National Educational Support Professionals Day
The unsung champions of schools, these folks keep the wheels turning, the smiles on kids' faces, and the learning environment thriving.
Recognize and celebrate education support professionals with targeted B2B campaigns for school districts, unions, and HR vendors serving the education sector.
- Spotlight stories of ESPs making a difference in their schools
- HR/benefits solutions for retaining and rewarding support staff
- Educational institutions celebrating their unsung heroes
- Professional development opportunities for career growth in education support roles
ESP Day was made to honor and recognize the contributions education support professionals (ESPs) make to public education. It takes place during American Education Week, a week of holidays and celebrations founded by the National Education Association.
According to an NEA book pamphlet, in 1987 the NEA Representative Assembly called for the creation of a special way to honor the contributions of public school support staff. Because of that call, the National Education Support Personnel Day was established and celebrated that year.
In 2002, they changed the name of the holiday, from “Educational Support Personnel” to “Education Support Professionals.” to better showcase the pride and essential role ESPs play in public education.
According to the NEAToday, A recent NEA survey of its ESP members found that 80 percent work full time, 72 percent work in a school building, 53 percent provide care to students with special needs, and 61 percent give money (an average of $170 per year) out of their own pockets to help students with things such as classroom supplies and field trips. This intensive and expensive time ESPs take as a result deserve thanks during this holiday.