NEA names Washington’s Stanley Calhoun 2026 Education Support Professional of the Year

WASHINGTON - The National Education Association (NEA) on Saturday named Stanley "Ric" Calhoun, a campus supervisor at Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, Washington, the 2026 NEA Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year.

Calhoun's role as a campus supervisor is very visible in the school community, and he believes it gives him the opportunity to remind students that they matter, that he cares, and that he is genuinely happy to see them. For Calhoun, a simple wave hello or goodbye goes a long way toward creating a sense of safety.

"I think of my role as relationship building," Calhoun says. "My daily interactions go beyond supervision - I greet students by name and build trust through consistency. This visibility has created a culture where students feel comfortable approaching me with concerns, knowing they'll be heard and respected."

"NEA has chosen to honor Ric because of his extraordinary commitment to and compassionate care for his students," said NEA President Becky Pringle. "Ric goes above and beyond to create a positive learning environment for all students, and he takes the initiative to continually pursue new approaches that help all students learn at their highest abilities and feel safe and welcome in their communities. Ric embodies the core values of education support professionals and their indispensable contribution to our schools. We are proud to give him this recognition and are grateful for all his work in his community."

The Education Support Professional of the Year award is designed to spotlight the work of ESPs across the country and honor one member who has demonstrated extraordinary achievements and dedication to public education. ESPs are the bus drivers who get students to school safely, custodians who keep school buildings and grounds clean, cafeteria workers who ensure students are fed, paraeducators who support our most vulnerable students, and so much more.

"Ric understands that the most important part of the curriculum - our students - walk through the doors on the first day. He is an amazing educator and unionist, and an even better person," said Larry Delaney, president of Washington Education Association. "As the NEA ESP of the Year, Ric will be an amazing ambassador for not just ESPs but all educators. WEA is proud!"

One of Calhoun's most impactful initiatives at Inglemoor was launching a racial justice video project, where students of color and other marginalized groups shared their lived experiences in the Northshore School District. In his role as a football coach, Calhoun also led efforts to expand Unified Sports under the Special Olympics umbrella. Recognizing that some students face food insecurity, he organized weekly snack deliveries to local neighborhoods. Staff donated funds, and Calhoun personally delivered a mix of healthy and fun snacks to high school students and their families.

Through mentorship, union activism, and equity initiatives, Calhoun has worked to create a professional culture where ESPs and other staff feel valued, empowered, and equipped to succeed.

Calhoun was one of five finalists who included Elizabeth Craig, Personal Care and Behavior Resource Assistant, Oregon; Andrea Kelly, Program Coordinator for Adult, Corrections, Distance, and Alternative Education, Nevada; Tammy Preble, Paraeducator, New Hampshire; and Mary Reynolds-East, Paraeducator, Nebraska.

The award was announced at the 2026 NEA ESP National Conferencein Anaheim, California on Saturday, March 28. Calhoun will now serve as an ambassador for ESPs across the country, speaking about the work and importance of ESPs at local, state, and national events. 

For more information on the NEA ESP of the Year Award, including a complete list of the nominees and more information on the five finalists, visit www.nea.org/ESPOTY.