The NEA Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year Award honors a member who demonstrates outstanding accomplishments and reflects the vital role ESPs play in public education. NEA will present the 2026 ESP of the Year (ESPOTY) Award in the spring as part of the 2026 NEA ESP National Conference.
Before getting started...
Be sure you are the ESPOTY Affiliate Point of Contact (POC) for your state. POCs are individuals appointed by the state affiliate executive director to liaise with NEA staff and coordinate the compilation and submission of their state’s ESPOTY nomination to NEA. POCs work directly with nominees to collect the award requirements and then enter them into the nomination form on their behalf. Nominees cannot submit their own nominations.
Award Overview and Requirements
Nominees and POCs should download and review the 2026 ESPOTY Overview and Requirements and supporting materials in their entirety. The Overview and Requirements describe the ESPOTY program, eligibility and nomination package requirements, scoring criteria, and the selection process.
- Download the 2026 ESPOTY Overview and Requirements
- Download the following supporting materials
How to Submit a Nomination
We have made changes to the 2026 nomination process! You will now submit your nomination through an online Smartsheet form. We no longer use Blackbaud, the system through which NEA affiliates apply for grants, to accept nominations.
If you are the ESPOTY POC, you will no longer need to register or have an applicant ID and password to submit a nomination. We will email you a link to the nomination form.
Deadline for Nominations: 11:59 p.m. ET on Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Questions? Contact Jennie Young at [email protected].
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