St. Paul’s Mark Bauch is the 2024-25 Education Support Professional of the Year
For more information, contact:
CHRIS WILLIAMS
651-292-4816 (work)
651-247-5539 (cell)
ST. PAUL, Minnesota. Oct. 26, 2024 – Mark Bauch, a ninth-grade educational assistant at Washington Technology Magnet School in the Saint Paul Public Schools, is the 2024-25 Education Minnesota Education Support Professional of the Year.
Bauch is in his 14th year as an educational assistant for ninth-grade special education students at Washington. “While I am in the classroom, I will go around the whole classroom while keeping an eye on my (special education) students,” Bauch said in nomination materials for the award. “I never want the kids that I work with to be singled out.”
Bauch was born and raised in St. Paul, which allows him to connect not only with his students but with their families. “Because I was born and raised here, I tend to know the families of my students,” he said.
Bauch’s colleagues say that he is respected by students and staff alike, both for the relationships he builds and the expertise he brings to the classroom. “Many staff members frequently consult him for advice, whether for instructional support or behavior management,” said Tim Hayden, special education teacher at Washington. Bauch is particularly skilled at working with students facing the greatest learning challenges. “Where others see difficulty, Mark sees opportunity,” Hayden said.
As the 2024-25 ESP of the Year, Bauch will receive an iPad or Chromebook and a $1,200 honorarium. He will also receive an all-expenses paid trip to the National Education Association ESP Conference next spring.
“Education support professionals are the backbone of our public schools, and schools simply can’t function without them,” said Education Minnesota President Denise Specht. “Mark’s passion for his students, support for his colleagues and commitment to his community exemplify the best that Minnesota ESPs have to offer.”
The recipient of the Education Support Professional of the Year award is selected by a five-member committee that includes two leaders of Education Minnesota, the executive director of Education Minnesota, a past ESP of the Year winner and a representative of an external organization.
About Education Minnesota
Education Minnesota is the voice for professional educators and students. Education Minnesota’s members include teachers and education support professionals in Minnesota’s public school districts, faculty members at Minnesota’s community and technical colleges and University of Minnesota campuses in Duluth and Crookston, retired educators and student teachers. Education Minnesota is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and AFL-CIO.
