National Educational Support Professionals Day is a holiday that falls on the Wednesday of American Education Week—a week before Thanksgiving is celebrated. The purpose of this holiday is to acknowledge the valuable contributions made by school employees throughout the year.

Educational support employees keep students healthy, ready to learn, and safe—no matter what circumstances arise. That is why we encourage everyone who has a child or who has had a child in school to give a shout-out to the support staff that makes education possible.

Interesting Facts About Education Support Professionals

Education Support Professionals—also known as ESPs—are important members of the education workforce for both K-12 and higher education. To show just how important these individuals are, we’ve decided to list some facts about ESPs that we feel everyone should know.

• Approximately 57% of ESPs in K-12 have an Associate degree or a more advanced degree.
• Approximately 94% of ESPs in higher education have an Associate’s or a more advanced degree.
• About 61% of ESPs plan to stay in their field until retirement.
• Approximately 66% of K-12 ESPs have spent their own money to help students with class projects, school supplies, and even field trips.
• Most ESPs in K-12 education live in the school district where they work.

The History Of National Educational Support Professionals Day

This day was first proposed during the 1980s by the National Education Association Representative Assembly to give thanks and to honor support employees who work for and in schools. Then, in 1987, they created National Educational Support Professionals Day to make this holiday official. Ever since, it has been observed all around the U.S.

Observing National Educational Support Professionals Day

Anyone wishing to observe this holiday can start by thanking the educational support staff at their local school. After that, they can thank all ESPs across the U.S. by giving them a shout-out on social media using the hashtag #NationalEducationalSupportProfessionalsDay.