Education Support Professionals Day

The Education Support Professionals Day is observed each year on the Wednesday of American Education Week, which in 2025 falls on November 19.

History of Education Support Professionals Day

The observance began in 1987 when the National Education Association (NEA)’s Representative Assembly called for a day to honour the contributions of school support staff.
Since then, Education Support Professionals Day has been recognised annually as part of American Education Week—specifically dedicating one day to acknowledge the essential work of employees who support students and schools in non-teaching roles.

Why is Education Support Professionals Day important?

This day is important because school systems depend not only on teachers but on many support professionals—paraprofessionals, bus drivers, cafeteria employees, custodial staff, clerical workers, and more—who create safe, effective environments for student learning.
It also provides a moment for schools, communities and families to recognise and express appreciation for those behind-the-scenes who often go unheralded but whose efforts make daily education possible.

Here are five simple things this day supports:

• Highlighting the diverse roles of support professionals in schools.
• Encouraging public recognition of support staff and their contributions.
• Building stronger school culture and team morale through acknowledgement.
• Encouraging equitable treatment, fair compensation and career development for ESPs.
• Reinforcing that students’ success depends on the full school team, not just classroom teachers.

How to Celebrate (or Observe) Education Support Professionals Day

On this day, schools, districts or community partners can arrange recognition events—such as assemblies, thank-you cards, small gifts or public announcements—to honour their support professionals. For individuals, taking the time to personally thank the support staff in a school you know can make a meaningful difference. Emotionally, the day is about valuing the overlooked, building respect, and acknowledging that every role matters in education.
Here are five practical ideas to observe it:

• Send a personalised thank-you note or card to a school support professional you know.
• Organise a breakfast, luncheon or appreciation event at the school for support staff.
• Share a post on social media using hashtags like #WeLoveOurESPs to highlight their contribution.
• Invite students to write down and deliver messages of thanks to support staff (bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians).
• Promote active advocacy for support professionals—fair pay, recognition, opportunities for advancement—to show ongoing commitment.