Andy Markus, a head custodian in Utah’s Canyons School District, was named the 2025 Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year. He received the award from NEA president Becky Pringle on March 22 at the ESP National Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.
Markus not only shines in his work to keep his school clean and safe, he’s a dedicated student mentor and fierce union activist and ESP advocate.
“NEA and its three million members are proud to recognize Andy’s dedication to his students, his school and his union,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “He consistently goes above and beyond to be a welcoming presence to all who enter the building and school grounds He inspires each of the students to be better versions of themselves and to try new things. Andy’s ability to lift the spirits of any student having a hard day, or make a new student instantly feel at home, is an invaluable asset to the Draper community.”
The Education Support Professional of the Year award is designed to spotlight the work of ESPs across the country and honor one member who has demonstrated extraordinary achievements and dedication to public education. ESPs are the bus drivers who get our students to school safely. They are the custodians who keep our school buildings and grounds clean, the cafeteria workers who ensure our school communities are fed, the paraeducators who meet the needs of our most vulnerable students, and so much more.
"Congratulations to Andy," said Mike Evans, President of the Utah School Employees Association. "I’ve had the privilege of working with Andy for many years, and he’s consistently been an exceptional leader. He’s always the first to step up, no matter the time or place."
Markus will serve as an ambassador for ESPs across the country, speaking about the work and importance of ESPs at local, state, and national events.
“I truly believe ESPs are what makes this country great, and this is such a great honor for me,” Markus said as he accepted the award. He thanked his wife, a fellow ESP and food service manager, the NEA ESP Leadership Institute, and the NEA staff who supported him and his cohort, all of whom graduated from the program the day before.
He mentioned the legislation that recently took collective bargaining rights away in Utah, but said “with the help of NEA and the public union coalition we have formed, I believe we will have our negotiating rights back next year.”
ESPs Create Pride Among Students
Markus shows just how critical a role a custodian can have in school transformation. From cleaning up the grounds to mentoring students, his work goes beyond maintaining a building—it’s about fostering a community students and staff feel proud to be part of. “The pride and care we put into our environment are reflected in the success of our students, and I’m grateful to be a part of that positive change,” he says.
When he first arrived, the grounds were overgrown, littered with trash, and neglected after years of minimal maintenance. The bushes were full of debris, and the fields had patches of dirt where grass should have grown.
Markus spent the first four months focused on cleaning up the grounds, starting with picking up trash and replacing damaged sod on the fields.
“It breathed new life into the school, with students, staff, and community members expressing their excitement about seeing the grounds looking presentable again,” he says.
Then Markus turned his attention to the inside. With the help of his department, he brought in extra extractor machines, and they worked diligently to deep clean the carpets and floors. The building started to shine again.
“What was remarkable was the impact that these changes had on school culture,” he says.
Students began taking pride in their environment, cleaning up after themselves, and showing greater respect for the building. Teachers reported fewer behavior issues in their classrooms, and students were more engaged.
Even better, the school’s overall grade improved, and for the past two years, it’s been ranked among the top five middle schools in Utah.
“It’s been incredible to see how a clean and welcoming environment can make such a big difference for everyone who steps through the doors,” Markus says.
After-School Mentor
Markus strives to build strong relationships with his students as well.
“Many come to me when they’re having a tough day, knowing they’ll have a listening ear,” he says. “These connections started through the after-school mentoring program I launched, where students help with tasks around the school as a constructive way to stay out of trouble and earn responsibility. It’s a difficult time for many kids, as they’re still figuring out who they are, and sometimes all they need is someone to listen to.”
A school counselor set up what she called “Andy Talk Sessions,” where students would walk the halls with me while I cleaned, using that time to share their struggles.
He’s had many memorable interactions with students, including one who recently confided in him that he was LGBTQ+.
“He wanted to say it aloud to me before telling his parents. It was a powerful moment and a reminder of how much students rely on the adults around them for support, Markus recalls. “Moments like these are why I believe that everything we do as school employees matters—students notice, and they care.”
In his after-school mentoring program, he mentored a student on the verge of dismissal from school because of poor behavior and skipping class.
Over three months, the student’s attitude and approach to life completely changed. He started attending class regularly, stopped negative behavior patterns, and began taking pride in his schoolwork.
“I remember the first time he earned an A—he rushed to share the news with me before telling his parents,” Markus says. “It was a moment I’ll never forget. In just a few months, this student went from failing to passing most classes, he is now on the honor roll in high school.”
Recently, he visited Markus to share his plans to graduate and pursue a career as a counselor for at-risk youth.
Union Activist
Raised by dedicated educators and union members, Markus was immersed in the world of advocacy from a young age, walking neighborhoods with his dad to hand out campaign flyers and standing at intersections with signs.
He recently joined fellow union members at the state capitol to fight against an anti-union payroll deduction bill. Now Markus carries out his advocacy in much the same way he does mentoring – through honest conversations and relationship building.
“I approached legislators directly, meeting with the bill’s sponsor and other key supporters, and asked them about their understanding of the bill’s impact, explaining why union and bargaining rights are essential, especially for ESPs,” he explains. “I provided examples of the affordable benefits our part-time employees receive for as little as $200 per year, including dental, vision, and telemedicine services.”
Unfortunately, the fight continues after Utah's governor, ignoring calls to veto it, signed the bill into law. But USEA is part of a public union coalition that is determined to overturn the ban with a ballot measure.
Markus maintains relationships with legislators, continuing to advocate for the needs of ESPs and the students they serve.
As president of the Canyons Education Support Professionals Association, Markus helped negotiate major wins for ESPs over the past five years, including, a 28.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), step raises, and stipends for employees who are at the top of their current pay scale. He also helped increase night shift differentials by $0.50 and graveyard shifts by $1.00, improved ESP leave policies, and negotiated a professional development day for all ESPs in his district on a non-student day with pay.
Markus brings the same advocacy to building respect as he does to increasing pay. He’s ensured that his district recognizes national career days for our employees, such as National Custodial Day, Food Service Day, Administrative Assistant Day, and Transportation Day in addition to celebrating national ESP Day – a recognized day throughout the state.
“As a dedicated advocate, I continue working tirelessly to ensure ESPs receive the respect and acknowledgment they rightfully deserve,” he says.
