December 9, 2021 3:25 a.m.

Nominations are being taken for the 2022 Education Support Professional of the Year award.

A release from the Douglas Education Service District said the Oregon Department of Education, in partnership with the Oregon Lottery, is facilitating the honor. The release said the award honors the contributions of individuals across the state, “…who provide exemplary support of Oregon’s most valuable resources, our students”.

The Oregon Legislature passed a bill in 2019 which directed the agencies to collaborate in creating the program to honor an education support professional that is serving students in any grade from prekindergarten through grade 12.

The release said ESP’s 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.

Nominees must be employed in an Oregon public K-12 school district. The winner will be announced in April of 2022. They will receive $5,000 as well as a plaque and banner to commemorate the award.

To nominate an education support professional: https://oregonteacheroftheyear.org/nominate-esp/

 

Nominations close on January 3rd.