Each year American Education Week is celebrated the week before Thanksgiving, this year from November 16 to 20. ESP Day on November 18 is always a highlight of NEA’s celebration.
This year it will be marked by community members around the country who will walk in the shoes of a public school education support professional (ESP). Imagine the view from a bus driver’s seat, from behind the counter in the lunch line, or sitting at one of the busy desks in the front office.
NEA President Princess Moss led the way on November 12 at Waverly Elementary School in Frederick, Md., with a busy day shadowing several hardworking ESPs, including bus drivers, custodians, food service professionals, preschool staff, school secretaries, and paraprofessionals.
Moss carries a personal connection to ESPs -- both of her parents were public school bus drivers.
“Our ESPs are proof that you can change the world if you care enough, and that's what ESPs do on a daily basis,” says Moss. “It takes a a whole team to ensure student success, and ESPs play a vital role, providing the foundation of our school communities.”
Waverley Elementary School is a diverse, community-focused school serving about 1,000 students in grades Pre-K through 5, widely recognized for its strong emphasis on equity, family engagement, multilingual learner support, and wraparound services designed to help students thrive both academically and personally.
The school offered Moss an up close and personal perspective of how teachers and education support professionals work together to meet students' academic, social, emotional, and family needs. The school's community-school approach showcases the critical role ESPs play in building relationships, supporting families, and removing barriers to student success.
Following Moss’s example, NEA is encouraging communities to organize and participate in “Education Support Professionals for a Day” events at local public schools on ESP Day (November 18) as a way to celebrate American Education Week (AEW).
The program provides a one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes look at the dedication, complexity, and passion that goes into ensuring our students succeed in school, and in life. The program centers around community members assisting educators in class, performing lunch and corridor duty, supervising recess, serving meals, and helping office staff with administrative tasks.
NEA also encourages educators to to join NEA’s ESP Bill of Rights campaign, which outlines the needs and wants of ESPs. States are using the campaign to advocate for ESPs' rights and recognition as essential members of the educational team, addressing issues like fair compensation, safe working environments, and access to affordable healthcare. In honor of ESP Day, educators, parents, and community members are encouraged to show their gratitude by dedicating their pledge to an important ESP in their life. In the Pledge below, there's a section in the form to share a special note.
AEW celebrates and honors the team of people who work in our nation’s public schools, everyone from the bus driver and classroom teacher to the cafeteria worker and administrative staff, plus countless others.
AEW was first celebrated in 1921, with NEA and the American Legion as co-sponsors, and grew out of a national concern over illiteracy. After more than 100 years, the original goal of AEW—to generate public awareness and support for education—continues today.
