NJEA honored award-winning educational support professionals (ESPs) at the NJEA ESP and Health and Safety Conference on Feb. 8. The conference itself was Feb. 7-9. 2025 NJEA ESP of the Year Mark Richards was honored and the NJEA Career Achievement and Friend of ESPs awards were conferred upon Scott Elliott and Dan Staples, respectively.
Richards honored as NJEA ESP of the Year
Mark Richards, the president of the East Orange Maintenance Association and a building and grounds employee for East Orange Public Schools, was featured as the cover story in the February edition of the NJEA Review. You can also read his story on njea.org.
Scott Elliott receives NJEA Career Achievement Award
Scott Elliott has been employed with the Phillipsburg School District as a paraeducator for the past 14 years. Beyond Scott’s dedication serving his school, he facilitates the REACH after-school program and works as a substitute teacher for his district.
Victoria Hughes, a health teacher in the Phillipsburg School District and the 2024 NJEA Friend of ESP award winner, notes that Elliott is not one to brag about all he does for the Phillipsburg Education Association, the Warren County Education Association and NJEA.
“Scott does so much behind the scenes that people don’t know about,” Hughes says. “He has a tremendous commitment to the union. What he does for PEA, WCEA and NJEA is phenomenal. He is a genuinely good, kind and caring person.”
Elliott began his career in education in his mid-30s.
“It was one of the best things that I ever did, going back to college at the age of 32 years,” Elliott said. “Working my way up to graduating in May 2023 at the age of 56 with a bachelor’s degree in special education from Kutztown University. I always believe that instructing our students who will be taking care of us all one day will be one of the greatest gifts we can give society.”
Dr. Anne Brawand of the Special Education Department at Kutztown University wrote in support of Elliott’s nomination.
“Scott has consistently gone above and beyond to benefit his students, school and greater community,” Brawand wrote. “Scott displayed a strong initiative throughout his program and is a proactive teacher.”
Elliott is a member of the NJEA ESP Committee and the chair of numerous committees, including the WCEA ESP Committee, the NJEA Constitution Review Committee, and the WCEA Constitution Review Committee. He is the Warren County captain for the Educational Support Professionals Advocacy Network. Elliott is also currently serving as an NJEA Delegate Assembly alternate, a position he previously held from 2014-16.
“Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Elliott’s genuine concern for the well-being of others is evident in his everyday interactions,” wrote Dr. Edward J. Labatch III, assistant principal at Phillipsburg Elementary School. “He regularly volunteers his time for community outreach, evening events and serving as a mentor to new staff members. His ability to connect with students and colleagues alike has created a nurturing environment that promotes growth and collaboration.”
Labatch noted Elliott’s continuous pursuit of professional development. He actively engages in district sponsored workshops, continuing education initiatives, always seeking to improve his skills and knowledge to better serve our community.
“His leadership in the paraprofessional department has set a standard of excellence that has positively impacted on our entire institution,” Labatch wrote.
Upon receiving the award, Elliott echoed Hughes characterization of him.
“I’m truly honored and humbled that this award has been bestowed upon me,” Elliott said. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet because to be honest with you, this isn’t about me. It’s about each and every one of you in this ballroom and all the other tens of thousands of ESP across this great state.”
Dan Staples recognized as NJEA Friend of ESP
Dan Staples is the president of the Manchester Township Education Association (MTEA) in Ocean County. He has been math teacher at Manchester Township High School for more than 15 years.
Prior to becoming the association president, Staples served as 1st vice president and head association representative. In addition, he has been very active at the county level, serving as a D.A. alternate and serving on the OCCEA executive committee and rep council.
Staples is an NJEA UniServ consultant in the Region 7 office. A U.S. Marine’s veteran, he serves on the planning for the NJEA Patriots Alliance and has previously worked as an organizer with the Educator Action network.
A graduate of Stockton University with a B.A. in Mathematics, Staples earned a certification in negotiations, arbitration and conflict resolution from Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations. From 1998-2002, Staples served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Kimberly Payton, a paraprofessional at MTHS and an MTEA association representative wrote in support of Staples’ nomination.
“Under Dan’s leadership, our union has achieved significant victories, including increased training opportunities for paraprofessionals, additional compensation for obtaining CPI certification and the ability to leave early when students are no longer in the building,” Payton wrote. “Dan’s unwavering commitment to our profession, his tireless advocacy for our rights and his dedication to his colleagues make him an exceptional leader.”
Staples was nominated by MTEA 1st Vice President Keith Eckert.
“Dan’s dedication to ESPs is evident in his tireless efforts to improve their working conditions, job security and economic well-being,” Eckert wrote. “He has been instrumental in negotiating fair contracts, advocating for increased compensation, and ensuring ESPs have access to the resources and support they need to succeed.”
In Manchester, Staples worked to increase ESP membership in the union and provide greater representation of their interests with a guaranteed seat of the MTEA executive board. He successfully advocated for the creation of an ESP Committee to select a yearly award for ESP members.
“Dan has also demonstrated a remarkable ability to think creatively and innovate in order to make a difference for ESPs,” Eckert continued. “He has been at the forefront of efforts to utilize technology to improve communication and engagement among members.”
As MTEA president, one of Staple’s first actions was to bring in innovative training programs to help ESPs enhance their skills and professional development.
“Dan’s ability to think outside the box and find new ways to address the challenges facing ESPs is a testament to his leadership and commitment to our profession,” Eckert concluded.
Lisa Sidorick-Wise, a special education teacher in Manchester Township wrote about Staples’ creation of an Excellence in Education Award.
“Over the years, I have watched him actively lift up ESPs in our district,” Sidorick-Wise wrote. “For the first time in our community ESPs were honored alongside teachers. Under his leadership our union became an all-inclusive union and a part of the entire Manchester community.”
Staples used his acceptance of the award to continue his advocacy for ESPs, including those with military service. He noted that teachers who have served in the military are entitled, by statute, to additional steps on the salary guide. No such statute exists for ESPs, but some local associations have bargained this benefit into their contacts.
“We were we were able to get some legislation sponsored so that ESPs will get credit on the guide for their military service,” Staples said. You can go on actioncenter.njea.org right now and take action to support the bill.”
Staples expressed his gratitude for the Friend of ESP Award.
“I learned from a young age that every person has a job to do when you’re put on a team and no individual is greater than team,” he said. “It’s only possible to accomplish the mission when everybody plays their position. And it is always about the mission of the team and never about the individual.”