Celebrate Classified Public School Employees Week 2017

A message from Kim Mead, WEA President.

Earlier this year, Gov. Jay Inslee recognized the important contributions of classified school employees and named March 13-17, 2017 as Classified Public School Employees Week to honor these contributions. Please take a moment this week to recognize our educational partners in the work we do every day.

Our classified school employees, or educational support professionals, are the everyday heroes who play significant roles in our schools and colleges. From transporting and feeding students to teaching them vital skills and ensuring that schools are operating smoothly, our ESPs make a difference in the daily life of students.

Education support professionals make up 40 percent of the school staff and take care of students every day, making sure they have the tools they need to succeed in school. ESPs are critical members of our public schools. They include paraeducators, secretaries, custodians, tradespeople, and technical staff. They also include school security officers, school bus drivers, food service workers, and those who work in health and student services. Just as ESPs are on the front lines working to ensure the safety and care of students at school, many are working to build better neighborhoods and communities as well. Whether they're working for local charities or volunteering in youth sports programs, classified employees serve their communities with the same pride that they serve our students and schools.

Please take a minute to acknowledge the work of our classified colleagues this week.

And, to our ESP colleagues, we salute and thank you for the work you do every day.