NJEA is proud to celebrate our members who have been selected as the 2026-27 County Educational Support Professionals of the Year. Whether supporting students directly or helping schools operate smoothly behind the scenes, these honorees demonstrate the dedication, professionalism and care that strengthen New Jersey’s public schools every day.
Educational support professionals (ESP) are essential members of New Jersey’s public school communities, supporting students and educators in countless ways every day. From paraprofessionals and instructional assistants to custodians, secretaries, food service professionals, technology staff, transportation professionals and maintenance staff, their work helps create safe, welcoming and successful learning environments for students across the state.
Through its County Educational Support Professional of the Year program, NJEA recognizes members whose dedication, professionalism and commitment exemplify the important role educational support professionals play in New Jersey’s public schools. These county honorees represent the diverse roles and contributions of NJEA’s ESP members and serve as ambassadors for the profession and their fellow support professionals.
NJEA congratulates the 2026-27 County Educational Support Professionals of the Year:
Atlantic
Annette Palmeri is a paraprofessional in Hamilton Township.
Bergen
Leslie Cabrera is a paraprofessional and member of the Carlstadt Education Association.
Burlington
Susan Howard is a library assistant and member of the Delran Education Association.
Camden
Cristina Gonzalez is a secretary and member of the Lindenwold Education Association.
Cape May
Scott Tozer is a custodian and member of the Middle Township Education Association.
Cumberland
Chantelle Clark-Cloughley works in food service and is a member of the Millville Education Association.
Essex
Dwight Holmes is a paraprofessional and member of the Orange Education Association.
Gloucester
Chrissy Kosar works in transportation and is a member of Washington Township Support.
Hudson
Modesta Rivera is a paraprofessional and member of the Jersey City Paraprofessional Education Association.
Hunterdon
Katherine Beggiato is a paraprofessional and member of the Hunterdon Central Regional Education Association.
Mercer
Shimica Mayfield is a paraprofessional and member of the Trenton Education Association.
Middlesex
Mark Palmieri is a computer technician and member of the Old Bridge Education Association.
Monmouth
Billy Bastedo is a custodian and member of the Freehold Regional Education Association.
Morris
Marylynn Macleod is a secretary and member of the Chatham Education Association.
Ocean
Cathy Cardinale is a paraprofessional and member of the Manchester Township Education Association.
Passaic
Helene Anderson is an instructional assistant and member of the Paterson Education Association.
Salem
Debra Stefanski is a paraprofessional and member of the Penns Grove-Carneys Point Regional Education Association.
Somerset
Mike Pisani works in maintenance and is a member of the Watchung Hills Regional Education Association.
Sussex
Karolee Murphy is a paraprofessional and member of the Sussex-Wantage Education Association.
Warren
Dorene Kopesky is a paraprofessional and member of the Phillipsburg Education Association.