The Vermont-NEA ESP of the Year Award recognizes an Education Support Professional member who excels in leadership or involvement in the union. The award looks for nominees to be involved in their local community, illustrate strong professionalism in their job and possess personal accomplishments either in their job or volunteer roles.

The winner will receive a $1,000 prize, represent Vermont as part of a team at NEA’s National ESP Conference (all expenses paid), speak at the Vermont-NEA ESP Conference, and be formally recognized at the Vermont-NEA Representative Assembly. The winner will also become Vermont’s nominee for the National ESP of the Year Award. When choosing a winner, the committee will place heavy emphasis on union involvement and leadership.      

The strongest nominees are members who are highly involved in their local Association and/or volunteer for Vermont-NEA or NEA in some capacity. Examples of involvement include, but are not limited to, holding elected local union leadership role(s), being involved in organizing colleagues to legally form the union, assisting fellow members in organizing to improve the workplace or advocating for employee rights. In general, the committee favors nominees who enhance the image of ESPs in the school, union and community.  Nominees also should be good employees with a strong professional record, make a continued positive impact on the school and students, and ideally, are involved in their local community.

Please consider nominating an outstanding Education Support Professional from any ESP career family: Clerical Services, Custodial and Maintenance Services, Food Services, Health and Student Services, Paraeducators, Security Services, Skilled Trades, Technical Services, or Transportation Services.  The person being nominated must have been a Vermont-NEA member for at least three years (including this year). Exceptions will be made if the Local Association is less than three years old.

Nominations will be accepted on a rolling basis. We will be in touch with nominees and their nominators to collect further information.

For more information please visit https://vtnea.org/vermont-nea-esp-award. Or email Erin Green at egreen@vtnea.org