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
The 2023 ESP of the Year Award Overview and Guidelines will be made available in early fall. For general questions about the ESPOTY Award program, email [email protected].
Congratulations to the 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 will serve as an ambassador for ESPs across the country, promoting the value of ESP members at local, state and national events.
Meet the 2022 NEA ESP of the Year Nominees

Alabama

Alaska

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Delaware

Florida
Georgia

Illinois

Indiana

Kentucky

Louisiana
Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Missouri

Nebraska

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Tenneessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

Wyoming
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