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Education Support Staff Professional of the Year

Heather Dew

Education Support Staff Professional of the Year

Each school community has numerous dedicated professionals who spend their day supporting students and educators. As part of its ongoing commitment to highlighting and recognizing the contributions of individuals across the state who go above and beyond in our schools and districts, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is proud to partner with AFSCME Council 25, the American Federation of Teachers-Michigan and the Michigan Education Association to offer this annual award. Awardees also became Michigan's nominees for the Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award, coordinated by the United States Department of Education.

2022 ESSPOY Heather Dew
Carla Whitsett 2021 ESSPOY Winner
Owen Bondono photo
Russ Clark 2019 ESSPOY Winner

Who is an Education Support Professional?

Education Support Professionals include, but are not limited to, individuals who work following positions/roles:

  • Paraprofessionals (All)
  • Teachers' Aides & Assistants
  • Program Aides & Assistants
  • Preschool Care Givers
  • Before/After School Care Givers
  • Bus Monitors & Aides
  • Lunchroom & Playground Monitors
  • Noon Supervisors
  • Cafeteria Workers
  • Line Cooks
  • Food Preparation Workers
  • Food Service Workers
  • Cashiers
  • Health Aides
  • Crossing Guards
  • Mechanics
  • Bus Drivers
  • Transportation Workers
  • Garage Workers
  • Receptionists
  • Secretaries
  • Administrative Assistants
  • Office Workers & Assistants
  • Bookkeepers
  • Payroll Clerks
  • Accounting & Financial Assistants
  • Registration & Records Assistants
  • Attendance Technicians
  • Couriers
  • Electricians
  • Carpenters, Painters & Glaziers
  • HVAC Specialists
  • Machine Operators
  • Engineers
  • Building & Ground Keepers
  • Maintenance Personnel
  • Custodians
  • Janitors
  • Technology Coordinators
  • Computer Operators & Programmers
  • Systems Analysts & Data Processing Specialists
  • Media & Public Relations Specialists
  • Audiovisual & Language Technicians 
  • Mechanical Technicians
  • Security Guards
  • School Resource Officers
  • Security Workers

For more information about the Education Support Staff Professional of the Year program, please contact Jennifer Robel at robelj@Michigan.gov or (517) 241-7054.

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