Education Support Professionals

Education Support Professionals|Educator Voice|Racial and Social Justice

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MSEA’s 2025 Summer Organiz­ing Campaign

Ask one of the official MSEA ESP Summer Organizers what the three most important things they learned about during their eight weeks of door-to-door canvassing with the ESP Bill of Rights and it will no doubt mirror the thoughts of Kathy O’Reilly, a year-round organizer for the Washington County Educational Support Personnel (WCESP) local union: […]
Education Support Professionals

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MSEA’s 2025 Education Support Professional of the Year

CONGRATULATIONS STEPHANIE! MSEA’s 2025 Education Support Professional of the Year is Steph­anie Patterson—a union and civic leader in Calvert County. She is a member of the Calvert Association of Education Support Staff (CAESS). Stephanie is the secretary of Calvert County’s environmental education program CHESPAX, where she coordinates and manages logistics for more than a dozen […]
Education Support Professionals|Educator Voice

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My Turn: Ylianfer Otazo, Educational Assistant in Worcester County

My journey in the U.S. has been a transforma­tive experience. I was born in Barquisimeto, the musical city of Venezuela, and I had the honor of singing as a mezzo-soprano in the Opera Choir of Colombia and the National Choir of Peru. My path outside my country has been full of challenges and lessons. As […]
Education Support Professionals|Educator Voice|School Funding|Union Updates

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How Does Your Pay Compare?

NEA’s recently released annual report on educator pay data found that the average national teacher salary increased 5% from 22-23 to 23-24 but increased 6.2% in Maryland—the 10th best annual improvement overall. Adding to that positive news is that our state’s average teacher salary is 7th highest, leapfrogging New Jersey, a long-time leader. Average pay […]
Education Support Professionals|Educator Voice

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My Turn: Washington County Title I School Liaison Ivan Santiago

As an education support professional (ESP), I have provided classroom support to some of our most vulnerable students. I have worked in the general education setting, in special education, and specialized, self- contained, and push-in programs. Currently, I am a school-family liaison. I am able to support learning in a different capacity, working hand in […]
Education Support Professionals|Union Updates

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2025 MSEA ESP of the Year Nominations Open!

We’re looking for support staff members who are standout contributors to their school community and whose accomplishments make a difference for students, neighbors, and their local union. “Think social and racial justice activists, church and civic leaders, or union colleagues organizing for better wages, safety, and respect,” says MSEA President Paul Lemle. “If you’re that […]
Education Support Professionals|Legal Questions|Professional Practice

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A Word from Legal: Investigations and Your License

The school year is over for many students and staff, but it’s always good to be reminded of what happens when a licensed educator is placed on leave due to investigations by social services or law enforcement. Many of these claims ultimately have no merit, of course, but it’s still important to know how and […]
Education Support Professionals|Educator Voice

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My Turn: Talbot County Bus Driver Garth Hoff

My family moved to Maryland from New Hampshire in 2014. I did different things for work at first—from marine construction to installing cables up on the poles. In 2018, I found out that Talbot County Public Schools (TCPS) was hiring bus drivers and thought it would be a great way to spend more time with […]
Education Support Professionals|Educator Voice|School Funding

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Session Ends with Fairer Tax Code and Improved Education Proposal

SINE DIE EDITION Session Ends with Fairer Tax Code and Improved Education Proposal The budget and fallout from federally orchestrated chaos absorbed nearly all the attention this session, as educators made sure their voices rose above the noise in Annapolis to protect funding for education and establish greater financial stability over the long term. Educators […]
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