2026 Education Support Professional of the Year Nomination

Every school community in Oregon is comprised of dedicated professionals who spend their day in support of students and educators. The Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, is proud to facilitate the Oregon Education Support Professional of the Year award. This award honors the contributions of individuals across the state who provide exemplary support of Oregon’s most valuable resource: our students.

Education Support Professionals (ESP) work together with teachers and administrators in Oregon public schools to perform a variety of jobs promoting quality education, fostering positive learning environments, offering nutritious meals, providing reliable transportation, and maintaining safe and clean schools for all students.

The primary ESP job families include:

• Clerical Services (Secretarial, financial or administrative support)

• Custodial and Maintenance Services (Building and grounds maintenance)

• Food Services (Planning, preparation, and delivery)

• Health and Student Services (Nursing, health and therapy support)

• Paraeducators and Education Assistants, including Early Childhood Education (working under the direction of a licensed or certified teacher)

• Security Services (School guards and resource personnel)

• Technical Services (Computer, audio-visual, and language technical support)

Nominees must be employed in an Oregon public K-12 school district and embody the values of accountability, equity, excellence, and integrity. The winner will receive $5,000 as well as a plaque and banner to commemorate the award.

Nominations for the 2026 Oregon Education Support Professional of the Year are open through mid-February.

NOMINATE NOW!