MSTA Puts Media Spotlight
on Education Support Professionals

The Maryland State Teachers Association (MSTA) is highlighting national Education Support Professional Day by holding a news conference at its Annapolis headquarters to put the spotlight on the work of four outstanding support professionals.

The Wednesday of American Education Week, Nov. 14-20 this year, has been designated National Education Support Professional Day since 1987 .             

An MSTA media advisory explains, "This briefing offers a rare perspective of the employees who work behind the scenes as the essential spoke in the wheel of every public school. MSTA president Patricia A. Foerster, will introduce and honor four unsung heroes of public education in Maryland who are doing extraordinary things that positively impact students. Dr. Rosemary King-Johnston will bring greetings from Dr. Nancy Grasmick, state superintendent." 

The four education support professionals are from Harford, Prince George 's, Anne Arundel and Queen Anne counties and will be present for interviews.

Anne Arundel County -- Donna Ross, a paraprofessional at Ruth Parker Eason School is one of the many assistants at the school who work long, tedious hours with severely handicapped students.

Harford County -- Joann Cross, a health technician at Youth Benefits Elementary School is a cancer survivor, who worked through her illness with a determination to continue to give her students the highest level of service. Today, five years into her recovery, she mentors students and directly impacts their physical and emotional well-being.

Prince George 's County -- Raymond Petty, a paraprofessional at Oxon Hill High School, directs an award winning choir that has performed for President George W. Bush, members of Congress and at countless prestigious programs. A small group from the choir will perform at the briefing.

Queen Anne's County -- Ronnie Valentine, a bus driver for physical and emotionally handicapped children uses her upbeat and creatively understanding personality to help students by listening, advising teachers and administrators and working cooperatively with parents.

NEA has developed a "Guide to Celebrate National Education Support Professionals Day" (PDF, 30 pages, 314 KB) that contains ideas for celebrating, tips on media outreach, sample proclamations, letters to the editor, news releases, public service announcement scripts, and more.