The NEA Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year Award, presented by NEA and NEA Member Benefits, honors a member who demonstrates outstanding accomplishments and reflects the vital role ESPs play in public education.
The NEA ESP of the Year serves as an ambassador for ESPs across the country, promoting the value of ESP members at local, state, and national events. While the award showcases one outstanding ESP each year, it also recognizes and honors the contributions that all ESPs make towards ensuring great public schools for every student.
2022 NEA ESP of the Year Award
NEA will present its annual ESP of the Year Award in the spring as part of the 2022 NEA ESP National Conference. Nomination guidelines and materials will be made available no later than September 1, 2021. When possible, updates to this page will be made as they become available. To receive notification of updates, please fill out this short form. If you have any questions, contact Jennie Young at jyoung@nea.org.
2021 NEA ESP of the Year
Educational support professionals (ESPs) should really be known as essential school professionals. We’ve seen how their work—during the pandemic and always—is the heart and soul of our school communities. No one better exemplifies that dedication, service, and community spirit than 2021 ESP of the Year Kimberly Scott-Hayden.
On March 26, at a virtual ceremony, NEA awarded Scott-Hayden with its highest honor for education support professionals – NEA ESP of the Year. In this capacity, she will serve as an ambassador for ESPs across the country, promoting the value of ESP members at local, state and national events.
Past NEA ESP of the Year Award Recipients
Since the award’s inception in 1992, 30 ESPs from 20 states have received this prestigious national award. Below is a list of former award recipients.
