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.

2026 NEA ESP of the Year Award

Congratulations to Ric Calhoun, the 2026 NEA Education Support Professional of the Year!
Ric is a campus supervisor at Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, Washington. In his role, he reminds each student that they matter, that he cares, and that he is genuinely happy to see them.

One of Ric's most impactful initiatives at Inglemoor was launching a racial justice video project, where students of color and other marginalized groups shared their lived experiences in the Northshore School District. In his role as a football coach, Ric also led efforts to expand Unified Sports under the Special Olympics umbrella. 

Recognizing that some students face food insecurity, he organized weekly snack deliveries to local neighborhoods. Staff donated funds, and Ric personally delivered a mix of healthy and fun snacks to high school students and their families. Through it all, Rick demonstrates extraordinary commitment to and compassionate care for his students and colleagues.

We announced Ric as the top recipient of the NEA ESP of the Year award during a ceremony and banquet at the 2026 NEA ESP National Conference on March 18, in Anaheim, CA. Ric received a $10,000 personal cash prize courtesy of NEA Member Benefits and will be funded by NEA to attend the 2027 NEA ESP National Conference. 
 

Top 5 finalists for ESP of the Year:

• Ric Calhoun, Campus Supervisor, Washington
• Elizabeth Craig, Personal Care and Behavior Resource Assistant, Oregon
• Andrea Kelly, Program Coordinator for Adult, Corrections, Distance, and Alternative Education, Nevada
• Tammy Preble, Paraeducator, New Hampshire
• Mary Reynolds-East, Paraeducator, Nebraska

Join us in celebrating all the 2026 NEA ESP of the Year nominees! 

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.

Speaker Request Form