ESP of the Year Award

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 whose achievements reflect 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.

2023 NEA ESP of the Year Award

NEA will present the 2023 ESP of the Year (ESPOTY) Award as part of the 2023 NEA ESP National Conference. 

2022 NEA ESP of the Year

On March 26, at the 2022 NEA ESP National Conference, NEA awarded Debra Ward-Mitchell, a paraeducator, and assistant director at an infant care center in Illinois, with its highest honor for education support professionals – NEA ESP of the Year. In this capacity, she serves 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, 32 ESPs from 20 states have received this prestigious national award. Below is a list of former award recipients.

2022 Debra Ward-Mitchell, Illinois

2021 Kimberly Scott-Hayden, New Jersey

2020 Andrea Beeman, Ohio

2019 Matthew Powell, Kentucky

2018 Sherry Shaw, Alaska

2017 Saul Ramos, Massachusetts

2016 Doreen McGuire-Grigg, California

2015 Janet Eberhardt, California

2014 Paula Monroe, California

2013 Donna Schulze, Maryland

2012 Judy Near, Colorado

2011 Jameel Williams, North Carolina

2010 Helen Cottongim, Kentucky

2009 Kathie Axtell, Washington

2008 Laura Vernon, Wisconsin

2007 Veronica Henderson, Maryland

2006 Nancy Toombs, Kentucky

2005 Kathleen Lange, Illinois

2004 Allyson “Sunny” Story, Iowa

2003 Martin F. Meyer, Idaho

2002 Joann Falk, Colorado

2001 Irma Valdesino, New Mexico

2000 Richard Malizia, New Jersey

1999 Gail Rasmussen, Oregon

1998 Carter Foshee, Oklahoma

1997 Karen Mahurin, Alaska

1996 Evelyn Foster, North Carolina

1995 Iona Hollway, Louisiana

1994 Eddie Middleton, Louisiana

1993 Doris Dortch, Alabama

1992 Peggy Bertollo, Delaware

NEA ESP of the Year Speaker Request Form

The NEA ESP of the Year welcomes invitations to speak at in-person and virtual state and local events. To request the ESP of the Year (ESPOTY) to participate in an event, please:

Complete the form below, and
Ask the State Affiliate President to submit a formal request to the NEA President by email. Once approved by the NEA President, staff will work with the NEA ESPOTY to determine availability.

Event Details

Name of Event

Affiliate Name

Event Dates

Speaker Date

Speaker Start Time

Time Zone

Approximate Format

Event Theme (if applicable)

Is the event in-person, virtual, or hybrid?

If the event is in-person, but the ESPOTY is unable to participate in-person, would you like them to participate virtually or provide pre-recorded remarks?

Session Content

Who will introduce the speaker (if known)?

What would you like the speaker to discuss?

Desired Outcome

Audience Information

Who is the audience?

Number of attendees expected?

Notable Attendees

Please share the names and titles, if possible, of any notable NEA or ESP leaders expected to attend (e.g., Board members, committee chairs, executive committee members).

Logistical Information

Event Venue

Event Venue Address (please include street address, city, zip)

Is the event in the same location as the speaker's hotel?

Yes

Please provide contracted hotel information below or recommended hotels in the area.

Who is responsible for securing the speaker's hotel reservation?

NEA

Affiliate

Closest Airport

Will ground transportation be provided for the speaker?

Yes

By whom?

Contact Information

Main Contact Name

Main Contact Title

Main Contact Email

Main Contact Cell Phone

Will the main contact be on-site at the event?

Yes

Please provide name, cell and email of the onsite contact.

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ESP of the Year Award