Education support professionals (ESPs) are the backbone of public schools and make a difference every day. They provide instructional support, perform administrative duties, work in cafeterias, drive buses, clean up classrooms and perform many other vital tasks.
NJEA has a long history of championing ESPs’ professional interests, training, job security and pension benefits. From the local to the national level, we’ve led the way in organizing more than 53,000 ESP members and working for better terms of employment.
What is an Education Support Officer?
An education support officer works in a variety of educational settings including schools, colleges and universities. Their duties include reviewing lesson plans, conducting classroom observations and suggesting teaching techniques that can improve the educational effectiveness of students.
A key role of education support officers is to work with children who have learning difficulties or emotional and behavioural challenges. Their sensitivity and insight into the development of these children helps them provide the kind of support that may be difficult for teachers to deliver in the classroom.
Effective education support staff have strong interpersonal skills and can communicate effectively with a range of people in different settings. They are also able to recognise the needs of students who do not always have the skills or confidence to speak up in a classroom environment.
What is an Education Support Professional (ESP)?
An education support professional (ESP) is a broad category of public school employee, encompassing everything from paraeducators to bus drivers to custodians. These employees help make a school a happy, healthy and safe place to learn.
ESPs are an important part of the success of our schools. They keep the big picture in mind when it comes to making sure our students have what they need to succeed academically and professionally. From educating the masses about the latest state education policies and laws to keeping schools clean and tidy, to maintaining safe and secure facilities for students, teachers and staff to keeping up with new technology and equipment, ESPs do it all. Despite all that, not everyone appreciates what they do, or pays them enough to do it well. That’s why FEA is proud to lead the charge on behalf of Maryland’s education support professionals. Check out our ESP page for more information on a number of key issues that affect ESPs across the state.
What is the MSEA Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year Award?
Every school community in Oregon is filled with dedicated professionals who spend their day supporting students and educators. These professionals perform a variety of jobs to promote quality education, foster positive learning environments, offer nutritious meals, provide reliable transportation and maintain safe and clean schools.
MSEA is proud to recognize ESP members who demonstrate outstanding achievements and whose work reflect the vital role ESPs play in public education. The MSEA Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year Award honors a member who has shown exceptional achievement, commitment to their profession and dedication to their association.
Nominees are judged by the MSEA Selection Committee according to five criteria, including Professional Practice; Member Advocacy and Association Involvement; Community Engagement; Personal Achievement and Enhancement of ESP Image. Completed hard copy nomination forms and supporting documents, in one complete nomination packet, must be received by MSEA Headquarters no later than 5:00 p.m. November 1, 2022. Nominations not complete or received after the deadline will be automatically disqualified.
What is the MSEA Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year Award Nomination Form?
MSEA’s Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year Award Nomination Form is used to recognize individuals that go above and beyond their job duties to create a positive learning environment. This could include, but is not limited to, a school maintenance worker, custodial staff member, clerical employee, food service worker or classroom support and paraeducator that has demonstrated dedication, passion and creativity in their work.
ESPs help ensure that students have access to the educational resources they need to be successful. They often work with multidisciplinary teams that include psychologists, guidance counselors and social workers.
These professionals help students with disabilities complete their education. They may offer tutoring, open-use computer labs and academic advising to help students meet their goals. They also help students organize their schedules and prepare for college applications. These services are vital to students and schools. If you are an ESP who supports students, please tell your legislators about this important bill that can help protect you and your families!