged in learning and is connected to the school and broader community. cta.org | #ourvoiceourunion | #wearecta | Education Support Professionals meet the needs of the whole student!