Contact: Ramona Parks , NEA Public Relations (202) 822-7823

July 3, 2007

Baltimore County School Employee Recognized For Top NEA Honor

Encourages educators to actively address challenges facing members

PHILADELPHIA—The winner of the 2007 NEA Education Support Professional of the Year Award urged educators to take active roles in their communities and stressed the need for living wages for education support professionals.  Baltimore County school employee Veronica Henderson spoke before more than 9,000 educators gathered in Philadelphia to shape education priorities for the National Education Association. 

Making up more than 40 percent of the total K–12 education workforce, education support professionals include nurses, cafeteria workers and others in support positions.

“Too many of our education support professionals are drawing salaries that clearly place them at or below the poverty level,” Henderson said.  “Many are employed in two or more outside jobs in an attempt to make ends meet.  A significant portion have their own children qualifying for free and reduced meals.  Still others are either living in shelters or are just a paycheck away from doing so.  Something is wrong with this picture.  We must, from this point forward, step up our campaign nationwide to aggressively focus on a living wage for all ESPs.  To do less is unforgivable and unacceptable.”

Henderson has more than 27 years of experience in the Baltimore County Public Schools.  She is currently assigned to the Office of School Counseling, where she ensures archived student records are kept accurate and confidential.  She will spend the next year traveling across the country to raise awareness and speak on pressing issues facing the profession.  An advocate for homeless children, Henderson will donate half of her $10,000 award money to the INNterim Shelter in Baltimore.
 
“From the bus driver who makes sure our children arrive at school safely to the counselor who consults with them on college, ESPs play a vital role in our schools,” said Reg Weaver, president of the National Education Association.  “I am confident that Veronica Henderson will provide a positive voice for those who feel their voices go unheard.  Together we will continue to push for wages that allow educators to live with dignity and receive the resources they need to get the job done in America’s public schools.”
 
The ESP of the Year Award recognizes the contributions of education support professionals to their schools, communities and their profession.  It is presented to an NEA member who has made outstanding accomplishments and reflects the contributions of ESPs to public education.  The award is presented jointly by NEA and the Gardner Rich Foundation of Chicago, Ill.

Photo from event available upon request.

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The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty,
educational support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.