The Oregon Department of Education has officially recognized Erica Carrillo as the 2026 Education Support Professional of the Year, highlighting her exceptional commitment to students and the school community. The announcement ceremony, held at The Dalles Middle School, brought together state leadership and local education officials to celebrate the vital role support staff play in the academic and personal success of Oregon’s youth.
Erica Carrillo, who serves at The Dalles Middle School within the North Wasco County School District, was selected from a competitive pool of nominees across the state. The award, which is part of a broader initiative to uplift the essential work of school employees, underscores the importance of those who work outside the traditional classroom setting to ensure that schools remain safe, welcoming, and effective learning environments.
Oregon Department of Education Director Charlene Williams attended the event to present the honor, joined by representatives from the Oregon Lottery, which serves as a primary sponsor for the recognition program. The presence of state-level officials emphasized the significance of the award, marking a moment of statewide appreciation for the dedication displayed by Carrillo in her daily interactions with students, and staff.
A Commitment to Student Success and School Culture
The selection of the Education Support Professional of the Year is a rigorous process that evaluates candidates based on their contributions to student achievement, their professional development, and their ability to foster positive relationships within their school community. For Carrillo, the recognition serves as a testament to her influence at The Dalles Middle School, where she has been noted for her proactive approach to student engagement and her ability to navigate the complex needs of a diverse student body.
Superintendent Dr. Carolyn Bernal, who leads the North Wasco County School District, praised Carrillo’s work ethic and her capacity to serve as a bridge between the school administration, families, and the students themselves. During the presentation, officials noted that support professionals are often the “unsung heroes” of the education system, providing the infrastructure—from social-emotional support to administrative coordination—that allows teachers to focus on instruction.
The Role of Education Support Professionals in Oregon
In Oregon, education support professionals (ESPs) encompass a wide range of critical roles, including paraeducators, administrative assistants, custodial staff, and nutrition service workers. These individuals often serve as the first point of contact for students entering the building and the last point of contact when the day concludes. The state’s recognition program aims to bring these roles to the forefront, providing a platform to share best practices and highlight the impact of non-instructional staff on educational outcomes.
The program is supported by the Oregon Lottery, which provides a monetary award to the winner and a matching grant to their school district. This financial backing is intended to support the recipient’s continued professional development and to fund initiatives within their school that benefit the broader student population. The partnership between the Department of Education and the Lottery has been a staple of this recognition effort, ensuring that the award carries both prestige and tangible resources for the recipient’s home district.
At a Glance: 2026 ESP of the Year Recognition
- Recipient: Erica Carrillo
- District: North Wasco County School District
- School: The Dalles Middle School
- Key Partners: Oregon Department of Education, Oregon Lottery
- Program Goal: To honor the essential contributions of non-instructional school staff.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of the Award
As the 2026 Education Support Professional of the Year, Carrillo will now transition into a role as an ambassador for her profession. Over the coming months, she is expected to participate in various state-level committees and events, where she will share her experiences and advocate for the needs of support staff across Oregon. This platform allows her to influence policy discussions and provide insights into the challenges and triumphs experienced by those working on the front lines of public education.
The North Wasco County School District has indicated that the recognition will serve as a catalyst for ongoing discussions regarding staff support and retention. By highlighting the success of individuals like Carrillo, the district hopes to encourage others to enter the field and to emphasize the value of long-term investment in school employees who provide the foundation for student success. The state’s recognition program will continue its cycle in the coming year, with nominations for the 2027 cycle expected to open following the conclusion of the current school year.
As the school year progresses, the focus will remain on how the grant funds provided by the program will be utilized at The Dalles Middle School to enhance student services. For those interested in the ongoing efforts to improve school environments in the region, the North Wasco County School District and the Oregon Department of Education will provide updates through their official channels regarding upcoming professional development opportunities and community engagement initiatives.
We invite our readers to join us in congratulating Erica Carrillo on this well-deserved achievement. Have you had an education support professional who made a significant impact on your life or your child’s education? Share your stories in the comments below.
