Education Support Professionals

NEA ESP Conference

Due to COVID-19, the 2020 NEA ESP Conference has been cancelled. Please visit our conference page regularly for upates on our 2021 location announcements.

NEA ESP Leadership Institute

Learn more about the NEA ESPLI (formerly ESP Leaders For Tomorrow) program.

Paraeducator Institute (PI)

Created by paras for paras, PI aims to elevate the profession of paraeducators through policy, professional development, resources, and more.

ESP Whole Student Issues and Advocacy

Learn more about issues Education Support Professionals face in their careers and how you can become an ESP advocate.

ESP Resources and Tools

Elevate your career with our NEA ESP resources and tools. Find links to grants, publications, trainings and more.

ESP Professional Development

As important members of the school community, NEA believes professional development should be required for ESP throughout their careers.

NEXT | »

ESP & NEA TODAY

Special Education Paraeducators Navigate Distance Learning

Without access to the services and one-on-one instruction these students need, special educators worry that much of the progress they’ve made will be lost.

See more... »

‘What If I Feel Unsafe?’: Support Professionals in Texas Report Back to Work

While some ESPs are eager to return, many are nervous that it’s too soon.

See more... »

ESP News & Highlights

School Nurses Join Fight Against Coronavirus
Some have joined hospital staff on the frontlines, while others have engaged with the community to do virtual wellness checks and help in any way they can.

PODCAST: Effective Communication Tips for ESPs
Kimberly Scott-Hayden, Inventory Control Clerk in East Orange, NJ, and NJEA executive committee member, shares how to facilitate open and honest communication and cultural awareness for ESPs.
Listen now >

PODCAST: Standing With ESPs
Karl Goeke & John Scanlan, members of NEA's ESP Career Committee, discuss the key values of partnership and collaboration between teachers, ESPs, and the school community, and how they collectively contribute to everyone's success.
Listen now >

Video: Graduation Day
A graduating senior and valedictorian reflects on the ESPs who contributed to her academic success and plans for the future.
Watch it here >

NEA ESP Professional Growth Continuum
The National Education Association is proud to unveil the new ESP Professional Growth Continuum (PGC), designed through participatory action research (PAR) and with the active involvement of ESP and other stakeholders. The goal of the PGC is to provide clear pathways for ESP professional growth through various professional learning opportunities and self-assessment. Download the full report...

ESP Animated Video
ESP are critical members of the education workforce and ensure student success from pre-school through college. They have a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion and play critical roles in the school community.

We are proud to release the new video animation, Education Support Professionals: Meeting the Needs of the Whole Student. Through the eyes of Sofi, a middle school student, see how Education Support Professionals (ESP) make a difference in the lives of their students, both in and out of the classroom.

Perfect Ingredients for the Ultimate Surprise
NEA in collaboration with Dude Be Nice Project honored ESPs for ESP Day at Rogers High School in Spokane, Washington, with a special recognition for the cafeteria staff who go above and beyond for their students. Watch the video...

ESP Professional Development Opportunities
NEA state and local associations across the nation offer professional development opportunities for their ESP members throughout the year. Click on your state in the drop down feature of the map below to find listings in your area!