Education Support Professionals: Professional Growth Continuum

What You'll Learn

You will learn how to connect the ESP Universal Standards to your role and responsibilities at your worksite, interview co-workers to further develop your understanding of the skills for the competency, and how competency in these skills has an impact on your effectiveness, school and student success.  

Who Should Apply

  • Education Support Professionals (ESPs)

8
micro-
credentials
15
Approximate hours each
Description

This stack provides states, local education agencies, and individuals opportunities to comprehend the NEA's ESP Professional Growth Continuum, the 8 Universal Standards of professionalism for all ESPs, and demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the areas of competency and how it impacts ESPs for each Standard at the proficent level of the Continuum.

Education Support Professionals (ESP) are critical members of the education workforce. There are more than 2.8 million ESPs in our nation's public schools and colleges. One out of every 3 public school employees is an ESP. ESPs meet the needs of the whole student, ensuring quality education. ESPs are represented in the following 9 career families: Clerical Services, Custodial and Maintenance Services, Food Services, Health and Student Services, Paraeducators, Security Services, Skilled Trades, Technical Services, and Transportation Services. 

These micro-credentials are currently in the process of being revised and are unavailable at this time. If you have already enrolled in one or more of these micro-credentials, you have until six months from your initial enrollment date to complete your submission of the current version.

Click to View PDFDetailsAction

Education Support Professionals: Communication Standard
The Education Support Professional (ESP) effectively listens and communicates (written and verbal) with a diverse audience, including students, parents/guardians, staff, visitors, and community.
Types of Evidence Required: Professional vision, professional growth plan AND documentation

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StartNEA_ECSEducation Support Professionals: Professional Growth ContinuumCommunication Standard

Education Support Professionals: Cultural Competence Standard
The Education Support Professional (ESP) examines their own cultural context, understands the cultural contexts of others, and interacts across cultural contexts with sensitivity to difference (e.g., economics, race, gender, and disability).
Types of Evidence Required: Professional vision, professional growth plan AND documentation

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StartNEA_ECCSEducation Support Professionals: Professional Growth ContinuumCultural Competence Standard

Education Support Professionals: Ethics Standard
The Education Support Professional (ESP) maintains a high level of ethical behavior, confidentiality, and privacy regarding any information relating to students, staff, and all career-related matters.
Types of Evidence Required: Professional vision, professional growth plan AND documentation

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StartNEA_EESEducation Support Professionals: Professional Growth ContinuumEthics Standard

Education Support Professionals: Health and Safety Standard
The Education Support Professional (ESP) protects the health and safety of oneself and others by knowing and executing health, safety, and emergency protocols/procedures with fidelity.
Types of Evidence Required: Professional vision, professional growth plan AND documentation

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StartNEA_EHSSEducation Support Professionals: Professional Growth ContinuumHealth and Safety Standard

Education Support Professionals: Organization Standard
The Education Support Professional (ESP) prioritizes, plans, and executes tasks efficiently and effectively.
Types of Evidence Required: Professional vision, professional growth plan AND documentation

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StartNEA_EOSEducation Support Professionals: Professional Growth ContinuumOrganization Standard

Education Support Professionals: Professionalism Standard
The Education Support Professional (ESP) presents and conducts oneself with skill around career roles while maintaining high expectations and responsibility to one's students, colleagues, and profession.
Types of Evidence Required: Professional vision, professional growth plan AND documentation

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StartNEA_EPSEducation Support Professionals: Professional Growth ContinuumProfessionalism Standard

Education Support Professionals: Reporting Standard
The Education Support Professional (ESP) understands the responsibilities of a mandated reporter, including what, when, how, and to whom reports should be filed.
Types of Evidence Required: Professional vision, professional growth plan AND documentation

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StartNEA_ERSEducation Support Professionals: Professional Growth ContinuumReporting Standard

Education Support Professionals: Technology Standard
The Education Support Professional (ESP) uses electronic devices to problem-solve and complete work-related duties.
Types of Evidence Required: Professional vision, professional growth plan AND documentation

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StartNEA_ETSEducation Support Professionals: Professional Growth ContinuumTechnology Standard