Jay Nicholson

Every day, behind the scenes of our schools, a dedicated army of heroes works tirelessly to ensure our students have the best possible learning environment. From the moment our children step onto the bus to when they leave the classroom, these unsung heroes — our education support professionals — are there to support them.

As a bus driver and groundskeeper at Dirigo High School for 11 years, and as a Maine Education Association board representative for ESPs, I have witnessed firsthand the exceptional care our ESPs provide to students.

Our students and families rely on various adults who play a vital role in keeping our schools running, including educational technicians, administrative assistants, custodians, bus drivers, and nutrition staff. Their essential work is often overlooked.

As bus drivers, we do much more than transport students. I have seen my colleagues brighten a student’s day with small acts of kindness, such as handing out candy or singing “Happy Birthday,” as a student steps onto the bus in the morning. We work hard to create a welcoming atmosphere from the very start of the school day.

I’ve also witnessed our custodians go out of their way to ensure students have what they need, whether it’s food at home, basketball shoes so they can join the team, or a warm winter coat. When our schools were used as shelters during the severe flooding last winter, my colleagues stayed at their schools around the clock to care for community members.

The school nutrition staff show each student that they are valued. They know each child’s preferences and dietary needs and notice when someone misses lunch or breakfast.

Our secretaries and administrative assistants work tirelessly behind the scenes, finding creative ways to keep the school day running smoothly. They even coordinate field trips and athletic events when bus drivers are in short supply.

Technology specialists work hard behind the scenes as well, ensuring technology runs smoothly so students’ learning is never interrupted.

ESPs go above and beyond for the students in our schools, forming meaningful relationships with them and with the broader community they serve. Their dedication and compassion truly make a difference every day.

Despite their vital role, many of my colleagues are forced to work multiple jobs, juggling shifts and sacrificing sleep to make ends meet. They clean up spills, soothe anxieties, and keep our schools running smoothly, often for less than a living wage.

Thankfully, things are improving. Last year, MEA advocated for a law that will go into effect in July 2025, setting a minimum wage for all school support staff at 125% of the state minimum wage for ed techs and 115% of the state minimum wage for all other support staff.

There is more work to be done.

This year, on Education Support Professional’s Day — Nov. 20 — vocalize your appreciation for the education support professionals in your community. Take time to speak up for them, and the critical work they do; advocate for better working conditions for them at your local school board meetings; and most importantly, don’t forget to thank them for the critical support they provide within our school communities.

Jay Nicholson is a bus driver and groundskeeper at Dirigo High School in Dixfield. He serves on the board of the Maine Education Association, representing education support professionals. The Maine Education Association contributed to this piece.