Testimonials
Who knew that when I raised my hand at my second State of Maine Association conference meeting (2006) to be nominated as their vice president, I would become part of supportive community where members are encouraged to thrive and excel! Not only on the state level, but nationally!
In 2012, I joined NAEOP, for more professional development opportunities. I was very pleased with the level of options available from workshops to webinars, conferences, and summits! You were able to find what fit your schedule, either in person or virtually. And it all leads to a nationally recognized certificate, Professional Standard Program (PSP) and Certified Educational Office Employee (CEOE) or Certified Educational Support Employee (CESE).
Being a girl from central Maine, it was nice to network with those who “got” me. They talked my language and not only understood but could give me very positive feedback. Most importantly, NAEOP fosters many leadership opportunities - Let me tell you about my experience with NAEOP—it's been nothing short of amazing! Holding an office at the state level was a great experience, and working on committees at the national level introduced me to even more leadership possibilities. In January 2021 I was appointed to be on the NAEOP Board as their Administrative Council Chairman, which I held for two years 2022 and 2023.
In summary, NAEOP has been instrumental in my professional growth, providing invaluable networking, professional development, and leadership opportunities that have assisted with my personal and professional growth. So why have you not clicked on the “Join Today” button – it’s easy and it opens a whole new world!
— Vivian Champagne
I began working at The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) in 2017 as an Academic Advisor. Once I had settled into my new role, I started looking into professional development opportunities at the university. I have always had the desire to continue learning and growing in some form or fashion. A coworker of mine and I were talking one day, and she happened to tell me about how she was gathering a bunch of paperwork for some kind of certificate that would help her get a raise – at least, that’s all I really understood about what she was telling me at the time. Then, she invited me to my first USM Association of Office Professionals (AOP) meeting. Ever since that meeting, I was excited to become involved in AOP, not just for the opportunity to make a little extra money – which is always nice – but because I shared many of the values that our USM-AOP (and NAEOP) embodies: continuous learning, camaraderie, and community service.
Once I started my Professional Standards Program journey, I became a member of the Mississippi Association of Educational Office Professionals (MAEOP), our state chapter, and then NAEOP. I attended my first NAEOP annual conference in July 2023, and my expectations for the conference were totally exceeded. The conference sessions were extremely relevant and beneficial, and the presenters were very knowledgeable. Even more than that, as soon as I walked into the room, I could just sense I was in a place full of “my people.” I could tell that each person I interacted with had a big heart, a spirit of kindness, and a passion for bettering themselves and helping others! I hope to attend many more conferences in the future!
— Joyce Powell, Ed.D., CEOE
I was first introduced to my local association A.E.O.P.N (Association of Educational Office Professionals-Norfolk) in 2013-14. Once I joined my local association, I then joined my state association V.A.E.O.P (Virginia Association of Educational Office Professionals) then the N.A.E.O.P. My first conference was in Alexandria, Virginia. After meeting so many wonderful people with amazing energy. I was hooked. I became president of my local association in 2017-2019. I have been the PSP chair since becoming a member. I try to attend every year just to see old friends and meet new friends. Professional developments are very much needed as they have equipped me with the skills & knowledge that help me on a daily basis at my place of work. Coming to the conference and speaking with others reassures me that I am not alone as we all experience the same issues. I have received some valuable ideas/suggestions that I have been able to take back to my office and share with other staff. I am thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with other office professionals who recognize my daily struggles working for the school system. I hope they know how much of a blessing they have truly been. I try to bring a little of each state that hosts the conference that I attend home with me, so I never forget the wonderful experiences that I had the pleasure to enjoy while at the national conferences. I became a first-time mentor this year in Nebraska, I hope I was able to leave my mentee with an impression so big that she will be hooked as well and will want to continue to attend as many conferences as her heart will allow.
— Chantel Williams, CEOE
PSP State Chairman