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NCAE Calls for the Celebration, Appreciation of the Work of Education Support Professionals in Our Public Schools

Today, the NC Association of Educators released the following statement in celebration of National ESP Day.
Published: November 15, 2023

Celebrating the Professionalism of Education Support Professionals on National ESP Day

RALEIGH, NC — Today, the NC Association of Educators released the following statement in celebration of National ESP Day.

“Education Support Professionals or ESPs are the glue that holds our school communities together. They do vital work that too often goes unnoticed and is under appreciated,” said NCAE President Tamika Walker Kelly. “Today we thank our ESP colleagues for their efforts and lift up the work they do. Recognizing the important role ESPs play in our schools is the first step in ensuring they receive the professional pay, respect, and appreciation they deserve."

Across the country, supporters of public education are celebrating American Education Week, Nov. 13-17. As part of the week’s celebrations, we recognize Wednesday, November 15, as National ESP Day. Education Support Professionals play important roles in our school communities, helping ensure our students are healthy and ready to learn. ESPs encompass a wide range of job categories, such as teacher assistants, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, school nurses, custodians and more.

NCAE is the state's largest education advocacy organization for public school employees, representing active, retired and student members.


 

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A leading voice for educational excellence

The North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) is our leading voice for educational excellence, for children and their families, and for the public schools they count on. As the public school employees union and the largest association of professional educators in North Carolina, our membership extends to all 100 counties and includes teachers, non-classified school staff, administrators, students, retirees, and community allies. NCAE believes that every child has a right to a high-quality education, an excellent teacher, and a well-funded school.