Park City paraeducator recognized nationally with 2024 NEA ESP Award

Jennifer Bramson celebrates her award at a surprise party at McPolin Elementary on March 25. From left to right, Principal Angie Dufner, Jen Bramson and Mike Evans (President USEA. Photo: Park City School District

PARK CITY, Utah — The National Education Association (NEA) has announced Jennifer Bramson, a para-educator from Park City School District, as the recipient of the 2024 NEA Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year award. The award was presented at the NEA Education Support Professionals Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 23. Bramson, who serves as a lead preschool teacher at McPolin Elementary School was recognized for her outstanding contributions to early childhood education.

“NEA and its three million members are proud to recognize Jen’s dedication to her students, her school and her union,” NEA President Becky Pringle said of Bramson’s dedication.

“[Bramson] goes above and beyond to foster the learning of children with diverse needs, and she takes the initiative to continually pursue new and innovative approaches that help all students learn at their highest abilities. Jen embodies the core values of educational support professionals and their indispensable contribution to our school communities through her dedicated union efforts. In her work with our youngest learners, she inspires joy in learning, meeting their curiosity and ensuring they are prepared for elementary school. Jen sees the potential in every child.”

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Since joining the Park City School District (PCSD) in 2013, Bramson has played a pivotal role in supporting preschool students at McPolin Elementary. Her work primarily focuses on assisting English learners to achieve academic standards and gathering essential data for crafting Individualized Education Plans for students in need before they begin kindergarten.

PCSD Superintendent Dr. Jill Gildea stated, “It’s an honor to recognize Jen Branson for this prestigious award. We are fortunate to work with such talented, dedicated, and passionate educational support professionals at Park City School District as exemplified by Jen’s creativity, compassion and care of our early learners. Thank you for representing ESPs across the nation, Jen.”

Bramson’s recognition underscores the critical role of education support professionals in shaping the learning experiences of young students and their foundational impact on the educational system.

Mike Evans, President of the Utah School Employees Association (USEA), remarked, “Jen has a heart of gold. She loves what she does, whether it’s educating her preschool kids, working within her local association, or for the USEA. Jen is a joy to work with and has a great passion for what she does. As president of USEA, I cannot think of a better person to represent all education support professionals. It is truly an honor to know Jen, to be her friend, and to have her on this journey as part of the USEA leadership team.”

McPolin Elementary School held a surprise celebration for Bramson this morning with an all school assembly to recognize her achievement.