Welcome to Your New Role at Jeffco!
Welcome to Jeffco Public Schools! We’re thrilled to have you join our community of dedicated Education Support Professionals (ESPs). As you embark on this exciting journey, we want you to know that you have a union and JESPA leadership is here to support you every step of the way.
Why Join JESPA?
Empowerment Through Unity
Joining JESPA means uniting with your coworkers to amplify your voice and make a positive impact. We believe in the power of collective action to drive change and ensure fair treatment for all employees.
- Increased Wages: Benefit from structured wage increases, step advancements, and longevity pay increments. Thanks to JESPA, starting pay has increased by 56% over the past few years.
- Improved Working Conditions: JESPA has negotiated better working conditions, including fair job postings, protective clothing, and higher pay for higher classifications.
- Rights at Work: The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) ensures just cause for disciplinary actions and a fair grievance process, protecting your rights at work.
- Organizational Strength: JESPA represents you in decision-making processes at all levels, from the school board to state and national advocacy.
- Comprehensive Support: Members have access to legal assistance, liability insurance, employer-paid health insurance, dental and vision plans, disability insurance, and retirement benefits.
- Membership Benefits: Enjoy strong representation through the Colorado Education Association (CEA) and the National Education Association (NEA), plus member discounts, education programs, insurance, financial assistance, and more.
About JESPA
A Community-Focused Union
The Jeffco Education Support Professionals Association (JESPA) is a union of all ESPs in Jefferson County, Colorado. We are a diverse group of transportation, custodial, food service, security, maintenance, student support professionals, health aides, office professionals, preschool educators, and many more support staff. For nearly 60 years, we have been committed to enhancing public education and securing respect and fair treatment for all Jeffco Schools’ professions.
We believe in the strength of our community and the importance of supporting one another to create a positive working environment. Whether you’re interested in becoming a teacher, staying in your current role, or exploring other opportunities within the school district, JESPA is here to help you succeed.
Our Mission and Achievements
Working Together for a Better Future
JESPA’s mission is to address the barriers in our professions by fighting for respect, job security, better pay, increased training opportunities, and improved leadership and morale. Our collective efforts have led to significant improvements in working conditions, wages, and benefits.
Our Legacy:
- Preserved one of the longest-running Collective Bargaining Agreements in Colorado labor history.
- Led a successful recall of a Jeffco School Board that worked against employees.
- Protected employee rights and passed major school funding ballot measures.
- Advocated throughout the pandemic to keep school cafeterias open and played a key role in passing Healthy School Meals for All.
- Collaborated with fellow labor unions and community organizations to advance causes that benefit workers, families, and our students.
Get Involved
Your Voice Matters
Your membership and participation are crucial to our success. We invite you to get involved and make your voice heard.
- New Employee Survey: Please fill out the survey here to share your experience so far.
- Jeffco New Employee Orientation: Sign up if you haven’t already. JESPA negotiated paid time for you to learn about navigating Jeffco’s structures, rules, pay, benefits, and more! More info and registration link.
- JESPA New Member Orientation: Join us to learn about your rights, the structures of JESPA, membership benefits, and more! Register for a Zoom session here.
The Power of Membership
Building a Stronger Community Together
All our successes result from the commitment and solidarity of our members. Your coworkers have invested in our wins with their efforts and contributions. Now, more than ever, your involvement is essential to continue driving positive change.
Get in Touch:
- Building JESPA Representative: Your first point of contact. If you aren’t sure who your building rep is or need to get in touch, please contact our office for assistance.
- JESPA Office: 303-279-3232, text or call today.
Take Action and Join Today
Join the Movement
Your membership is the first way to make a difference. By joining JESPA, you become a dues-paying member and a champion for the Jeffco community. JESPA dues are 1.3% of your wage on average. New employees benefit from starting pay that is over 50% higher than it was in 2021—membership is an investment in the only organization in Jeffco that advocates for the interests of Education Support Professionals.
We’re excited to have you with us and look forward to working together for a brighter future. Please reach out if you have questions or need anything at all!