Celebrating Education Support Professionals: The Unsung Heroes of Our Schools
Have you ever considered what goes on behind the scenes to ensure a school functions smoothly? Beyond the teachers and administrators at the forefront, a dedicated team of individuals works tirelessly to create a secure, encouraging, and efficient learning atmosphere for every student. These individuals are Education Support Professionals (ESPs), the backbone of our schools. They foster a positive and safe environment where students feel supported and ready to learn. Education Support Professionals Day is a chance to recognize the incredible work that ESPs do.
Who are Education Support Professionals?
Education Support Professionals (ESPs) encompass a diverse range of roles within the educational system. They are the individuals who ensure that schools operate effectively and efficiently. Their responsibilities extend far beyond traditional job descriptions. The NEA emphasizes that education is a team effort, and every adult in a student’s life contributes to their success. There are nine services under the Education Support Professionals umbrella, including clerical, custodial and maintenance, food, health and student, para-educators, security, skilled trades, technical, and transportation services.
The Origin of Education Support Professionals Day
Originating in 1987 by the National Education Association (NEA), Education Support Professionals Day aims to shine a light on all the hard work it takes to run a school and the support professionals that make it possible. The NEA Representative Assembly called for the creation of a special way to honor the contributions of school support staff. National Education Support Professional Day was first celebrated that year. The National Education Association Representative Assembly established this day to honor the education support professionals who work day in and day out for public schools’ well-being and effective functioning.
Each year since then, ESP Day has been observed on the Wednesday of each American Education Week. It takes place during American Education Week, a week-long program of holidays and celebrations to honor the ESPs. American Education Week is a week-long celebration dedicated to honoring the team of professionals who support the nation’s students - at the front of classrooms, in offices, and all throughout school campuses.
In 2002, the NEA changed the name of the holiday, from “Educational Support Personnel” to “Education Support Professionals,” to better showcase the pride and essential role ESPs play in public education.
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The Invaluable Contributions of ESPs
ESPs' roles extend far beyond their job descriptions. They are the unsung heroes who ensure public schools are safe, healthy, and operational for every student. These professionals also play a vital role in forming a healthy community as they help students inside and outside the classroom.
As the Rev. Jesse Jackson has said, "Children need all school workers. A person is not 'just' a janitor, not 'just' a custodian. Janitors can see children when [teachers] don't see them, and bus drivers recognize the children who are disruptive on the bus are likely to be disorderly in the classroom. They're partners in education. We need each other to make this work."
Schools just would not function without the dedicated service of support staff like cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, and nurses. Schools cannot function without the help of their support professionals, and they form the very backbone of the school. It is crucial to celebrate and honor the ESPs who work for the students every day because their services keep the school running.
Facts that Showcase the Importance of ESPs
Several statistics highlight the significant impact of Education Support Professionals:
- ESPs care about our safety: 78% of K-12 ESPs are responsible for ensuring that students and staff are safe.
- A majority of food services ESPs are female: 94% of food services ESPs are female.
- ESPs work with special education students: Around 84% of para-educator ESPs work with students with special education needs.
- Most ESPs live in the school district: Around 71% of K-12 ESPs live in the same community as the school where they work.
- ESPs are committed to their jobs: Most ESPs (61%) have stated that they would remain in their current professions until retirement.
- ESPs often contribute financially to students: A recent NEA survey of its ESP members found that 61 percent give money (an average of $170 per year) out of their own pockets to help students with things such as classroom supplies and field trips.
How to Show Appreciation for ESPs
Showing your appreciation for education support professionals is easy.
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- Thank your local ESP: Delivering a word of gratitude to your local school support staff will show that you recognize their efforts. If you’re an educator, you can also make your students give them thank you cards.
- Lend a hand: Working as an ESP at a public school with hundreds of children is no easy feat. If you see any of them in need of assistance, make sure to help them out.
- Spread awareness: Many people might not know this day exists! You can use social media to spread awareness about this day. Post on social media your support for ESP day and tell about it to your friends using #EducationSupportProfessionalsDay.
The NEA's Commitment to ESPs
The NEA was first established in 1857 but was initially called the National Teachers Association (NTA). It was formed by the coming together of 10 state education associations to unite their efforts and resources and help better provide for students through an effective public education model. The Association recognized ESPs as playing a significant role in public education and allowed them to access full membership rights in the NEA in the 1980s. By joining the NEA, you ensure improved working and learning conditions at schools.
Advocating for ESPs
ESPs should not have to work three jobs to make a living. Fair pay and benefits mean we can keep the best people supporting our public schools.
One big thing you can do is send a request for a proclamation of the holiday. Decide on which of your elected officials you would like to ask to sponsor a proclamation for National ESP Day. You can send the request to a Federal or state representative, Federal or state senator, Governor, Mayor, or City Council member. Once you send your elected officials a letter requesting a proclamation for National ESP Day, then you can wait for their response. You can also invite your local newspaper or radio and TV station to take part in the day as well by sending letters to the editor and or manager of the company.
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