The Delaware State Educational Support Professional of the Year (ESPOY) program is administered by the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE). Each year the program recognizes outstanding service by school employees who provide direct or indirect services to students and their families. The Delaware Charter School Network also is invited to participate. Employees considered for the award include:

  • Paraprofessionals
  • Custodial staff
  • Secretaries
  • Nutritional staff
  • School- and district-employed bus drivers
  • School- and district-employed bus aides
  • IT Support staff

Congratulations to the Honorees

Award Year 2025 (AY 25)

Award Year 2024 (AY 24)

Award Year 2023 (AY 23)

Award Year 2022 (AY 22)

The Delaware Department of Education celebrates Sinead Ronan, the 2024 Educational Support Professional of the Year (ESPOY).

For additional honorees, please visit the Previous Educational Support Professional of the Year Winners.

Program Information and Resources

From those nominated at a building level, one educational support professional of the year moves forward to represent each district or the charter school community in the state program. Each district/charter network winner receives a $2,000 personal award from the winner’s district or charter school. The state program then chooses one person annually to serve as Delaware’s Educational Support Professional of the Year. State winners receive an additional $3,000 personal award from DDOE as well as $5,000 to be used for the educational benefit of his or her students.

Regulation 237 – Establishes policies and procedures for Delaware’s annual ESPOY award.

Guidelines – Outlines the nomination process, selection, as well as award recognition and funding.

Application – Applications are due October 31 of each year.