Bay Educational Support Personnel Association - BESPA

07/14/2026

Hope to see everyone there at this fun community event!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1M74rscRcf/?mibextid=wwXIfr

07/08/2026

Dear Union Family,
It is with great honor and humility that I officially step into the role of your active Union President. I am grateful for the trust you've placed in me, and I am committed to serving each and every one of you with honesty, fairness, integrity, and respect.
As your President, I want you to know that I am here for you. My goal is to be a leader who listens, understands, and advocates for every member. I believe everyone deserves to be treated fairly, with dignity and compassion, and I will work hard to ensure your voices are heard.
While we may not always agree on every issue, I promise to approach every situation with an open mind, a caring heart, and a commitment to doing what is best for our union. Together, we can build a stronger, more united membership where everyone feels valued and supported.
This union belongs to all of us, and I look forward to working alongside each of you. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your active Union President. I am excited about what we can accomplish together, and I am committed to representing you to the very best of my ability.
Thank you for your confidence, your support, and your dedication. My door is always open, and I look forward to serving you.
With respect and appreciation,
Tameka Butler, Union President

Carol Croon, Vice President
Izetta Ruckman, Treasurer
Ramona Hooks, Secretary

04/02/2026

Happy World Autism Day 💙🧩

As educators, we have the privilege of seeing the world through many different lenses — and our students with autism remind us every day that there is no one “right” way to learn, communicate, or experience the world.

Autistic students bring incredible strengths into our classrooms: honesty, creativity, deep interests, unique problem-solving skills, and perspectives that challenge us to think differently. They also remind us that patience, flexibility, and compassion are some of the most important tools we have as educators.

Autism awareness in schools means more than recognizing a diagnosis. It means creating classrooms where every student feels safe, supported, and valued for exactly who they are.

This month, and every month, let’s continue working toward understanding, acceptance, and inclusion so that every child has the opportunity to succeed and be celebrated.

Different ways of learning. Different ways of communicating. Different ways of shining. 💙

04/01/2026

BESPA is so thankful for our paraprofessionals!!! Thank you for all you do!

03/30/2026

Happy Happy Birthday, to our fabulous Vice President Tameka Butler! We love you!

03/18/2026

Help me celebrate OUR UNION PRESIDENT MRS. CAROL CROON birthday 🎂 on today!!!!

May your day be filled with lots of ❤️ today and forever more.
Be blessed 🙌🏾

03/02/2026

03/01/2026

Thank you Lori!!! 💕 this legislation does NOTHING to help the workers in our public schools survive and pay the bills!!
I’ve called all the senators on the fiscal policy committee to tell them to VOTE NO on SB 1296, have you?

03/01/2026

🚨🚨Legislators will consider a bill aimed at taking our contract away Monday. 🚨🚨🚨

📢Tell your lawmakers to stand with workers and vote NO on SB 1296: https://bit.ly/40eOlCd

MUST WATCH: someone who doesn’t live in Florida and who isn’t a public employee in Florida claims he knows YOUR needs at work and in your community better than YOU. SB 1296 is meant to make life harder for Florida’s teachers, staff, professors, nurses, utility workers, sanitation workers and other public employees- plain and simple. Florida’s lawmakers must not turn their backs on the workers who keep our state safe and prosperous!

No matter your background or beliefs, this is worth understanding. Please watch with an open mind and consider what it means for our families and our future.

https://youtu.be/NZGOAyODdHo?si=5_Fo7NqkUfyjbEyY

If you live in Florida, this matters to you. Please take a moment to learn what’s happening and why it’s urgent.

CBS News Miami's Jim Defede investigates Senate Bill 1296, which is making its way through the Florida Legislature. The bill looks to move the goalposts on u...

02/13/2026

BESPA President addressing the School Board and Superintendent about delay in paying raises.

Congratulations to our door prize winners at our FRS retirement seminar this week.

Make sure you check your emails for upcoming events...
Remember, this is OUR UNION, and we are all in this together to make your voice count...