National Education Support Professionals Day

A diverse group of education support professionals standing together, wearing different uniforms, in front of a school building.. — National education support professionals day illustration

Welcome to the exciting world of National Education Support Professionals Day! Get ready to celebrate the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make our educational institutions run smoothly. From bus drivers to custodians, from librarians to cafeteria workers, this special day honors all those wonderful individuals who support our students' learning journeys.

When is Education Support Professionals Day?

It's national education support professionals day on the 18th November.

A Brief History of National Education Support Professionals Day

Every year on November 18th, we come together to recognize and appreciate the invaluable contributions of education support professionals. But how did this delightful holiday come into existence?

The origins of National Education Support Professionals Day can be traced back to the hardworking members of the National Education Association (NEA). Back in the 1980s, the NEA recognized the need to honor and acknowledge the often unnoticed efforts of those who provide essential support services in schools all across the country. And thus, National Education Support Professionals Day was born!

Since its inception, this fantastic holiday has gained popularity and recognition, spreading joy and gratitude to countless support professionals. It serves as a reminder that education is a team effort, and everyone involved plays a crucial role in shaping the minds of our future generations.

How to Celebrate

Now that you know the fascinating history, it's time to celebrate National Education Support Professionals Day in style! Here are a few ideas to show your appreciation and make their day extra special:

Write Thank You Notes: Take a moment to write heartfelt thank you notes to the education support professionals in your life. Let them know how much you value their hard work and dedication.
Organize a Surprise Lunch: Coordinate with fellow students, parents, or colleagues to plan a surprise lunch for your school's support staff. Everyone loves a delicious meal and a pleasant surprise!
Share Your Gratitude on Social Media: Create a social media post to express your gratitude and share stories of the incredible support professionals you know. Use the hashtag #EducationSupportProfessionalsDay to spread the love far and wide.
Give Personalized Gifts: Put some thought into selecting personalized gifts for the education support professionals who make a difference in your life. It could be a small token of appreciation or something more elaborate, depending on your budget and relationship.
Volunteer Your Time: Offer to lend a hand and volunteer your time to support professionals in your local school or educational institution. Whether it's assisting in the library, organizing resources, or helping with administrative tasks, your efforts will be greatly appreciated.

Did You Know?

Did you know that education support professionals go above and beyond their regular duties? In addition to their everyday responsibilities, many of them participate in training and professional development to enhance their skills and better support students. They truly are superheroes in disguise!

History behind the term 'Education Support Professionals'

1922

The Birth of the National Education Association.

In 1922, the National Education Association (NEA), which is the largest professional organization and labor union for educators in the United States, was founded. The NEA aimed to represent and advocate for the rights and interests of teachers and educators across the country. At this time, the term 'education support professionals' did not exist.

1960s

Recognition of Non-Teaching Professionals in Education.

During the 1960s, there was a growing recognition of the importance of non-teaching professionals in the field of education. These professionals, such as school secretaries, paraprofessionals, school nurses, janitors, and bus drivers, played vital roles in supporting the overall educational experience of students. However, they did not have a specific term to describe their roles and contributions.

1972

The Emergence of 'Support Staff'.

In 1972, the NEA introduced the term 'support staff' to refer to the non-teaching professionals working in educational institutions. This term was originally used to encompass a wide range of roles, including custodians, secretaries, and classroom aides.

1992

Focus on Professionalism with 'Education Support Professionals'.

In 1992, the NEA officially adopted the term 'education support professionals' (ESP) to replace 'support staff.' This change aimed to highlight the professionalism and important contributions of these individuals in the education system. The term 'education support professionals' encompasses a diverse range of roles, including but not limited to school bus drivers, custodians, food service workers, security personnel, administrative assistants, and technology support staff.

Present

Recognition, Advocacy, and Professional Development.

In the present day, 'education support professionals' are recognized as essential members of the educational community. They play integral roles in creating a conducive and safe learning environment for students. The NEA and other educational organizations actively advocate for the rights and professional development of education support professionals, emphasizing their critical contributions to the success of students and schools.