In this May 2022 photo, teacher Ciera Hensley and her students discuss a passage from a book during her seventh grade essential skills class at Crook County Middle School in Prineville.

Nominations are open to suggest candidates for the Oregon Education Support Professional of the Year award, as organized by the Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Lottery.

Professionals must work in an Oregon public school or school district and meet the definition of an educational support professional. The application is open until Feb. 21. 

Education support professionals most often work in clerical, custodial, nutrition, health, student, transportation, technical or security services, and as educational assistants or in the trades.

Nominees should also possess accountability, equity, integrity and excellence.

The award winner will be announced in the spring, and will be given $5,000, a plaque and a banner. More information can be found on the Oregon Education Support Professional of the Year webpage.