Letter to the Editor: National Educational Support Professionals Day

On Wednesday November 14, 2012 National Education Support Professional Day will be observed in schools throughout the nation.

The celebration is part of NEA's 91st annual American Education Week taking place November 11-17th to acknowledge our public schools’ Educational Support Staff (ESP’s) and their valuable contributions made to public education. The daily interactions between children, parents, and Educational Support Professionals are vital to the ongoing success of our schools. ESP's are an integral component in student achievement.

Educational Support Professional includes;

Secretaries, not only serve as the first point of contact in each school district building for students, parents and staff, but they also perform many unseen duties that keep our school district running smooth and efficiently. 

Teaching assistants, who deliver intervention support in partnership with teachers to help students achieve academic success, provide safety and security while monitoring student’s behavior in school.

Technology support, gives the entire school district access to the vital technological tools that benefit student classroom instruction and give parents the ability to communicate and participate with teachers throughout the educational process.

Nursing staff,  respond to emergencies, maintain wellness and preventative care (screenings) for students. They connect with families regarding student care while promoting student/staff wellness for a healthy school environment.

Please join millions of people nationwide in celebrating the hard work, dedication and invaluable services that education support professionals provide.  Thank you.

Donna Lee,
Communications, Oswego Education Support Professional Association