On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, the National Education Association (NEA) calls on school districts across the country, including Roane County Schools, to celebrate Education Support Professionals (ESP) Day as part of American Education Week.
What it is
ESP Day recognizes the wide range of dedicated staff members who work behind the scenes at our schools to ensure students are safe, supported, and ready to learn. These professionals include (but are not limited to):
Bus drivers who safely transport students
Cafeteria workers who prepare and serve meals
Custodians and maintenance staff who keep facilities clean and functional
Office and clerical personnel who support teachers, students, and families
Paraprofessionals, aides, IT and technical support staff, and others who help the learning environment run smoothly
Students need more than backpacks and rulers to be successful. It takes the hard work and dedication of all the educators working in our schools, including ESPs.
Importance for Roane County Schools
For our district, ESP Day is an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the essential contributions of the non classroom professionals who help create the conditions for learning. Whether it is a friendly cafeteria worker greeting students in the morning, a bus driver navigating winter roads, or a custodian ensuring a clean and safe building, these staff members often go unseen but are deeply valued.
Recognizing these roles fosters a culture of appreciation and strengthens our school community by showing that every member of the team matters.