Northshore’s Ric Calhoun Named 2026 Education Support Professional of the Year

The National Education Association (NEA) announced Northshore School District staff member Ric Calhoun as the top recipient of the NEA Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year award during a ceremony and banquet at the 2026 NEA ESP National Conference on March 18, in Anaheim, CA. Calhoun was named the Washington ESP of the Year in 2025, which put him in consideration for the national award, and he was announced as a finalist for the national award prior to the national conference. Calhoun is the current Northshore Education Association (NSEA) Vice President and former Campus Supervisor at Inglemoor High School. 

“I am proud that the Northshore community gets to celebrate Ric and the extraordinary impact he has on our Inglemoor students and families,” said Northshore Superintendent Dr. Justin Irish. “I am also excited that his NSEA leadership role allows him to share his experience and expertise, supporting systemic improvements across the district.”

In his role at Inglemoor, he focused on reminding each student that they matter, that he cares, and that he is genuinely happy to see them. One of Calhoun’s impactful initiatives at Inglemoor was launching a racial justice video project, where students of color and other marginalized groups shared their lived experiences in the Northshore School District. In his role as a football coach, Calhoun also led efforts to expand Unified Sports under the Special Olympics umbrella. 

“Ric Calhoun made a tremendous contribution to the climate and culture of Inglemoor High School during his time as a campus supervisor,” said Inglemoor Principal Adam Desautels. “Not only was he proactive in identifying potential safety concerns or challenges students faced, but he also built positive relationships with students and staff and leveraged those relationships to make meaningful change. Ric was a strong advocate for all students and worked to ensure an inclusive environment. Additionally, he set up a food distribution program to meet the needs of students and families outside of the school walls. Ric was so impactful in his position at Inglemoor because of how much he cares about every student and every person he works with. Congratulations to Ric for such a well-deserved recognition!”

To support students facing food insecurity, Calhoun coordinated staff fund donations and then personally delivered a mix of healthy and fun snacks to high school students and their families weekly. Through it all, he demonstrates extraordinary commitment to and compassionate care for his students and colleagues.

Calhoun received a $10,000 personal cash prize courtesy of NEA Member Benefits and will be funded by NEA to attend the 2027 NEA ESP National Conference.