Education Support Professional of the Year Grant

The Education Support Professional of the Year award recognizes outstanding contributions by education support professionals in Minnesota. Annually, Education Minnesota honors an individual who exemplifies dedication and excellence in their role. Nominations for the 2025-26 award are now open, inviting submissions from colleagues and community members. The recipient will receive a $1,200 honorarium, a choice of technology, and an expense-paid trip to a national conference, celebrating their impactful work within the educational community.

Every year, Education Minnesota honors an education support professional (ESP) with our ESP of the Year Award.
2025-26 ESP of the Year nominations now open!
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.

Eligibility

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. While education support professional job categories often vary from district to district, some examples can include: paraprofessional/education assistant secretarial/clericalcustodial food servicemaintenance and trades transportationgrounds keepingsecurity technology serviceshealth services and others.
You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member. 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.