The education industry is a vital part of our nation’s economy. It’s no wonder many companies in this sector provide their employees with comprehensive benefits plans that include access to medical, dental, and vision insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, life insurance options, and a robust retirement savings plan.
But what about the mental health and wellbeing of those in this industry?
What is an Education Support Professional?
It takes a team to make public education work, and the thousands of school support professionals across Michigan are part of that team. They are paraeducators, secretaries, paraprofessionals, custodial and maintenance employees, food service workers, bus drivers, and other school district staff who provide services related to classroom learning, student health, maintaining quality schools, and more.
ESPs keep students healthy, safe, supported and engaged so they’re ready to learn. It’s hard to imagine schools operating for one day without them.
ESPs are the backbone of our schools and communities. They deserve decent wages, respect on the job, and a voice in their decisions about the work they do. MEA is fighting to ensure that all ESPs get the tools they need to do their jobs well.
How do I become an Education Support Professional?
Education support services companies offer a wide range of employee benefits. These can include medical, dental and vision insurance, short-term disability coverage, long-term disability coverage, life insurance options, a retirement savings plan and plenty of paid time off.
ESPs are critical to the school community, and it’s hard to imagine a day in a public school without them. They keep students healthy, safe, supported, engaged and challenged so they’re ready to learn.
NEA provides professional development and learning opportunities that allow for a career of excellence for all ESPs. These association-convened programs are designed to give ESPs the tools they need to elevate their leadership and professionalism throughout their careers. ESPs can also access a wide variety of resources on the ESP Learning Network. These tools are helpful in their career-long efforts to build a culture of excellence in public schools. ESPs are critical to the success of our students, and their impact is even stronger when they have clear expectations, are valued and have ongoing professional growth.
What are the responsibilities of an Education Support Professional?
Education support professionals make sure students are healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged to grow. Their unwavering commitment to students and school communities deserves recognition.
ESPs work in schools, career and technical centers, intermediate units, colleges, and daycares. They are secretaries, paraprofessionals, custodial and maintenance workers, food service staff, bus drivers and other transportation employees and more. Without them, the bell wouldn’t ring or classrooms would be empty.
ESPs often grew up and live in the same community where they work, some even went to the very schools they serve. This strong tie helps them understand what families need and establishes strong, two-way communication with their community. They also play important roles in the components of Counseling, Psychological and Social Services; Health Services and Nutrition; and Physical Environment. They are often required to perform complex activities requiring limited judgment and decision-making within clearly defined procedures. They may also be required to disseminate information and promote programs to students, school districts, the public and other agencies.
What are the career options for an Education Support Professional?
Education support professionals work in a wide variety of roles, ranging from administrative to educational to managerial. Their duties may include coordinating or managing a segment of an agency’s educational program; disseminating information about designated historic or cultural topics to targeted audiences and/or visitors; or evaluating specialized programs for their local communities. These roles require limited judgment and decision-making within clearly defined procedures.
Other positions that focus on educational advising or counseling can be found in the career fields of school counselors and academic advisors, who often work with students to help them manage their educational journey, choose classes, and prepare for post-secondary education or employment opportunities. Bilingual educators provide academic instruction in two languages, either as part of a foreign language program or to support students with limited English proficiency.
Administrative support professionals work in a wide range of settings, from schools and community centers to government offices and transportation facilities. They assist with a wide variety of operational functions and use their knowledge of general office practices, organizational policies, and compliance regulations.