Oregon Honors the 2026 Education Support Professional of the Year, Erica Carrillo

May 21

Written By Columbia Community Connection

From Oregon’s Education Support:

By Liz Merah

The Dalles, Ore., May 21, 2026 — In a surprise announcement event yesterday, Oregon Department of Education (ODE) Director Dr. Charlene Williams joined Oregon Lottery leaders, North Wasco County School District Superintendent Dr. Carolyn Bernal, and The Dalles Middle School Principal Sherri Kilgore and Assistant Principal Shudhi Datta in honoring Erica Carrillo as Oregon’s 2026 Education Support Professional of the Year. Carrillo is the Bilingual Family Liaison at The Dalles Middle School.

Dr. Williams and Jen Roper with the Oregon Lottery led the event and awarded Carrillo the honor. Photographs of the event will be added to this folder as they become available.

“Education support professionals like Ms. Erica Carrillo are at the heart of strong schools and strong communities,” Governor Tina Kotek said. “Through her leadership, compassion, and commitment to students and families, she has helped ensure that every family feels welcomed, connected, and empowered to participate in their child’s education. Ms. Carillo’s work reminds us that creating belonging in our schools can change the trajectory of students’ lives.”

“Ms. Carrillo exemplifies what it means to remove barriers so students and families can thrive,” said Dr. Williams. “Whether she is helping families navigate school systems, connecting students to basic needs, translating critical information, or creating opportunities for families to engage with their school community, Ms. Carrillo approaches every part of her work with care, creativity, and deep dedication. Her impact extends far beyond The Dalles Middle School; she represents the vital role education support professionals play in building trust, strengthening partnerships, and helping every student feel seen and supported.”

Thanks to ODE’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, Carrillo received an award of $5,000 and a commemorative plaque. A matching plaque and banner were awarded to The Dalles Middle School to mark Carrillo’s achievements and her impact in the North Wasco County community.

“We’re proud to honor Ms. Carrillo for her ability to foster trust and connection with families and build a welcoming community,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. "This award highlights her outstanding work in supporting students beyond the classroom.”

“This award reflects Erica’s outstanding commitment to serving students and supporting excellence in education every day,” said Superintendent Dr. Bernal. “She represents the very best of our district, and we are thrilled to celebrate this achievement with her.”

Program History

Oregon’s Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year Program is a result of House Bill 2964, passed by the Oregon Legislature in May 2019. This bill directed ODE and Oregon Lottery to design and implement a program to honor an Oregon education support professional serving students in any grade from prekindergarten through grade 12. ESPs work together with teachers and administrators in Oregon public schools to perform a variety of jobs promoting quality education, fostering positive learning environments, offering nutritious meals, providing reliable transportation, maintaining safe and clean schools for students, and so much more. Educators nominated for ESP of the Year are employed by an Oregon public K-12 school or school district and meet the definition of an ESP in Oregon. Nominations for 2027 will open again soon on the Education Support Professional website. Be sure to nominate the life-changing ESPs in your school!