NTHF congratulates Washington’s Ric Calhoun on his selection as the 2026 NEA Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year.
Ric Calhoun is a campus supervisor, football coach, union leader, and fierce advocate for education support professionals (ESPs), students, and marginalized communities in his home state of Washington and across the country.
Ric began his career in education 17 years ago as a paraeducator at Inglemoor High School in Kenmore, Washington, supporting a student with behavioral and emotional needs. He then worked at a state-run facility for adults with disabilities, a powerful experience that deepened his understanding of advocacy and care, especially for individuals whose needs are often overlooked.
He eventually returned to Inglemoor High School, where he served as a campus supervisor for 11 years, working to create a safe and welcoming environment by building strong student relationships. As a football coach and strong advocate for inclusion, he led efforts to expand Unified Sports under the Special Olympics umbrella, bringing together students with and without disabilities to foster friendships and break down stigma.
Ric is the full-time release Vice President for ESPs in the Northshore Education Association (NSEA) and Chair of the Washington Education Association (WEA) ESP Bill of Rights Subcommittee. In these roles, Ric has worked to strengthen the professional stature, stability, and effectiveness of ESPs through organizing, advocacy, and equity-focused leadership
Locally, Ric has helped organize one of the highest union membership and WEA-PAC contribution rates in his district. He also serves on multiple bargaining, labor-management, and equity teams. He helped establish affinity groups for BIPOC and LGBTQ+ members and successfully bargained for regular meetings with his district’s Racial & Educational Justice Department, improving representation, fostering inclusive workplaces, and strengthening the support systems available to ESPs.
As NEA ESP of the Year, Ric serves as an ambassador for education support professionals across the country, speaking about the work and importance of ESPs at local, state, and national events.
Ric lives in Washington with his wife, Cheryl, who is a teacher at Inglemoor High School.
Former Recipients
Since the award’s inception in 1992, 34 ESPs from 21 states have received this prestigious national award. Below is a list of former award recipients.
2025 Andy Markus, Utah
2024 Jennifer Bramson, Utah
2023 Pamella Johnson, Washington
2022 Debra Ward-Mitchell, Illinois
2021 Kimberly Scott-Hayden, New Jersey
2020 Andrea Beeman, Ohio
2019 Matthew Powell, Kentucky
2018 Sherry Shaw, Alaska
2017 Saul Ramos, Massachusetts
2016 Doreen McGuire-Grigg, California
2015 Janet Eberhardt, California
2014 Paula Monroe, California
2013 Donna Schulze, Maryland
2012 Judy Near, Colorado
2011 Jameel Williams, North Carolina
2010 Helen Cottongim, Kentucky
2009 Kathie Axtell, Washington
2008 Laura Vernon, Wisconsin
2007 Veronica Henderson, Maryland
2006 Nancy Toombs, Kentucky
2005 Kathleen Lange, Illinois
2004 Allyson “Sunny” Story, Iowa
2003 Martin F. Meyer, Idaho
2002 Joann Falk, Colorado
2001 Irma Valdespino, New Mexico
2000 Richard Malizia, New Jersey
1999 Gail Rasmussen, Oregon
1998 Carter Foshee, Oklahoma
1997 Karen Mahurin, Alaska
1996 Evelyn Foster, North Carolina
1995 Iona Hollway, Louisiana
1994 Eddie Middleton, Louisiana
1993 Doris Dortch, Alabama
1992 Peggy Bertollo, Delaware