Click here to submit a nomination for the 2027 award. (Link will be posted soon!)
Our 2026 ESP of the Year is Loriann Darrell!
Loriann Darrell is a dedicated educator, union leader, and advocate whose impact spans her school, district, and the broader Vermont education community. An Instructional Assistant in the Life Skills program at Riverside Middle School, Loriann is known for her ability to connect with students. Superintendent Peter Burrows noted, “Lori is so deserving of this award...seeing first hand the amount of energy and heart she puts into each day that she's working with students is truly amazing. I know from talking with staff throughout the district that Lori is revered for her dedication and her work ethic, and her attitude that puts kids first, always! Well deserved!”
Colleagues share that students trust Loriann, feeling heard, and finding a sense of belonging in her classroom. She extends that impact beyond the school day through her leadership of the SPACE afterschool program, where she has expanded opportunities for students and families, increased participation, and built strong community partnerships that create inclusive and engaging experiences for all.
Loriann has been a steadfast union leader, serving as president of the Springfield Support Staff Association for more than a decade and on the Vermont-NEA Board of Directors since 2013. Known for her consistent, often behind-the-scenes work, she has led negotiations that secured gains in wages, professional development, and working conditions for ESPs. Colleagues and Vermont-NEA leaders describe her as deeply trusted and respected, someone who consistently advocates for ESP voices at the local and state levels. Vermont-NEA President Don Tinney praised Loriann’s work, “Lori’s constant and passionate advocacy for better wages and working conditions for ESPs is remarkable and has yielded truly impressive gains for her colleagues. Additionally, she takes it upon herself to mentor new support staff members, all while providing compassionate support to the learners she encounters each day.”
Congratulations, Loriann!
Click here to nominate an ESP for the 2027 award. (Link will be posted soon!)
In recognition of the important role of Education Support Professionals within the Association, and to honor their outstanding contributions to communities and children, Vermont-NEA presents an annual Education Support Professionals Award.
Background
The 1992 Vermont-NEA Representative Assembly established the annual Education Support Professional Award to recognize the importance of ESP.
Who Can Be Nominated
The person being nominated must have been a Vermont-NEA member for at least three years (including this year). Exceptions will be made if the Local Association is less than three years old. We encourage nominations from any ESP career family: Clerical Services, Custodial and Maintenance Services, Food Services, Health and Student Services, Paraeducators, Security Services, Skilled Trades, Technical Services, or Transportation Services.
How to Nominate
The strongest nominees are members who are highly involved in their local Association and/or volunteer for Vermont-NEA or NEA in some capacity. Examples of involvement include, but are not limited to, holding elected local union leadership role(s), being involved in organizing colleagues to legally form the union, assisting fellow members in organizing to improve the workplace or advocating for employee rights. In general, the committee favors nominees who enhance the image of ESPs in the school, union and community. Nominees also should be good employees with a strong professional record, make a continued positive impact on the school and students, and ideally, are involved in their local community.
Nominations will be accepted by submitting a simple web form (deadline passed, link disabled). All we need is some basic information about your nominee. Nominations will be received on a rolling basis up until the end of the school year. We will be in touch with nominees and their nominators to collect further information.
To submit a nomination online click here. (Link will be posted soon!)
Deadline for Nominations
Nominations will be received on a rolling basis through approximately the end of the school year. All nominations must be submitted online. If you have any questions, please contact Erin Green at [email protected] or 802-224-2411.
Selection of the Winner
Nominations will be reviewed by the Vermont-NEA ESP Leadership Advisory Committee, which will make a recommendation to the Vermont-NEA Board of Directors. The Vermont-NEA Board will select the winner.
The winner will be presented a $1,000 award, will automatically become Vermont-NEA's nominee for the National Education Association ESP Award, and will receive an all expense paid trip to the NEA ESP Conference to represent Vermont as part of a team of ESPs.
Award Presentation
The Vermont-NEA ESP Award will be presented at the annual Vermont-NEA Representative Assembly.
Previous Winners, Vermont-NEA ESP of the Year Award
Loriann Darrell, Springfield Support Staff Association, 2026
Linda Corliss, Slate Valley EA, 2025
Carmel Quinn, Colchester EA, 2024
Gloria Mantagaris, Champlain Valley EA, 2023
Jim Johnson, Champlain Valley EA, 2022
Nikki Hall, Maple Run EA, 2021
Cheryl Hanley, Blue Mountain EA, 2020
Pat Thompson, Maple Run EA, 2019
Joan Savaglio, Green Mountain-NEA, 2018
Loretta Johnson, Rutland Northeast Education Association-Paraeducators and Bus Drivers Unit, 2017
Fran Brennan, Chittenden South Education Association, 2016
Chris Halpin, Essex Jct. Westford Education Association, 2015
Christie Thereault, Windham Southeast Education Association, 2014
Tara Gauding, South Burlington Education Association, 2013
Hannah Van Loon, Windham Southeast Education Association, 2012
Darcey Fletcher, Lamoille Union High School EA, 2011
Donna Constant, Paraeducator, Washington West EA 2010
Jan Thibeault, Paraeducator, Essex North EA 2009
Rebecca Auger, Paraeducator, Woodstock Union HS SSO, 2008
Laurel Tobiason, Paraeducator, Twinfield SSA 2007
Linda Howard, Paraeducator, Twinfield SSA 2006
Regina Sears, Paraeducator, Rutland School EA 2005
Betsy Howard, Paraeducator, Woodstock Union HS SSO 2004
Beverly Klandl, Class Assistant, Chittenden South EA 2003
Carolyn Godbout, Paraeducator, Rutland School SA 2002
