ESP of the Year nominations are open!
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"ESP" - What Does it Mean?
School support staff, also known as Education Support Professionals (ESPs), support students and teachers, manage school offices, clean buildings, drives buses, and do so much more. ESPs strengthen our schools, communities, and associations across our state. They play a vital role on the education team and in students' lives inside and outside the classroom. They keep our schools running and our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn every day.
Our Impact
We deserve rESPect
Rhode Island's schools work because ESPs do! We deserve high-quality professional development, fair wages, and respect on the job.
Online Professional Development for ESPs
Check out online learning opportunities and supports for ESPs to elevate your professional excellence throughout your career.
ESP Pay
ESPs want and deserve better pay. NEA has a detailed report on the state of ESP earnings around the country.
ESP Bill of Rights
Pledge your support for the ESP Bill of Rights and learn how to build strategic campaigns to advocate for a living wage, fairness, and respect for ESPs all across the country.
2025 Education Support Professional of the Year
Christine Alves named 2025 NEARI ESP of the Year at the Annual ESP Dinner.
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2025 NEARI ESP of the Year Christine Alves with the Gail Colburn Award.
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NEARI ESP of the Year Christine Alves and family
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Left to right: ESP Caucus Chair Sue Allienello (EP Secretaries), Christine Alves, NEARI Vice President Amy Mullen (NEA Tiverton)
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Christine Alves and family
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South Kingstown ESPs
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Six years of NEARI ESP of the Year Gail Colburn Award recipients! Left to right: Marie Glass, retired; Jamie Grissom, Scituate Paras; Maria Collins, East Greenwich ESP; Lisa Logan, EP Paras; Kristin Chase, EP Secretaries; Christine Alves, EP Secretaries
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Celebrating Christine!
Nominate your favorite ESP today!
Together we're stronger. Together we're heard.
You belong in the union! Join today to belong to the movement fighting for the pay, working conditions, and respect we all deserve.
