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Key Facts About ESPs

Education Support Professionals are critical members of the K-12 and Higher-ed public education workforce.

Education Support Professional members are...

Educated, well-trained, and experienced.

  • More than one half (57%) of K-12 ESPs and a majority (94%) of higher ed ESPs have an Associate’s or more advanced degree.

Committed to students and their success.

  • Most (61%) higher-ed ESPs plan to remain in their field and 41% plan to stay in their current profession until retirement.
  • Two-thirds (66%) of K-12 ESPs have given money out of their own pockets to help students with school supplies, field trips, and class projects.

Active in the school community.

  • A majority (71%) of K-12 ESPs live in the school district in which they work and many volunteer in those communities.

Focused on safety.

  • A majority (78%) of K-12 ESPs have responsibilities for promoting and ensuring student and staff safety.

Learn more about K-12 ESPs

Learn more about Higher Ed ESPs
 

A closer look at the nine career families

While every ESP has a unique position with specific duties, all of these educators cultivate and meet the needs of the whole student, promoting quality education and fostering positive learning environments.

Illinois NEA member Mary Ann Rivera
ESPs work just as hard as all educators, side by side with teachers...We are not volunteers as in decades past. This is our career.
Quote by: Mary Ann Rivera, IL
National Education Association

Great public schools for every student

The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.
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