On September 17, 2025, the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) named Stephanie Patterson, a secretary at the CHESPAX Environmental Education Program in Calvert County, as its 2025 Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year. The announcement, made in Prince Frederick, celebrates Patterson’s dedication to students, colleagues, and the community, highlighting her pivotal role in Calvert County Public Schools. Selected from statewide nominations, the award recognizes her outstanding contributions among the 75,000 educators represented by MSEA, the state’s largest teachers’ union.
Patterson’s work at CHESPAX, based at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp in Prince Frederick, ensures students engage in hands-on environmental and historical learning. She coordinates logistics for field trips and programs, connecting students with resources like the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Jefferson Patterson Park, fostering experiences that deepen their understanding of Calvert’s coastal and cultural heritage. Her meticulous planning supports over 5,000 students annually across CHESPAX’s initiatives, which emphasize ecology and stewardship in a county bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and Patuxent River. “Stephanie’s love for her work is so obvious to anyone who comes across the CHESPAX program,” said MSEA President Paul Lemle. “She supports students and families along with colleagues; her peers all benefit from her diligence and enthusiasm.”
Before joining CHESPAX, Patterson spent nearly a decade co-sponsoring the Girls Club at Windy Hill Middle School in Owings, mentoring close to 200 students through the challenges of adolescence. The club, a safe space for personal and academic growth, empowered young women with skills for leadership and resilience. Her community involvement extends to volunteering with local tourism efforts, such as events at the Calvert Marine Museum, and supporting youth through the Girl Scouts, where she fosters confidence and community engagement. As a leader within the Calvert Association of Educational Support Staff (CAESS), Patterson advocates for her 800 colleagues, pushing for better working conditions and recognition of ESPs—roles like secretaries, paraeducators, custodians, and bus drivers critical to school operations.
The MSEA award underscores the often-overlooked contributions of ESPs, who form the backbone of Maryland’s public schools. In Calvert County, with its 15,000 students across 25 schools, ESPs like Patterson ensure smooth operations, from managing front offices to facilitating specialized programs. The county, known for its scenic cliffs and tight-knit communities, relies on its 1,200 school employees to maintain its high-performing district, ranked among Maryland’s top 10 for graduation rates at 92% in 2024. Patterson’s recognition highlights the impact of ESPs in a region where education drives community identity, from Solomons to Huntingtown.
MSEA’s selection process involves rigorous review of nominees’ contributions to education and community service. Patterson stood out for her ability to forge partnerships with organizations like the Calvert Nature Society, enhancing CHESPAX’s reach. Her work aligns with MSEA’s mission to elevate ESPs, who often earn lower wages than teachers—averaging $30,000 annually in Maryland—despite their essential roles. The award, presented annually, includes a ceremony at MSEA’s convention, set for October 2025 in Ocean City, where Patterson will be honored before peers statewide.
Calvert County residents can see Patterson’s impact at CHESPAX events like the annual Watershed Report Card release, which engages students in monitoring local waterways. Her colleagues at CAESS, a local affiliate of MSEA, praised her leadership in amplifying ESP voices, especially during recent contract negotiations that secured a 5% pay increase for 2025-26. Patterson’s recognition comes as Calvert County continues to invest in education, with a $180 million school budget supporting initiatives like CHESPAX, which operates from the historic Kings Landing Park.
The community can follow Patterson’s work and CHESPAX updates through Calvert County Public Schools’ website. Her award shines a light on the unsung heroes of education, reinforcing Calvert’s commitment to fostering learning environments that prepare students for a connected, sustainable future.