Waconia’s Amanda Phenix is the 2026-27 ESP of the Year
For more information, contact:
HEAVEN KEANE
651-247-4195 (cell)
CHRIS WILLIAMS
651-292-4816 (work)Â
651-247-5539 (cell)
ST. PAUL, Minnesota., Oct. 24, 2026 – Amanda Phenix, a special education paraprofessional in Waconia Public Schools, is Education Minnesota’s 2026-27 ESP of the Year. Â
Phenix has worked in the Waconia Public Schools for 21 years. As a special education paraprofessional, she works directly with students on Individualized Education Plans to meet the education goals established by their case manager and special education team. She does this through intentional engagement with students, checking in on their emotional and physical health throughout the day, and collaborating with teachers to shape lessons that meet students where they are at.
Phenix says that building trust is one of the most important pieces of her job. “Building positive, lasting relationships with students in this setting is not optional—it’s essential,” she said. “It can take weeks, even months, to earn their trust. But once it’s there … students begin to open up, show up differently, and find success academically, socially, and emotionally.”
Phenix’s colleagues praise her versatility and patience. Paul Tordoff, special education director at Waconia Public Schools, said Phenix “possesses a unique combination of compassion, expertise, and unwavering patience that makes her an ideal fit for our Waconia Middle School special education team. She has an innate ability to connect with and calmly de-escalate students in crisis, (transforming) challenging situations into opportunities for students to grow.”
Amber Bakken, sixth grade teacher at Waconia Middle School, praised Phenix’s commitment to her students: “She works closely with teachers to implement accommodations and modifications for student success. (Phenix)holds students to the highest standards—and they rise to meet them because they know she believes in them and won’t let them settle for less.”
Outside of her work in the classroom, Phenix has served as president of her local ESP union since 2021, and in other union leadership positions since 2013. She volunteers with the Special Olympics, supporting student athletes, and helped raise money for an inclusive playground in her community.
As the 2026-27 ESP of the Year, Phenix will receive an iPad or Chromebook and a $1,200 honorarium. She will also receive an all-expense paid trip to the National Education Association ESP Conference next spring.
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.
