How to use this toolkit
- This toolkit contains ideas for recognizing and celebrating Education Support Professionals.
- In this toolkit, you will find a guide to setting up ESP Day events, along with many other ways to recognize ESPs and honor what they want and deserve—not just on ESP Day, but all year long.
- Use or update sample social media content, email copy, and proclamation text to celebrate the vital Education Support Professionals who ensure our children are safe, healthy, and ready to learn every day.
What is Education Support Professionals Day?
What is Education Support Professionals Day?
Students need more than backpacks and rulers to be successful—it takes the hard work and dedication of all the educators working in our schools, including Education Support Professionals (ESP). Whether it’s a cafeteria worker who prepares hundreds of nourishing meals or a bus driver who safely navigates our neighborhoods, all educators deserve a seat at the table and a voice to ensure their students can succeed and reach their full potential.
On the third day of American Education Week, November 18, 2026, we celebrate the excellence of the ESPs who make student success possible. Whether you are a teacher, a student, a parent, an elected leader, or an ally, join us in celebrating ESP Day in your communities! A powerful way to show your appreciation is by hosting an “Educator for a Day” event, where you can shadow an ESP and see firsthand the hard work and dedication that goes into educating, nurturing, and protecting students.
Ways to Recognize and Celebrate ESPs
Educator for a Day
ESP for a Day
To mark this year's ESP Day, NEA is encouraging communities across the country to organize and participate in “Education Support Professionals for a Day” events at local public schools. The ESP for a Day 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 invites community members to perform duties such as assisting bus drivers on bus routes, performing lunch and corridor duty, supervising recess, serving meals, and helping office staff with administrative tasks.
Use this online toolkit to host an unforgettable ESP for a Day event in your school or district. It has everything you need to plan, promote, and launch the program successfully!
Proclamation
Proclamation
A proclamation is a way to declare an official public announcement. Elected officials make proclamations to commend people or announce upcoming special events. Decide on which of your elected officials you would like to ask to sponsor a proclamation for ESP Day.
They can be any of the following:
- Federal or state representative
- Federal or state senator
- Governor
- Mayor
- City Council member
- School Board member
Send your elected officials a letter requesting a proclamation for National ESP Day, informing them what ESPs do for public education and the children of your community, and stating what you would like the proclamation to say.
Social Media
Social Media
Share stories and advocate for ESPs. Here are some sample posts for your channels. Remember to use #WeLoveOurESPs and #AEW2026.
- This Education Support Professionals Day, celebrate the crucial role of school support staff by sharing their stories with your community! #WeLoveOurESPs #AEW2026
- Happy ESP Day! Show the school support staff in your life how much they mean to you and the students they serve—thank them, listen to them, and amplify their great work! #WeLoveOurESPs
- It’s ESP Day! Thank you to all the education support professionals who keep our schools running smoothly ❤️ #WeLoveOurESPs #AEW2026
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