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ESP Professional Growth

NCAE supports the professional growth of all public school professionals, especially ESPs.
Educator

Education Support Professionals (ESPs) are the backbone of North Carolina's school districts. This diverse group includes school secretaries, paraprofessionals, custodial staff, food service workers, and bus drivers. ESPs are essential to the daily functioning of our schools and the well-being of our students.  

Without our dedicated ESP members: 

  • Students wouldn't receive vital extra help and attention 

  • School operations would grind to a halt 

  • Buses wouldn't transport children safely to and from school 

  • Our learning environments wouldn't be clean, safe, or nurturing 

Across North Carolina and the nation, ESPs make up over 40% of the K-12 education workforce, with numbers growing steadily. Their contributions are invaluable to our school communities, ensuring that every aspect of a student's day runs smoothly. NCAE recognizes and champions the critical role ESPs play in supporting quality education for all students in our state. 

NCAE members have access to many professional learning opportunities through NEA (the National Education Association). Find NEA opportunities for ESPs by clicking here.

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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.
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The North Carolina Association of Educators is a state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.

Learn more at NEA.org

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