Education Support Professional of the Year
Every year, Education Minnesota honors an education support professional (ESP) with our ESP of the Year Award.
Mark Bauch, an educational assistant in Saint Paul Public Schools, is the 2024-25 ESP of the Year.
2025-26 ESP of the Year nominations now open!
All current Education Minnesota education support professionals who have met the following criteria are eligible to be nominated for ESP of the Year:
- Have been members of Education Minnesota for at least three years as of Aug. 31.
- Members whose ESP chapters have been part of Education Minnesota for less than three years must have at least three years of consecutive union membership as of Aug. 31.
- Plan to work as an ESP for the following school year.
- Be willing to speak at the Education Minnesota Representative Convention and other speaking engagements, as needed.
- Be willing to submit a portfolio to the National Education Association for the national ESP of the Year award.
Individuals can be nominated by anyone associated with Minnesota schools. Nominations are due by Sept. 15.
Selection process
All current Education Minnesota education support professionals who have been members for three years as of Aug. 31 of the award year are eligible. Individuals can be nominated by anyone associated with Minnesota schools.
While education support professional job categories often vary from district to district, some examples can include paraprofessional/education assistant, secretarial/clerical, custodial, food service, maintenance and trades, transportation, grounds keeping, security, technology services, health services and others.
The winner receives a $1,200 honorarium and their choice of a Chromebook, iPad or other tablet, plus an expense-paid trip to the NEA Education Support Professional National Conference.
Education Minnesota has honored ESPs with this statewide award since 2007.
