National Educational Support Professionals Day

A diverse group of educational support professionals standing together, each representing a different role in the education system. They are dressed in their work attire and surrounded by books and school supplies.. — National educational support professionals day illustration

Welcome to the wondrous world of National Educational Support Professionals Day! Today, we celebrate those unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support our educational system. From school librarians and counselors to bus drivers and cafeteria staff, these dedicated individuals play a vital role in shaping the minds of our future generations. So, let's dive into the fascinating history and significance of this special day!

When is Educational Support Professionals Day?

It's national educational support professionals day on the 20th November.

A Brief Overview of National Educational Support Professionals Day

On this extraordinary day, we honor the incredible contributions of educational support professionals who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of students.

While the origins of this national day are a bit elusive, its importance cannot be understated. Educational support professionals are the unsung heroes of our schools, working diligently to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that students receive the support they need to thrive.

Recognizing the Wide Array of Professionals

It's not just the teachers who deserve our appreciation on National Educational Support Professionals Day. This day is dedicated to recognizing the hard work and dedication of various individuals who make the educational experience possible.

Think about the bus drivers who ensure that children safely arrive at school, the school nurses who provide care and comfort, or the cafeteria staff who serve up delicious meals. Let's not forget about the custodians who keep the school clean and tidy or the administrative assistants who keep everything organized behind the scenes.

A Day of Gratitude and Acknowledgment

National Educational Support Professionals Day is the perfect opportunity to express our gratitude for the often overlooked professionals who contribute to the success of our educational system. Whether it's a simple thank you note, a small gift, or a heartfelt gesture, let them know that their hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed.

So, take a moment today to show some love and appreciation for those magical individuals who play a vital role in shaping the minds of our future. Let's celebrate National Educational Support Professionals Day with enthusiasm and heartfelt gratitude!

History behind the term 'Educational Support Professionals'

1921

Founding of the National Education Association

In 1921, the National Education Association (NEA) was founded as a professional organization dedicated to improving education in the United States. The NEA aimed to unite educators and advocate for their rights and working conditions.

1970

Emergence of New Roles

In the 1970s, the field of education saw the emergence of new roles that were crucial to supporting students both inside and outside the classroom. These professionals played a vital role in the smooth functioning of educational institutions by providing support services to students and teachers.

1960

Emergence of Paraprofessionals

During the 1960s, there was a growing demand for additional support staff in schools and educational settings. Paraprofessionals, also known as teacher aides or teacher assistants, began to play a significant role in assisting classroom teachers in meeting the needs of students.

1981

Recognition of Essential Contributions

In 1981, the National Education Association (NEA) initiated the National Education Support Professionals (ESP) Day to honor and recognize the valuable contributions of paraprofessionals and other support staff in education. This was a significant step towards acknowledging their essential roles in fostering student success.

1987

National Educational Support Professionals Day

In 1987, the National Education Association (NEA) introduced National Educational Support Professionals (ESP) Day. This special day was designated to recognize and appreciate the contributions made by educational support professionals to the field of education. The NEA aimed to raise awareness about the importance of these professionals and their impact on students' lives.

1965

Introduction of the term 'education support professionals'

In 1965, the NEA introduced the term 'education support professionals' (ESPs) as a way to encompass various non-teaching positions within the education system. ESPs include school bus drivers, custodians, secretaries, paraeducators, and other vital staff members who provide essential support to students and educators.

1993

Rebranding as Educational Support Professionals

In 1993, the term 'educational support professionals' began to gain prominence. This rebranding aimed to encompass a broader range of professionals who provide essential support services to students, educators, and schools. The term reflected the diverse roles and responsibilities within the field of education, including paraprofessionals, custodial staff, school nurses, bus drivers, and more.

1970

Recognition of ESPs' role

By the 1970s, there was a growing recognition of the vital role education support professionals played in creating a conducive learning environment for students. Their contributions in maintaining school facilities, ensuring student safety, and providing administrative assistance became increasingly acknowledged.

1992

Broadened Scope and Renaming

To better encompass the diverse roles and responsibilities of support professionals beyond just paraprofessionals, the term 'educational support professionals' (ESPs) was adopted in 1992. This shift acknowledged the expanded scope of support staff roles in education, which included secretaries, custodians, food service workers, bus drivers, and others.

1973

Establishment of ESP Day

In 1973, the NEA designated the Wednesday of the American Education Week as Education Support Professionals Day, highlighting the significance of ESPs in the education system. This day served as an opportunity to honor and appreciate the hard work and dedication of these professionals.

2002

ESPs: Pillars of Education

In 2002, the NEA expanded the celebration of ESPs by designating an entire week, the first full week of May, as National Educational Support Professionals Week. This provided a dedicated opportunity to honor and highlight the indispensable contributions and expertise of ESPs in supporting the overall educational experience.

2002

ESP: A Recognized Constituency

In 2002, the National Education Association recognized educational support professionals as a distinct and valuable constituency within the education system. The NEA ESP Quality Department was established to address the unique needs and interests of ESPs. This move further solidified the importance of these professionals and their inclusion in educational policies and practices.

1987

Expansion of ESP recognition

In 1987, the NEA further expanded the recognition of education support professionals by establishing Education Support Professionals Week. Held annually during the first full week of May, this week-long celebration aimed to raise awareness about the valuable contributions of ESPs and advocate for their professional rights.

2016

Every Day is Educational Support Professionals Day

In recent years, the appreciation for educational support professionals has grown significantly. While National Educational Support Professionals Day is still celebrated annually on the Wednesday of the first full week in May, there has been a collective effort to recognize and support these professionals every day. Schools and communities across the nation show appreciation through various activities, acknowledging the critical role ESPs play in nurturing student success.

2009

Recognizing Resilience and Dedication

In 2009, the title of National Educational Support Professionals Day was officially changed to National Educational Support Professionals Day: Recognizing the Essential Role of ESPs. This modification was made to emphasize the resilience, dedication, and commitment of ESPs in ensuring the success of students and the smooth functioning of educational institutions.

Did you know?

Did you know that the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) has been a strong advocate for recognizing and honoring educational support professionals since the 1960s?