Washington Tech's Mark Bauch is Education Support Professional of the Year
Congratulations to Mark Bauch, a special education educational assistant at Washington Technology, for being named the 2024-25 Education Minnesota Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year!
A special shoutout to Latricia Adams from SPPS Online Elementary for her semifinalist nomination as well!
Bauch is in his 14th year as an educational assistant for ninth-grade special education students at Washington. “While I am in the classroom, I will go around the whole classroom while keeping an eye on my (special education) students,” Bauch said in nomination materials for the award. “I never want the kids that I work with to be singled out.”
Bauch was born and raised in St. Paul, which allows him to connect not only with his students but with their families. “Because I was born and raised here, I tend to know the families of my students,” he said.
Bauch’s colleagues say that he is respected by students and staff alike, both for the relationships he builds and the expertise he brings to the classroom. “Many staff members frequently consult him for advice, whether for instructional support or behavior management,” said Tim Hayden, special education teacher at Washington. Bauch is particularly skilled at working with students facing the greatest learning challenges. “Where others see difficulty, Mark sees opportunity,” Hayden said.
As the 2024-25 ESP of the Year, Bauch will receive an iPad or Chromebook and a $1,200 honorarium. He will also receive an all-expenses paid trip to the National Education Association ESP Conference next spring.
“Education support professionals are the backbone of our public schools, and schools simply can’t function without them,” said Education Minnesota President Denise Specht. “Mark’s passion for his students, support for his colleagues and commitment to his community exemplify the best that Minnesota ESPs have to offer.”