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HARRISBURG, PA (Feb. 18, 2025) — Becky Marszalek, an instructional paraprofessional at Avonworth Elementary School in Pittsburgh, is one of five finalists for the National Education Association’s (NEA) Education Support Professional of the Year, the NEA announced today.

She and her four co-finalists were selected among 40 nominees nationwide. In November, Marszalek was selected as the Pennsylvania State Education Association’s 2024-25 Dolores McCracken Education Support Professional of the Year.

“It is an incredible honor to be one of five finalists in the country for the NEA Education Support Professional of the Year Award,” Marszalek said. “I am so proud to be in the company of such remarkable and hardworking support professionals who make a difference in the lives of so many students every day.”

The other finalists are Amy Evans of Illinois, Beryl Torrence of North Carolina, Andy Markus of Utah, and Alyce Holmes Pope of Virginia. NEA will recognize all the state nominees and announce the NEA Education Support Professional of the Year at an awards ceremony on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky.

Marszalek has worked in the Avonworth School District for the past 18 years both as a classroom paraprofessional and one-on-one aide. For the past 11 years, she has also served as the president of the Avonworth Education Support Professionals Association.

Her colleagues praised her for working to create supportive learning environments for students and for projecting a “calming presence” that helps students feel comfortable around her.

“I view each student as an individual of immense potential, cultivating significant growth in their confidence and self-worth,” Marszalek said. “This approach leaves them with a lasting sense of joy that motivates continued learning with an optimistic outlook in the years ahead.”

PSEA President Aaron Chapin praised Marszalek as a kind and dedicated support professional and a smart union leader.

“The 177,000 members of PSEA could not be prouder of Becky Marszalek,” Chapin said. “Becky gives her students everything she’s got every single day to help them build their confidence, learn in the classroom, and excel in life.

“As president of her local, Becky is also a strong voice for her fellow support professionals, and as the Dolores McCracken Education Support Professional of the Year, she has been a wonderful ambassador and advocate for support staff across Pennsylvania. We wish her all the luck in the world on March 22.”

Marszalek is a lifelong resident of the school community she serves and a graduate of Avonworth High School. She has been an active member and leader in her local union, the Avonworth Education Support Professionals Association, as well as in PSEA and NEA. She has also volunteered with community organizations, including the Ohio Township Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary where she serves as the past president.

An affiliate of the National Education Association, PSEA represents about 177,000 active and retired educators and school employees, student teachers, higher education staff, and health care workers in Pennsylvania.