 NEWS RELEASE
May 14, 2025
Media Contact: Liz Merah
Oregon Honors the 2025 Education Support Professional of the Year, John McIntyre!
The Oregon Department of Education and Oregon Lottery partner to recognize the incredible efforts and impact of Education Support Professionals in Oregon.
(Portland, OR) – In a surprise announcement event today, Oregon Department of Education (ODE) Director Dr. Charlene Williams joined Oregon Lottery leaders, Parkrose School District Superintendent Michael Lopes Serrao and Sacramento Elementary School Principal Sarah Lamb Christensen in honoring John McIntyre as Oregon’s 2025 Education Support Professional of the Year. McIntyre is the Lead Custodian at Sacramento Elementary School.
Dr. Williams and Jen Roper with Oregon Lottery led the event and awarded McIntyre the honor. Photographs of the event will be added to this folder as they become available.
“Mr. McIntyre’s inspiring devotion to caring for both the students and the school help make Sacramento Elementary a warm, welcoming and joyful place for students to learn and grow,” said Dr. Williams. “He is multi-talented, relentlessly devoted to making a difference, and I’m honored to help recognize his daily heroics.”
"Mr. Mac goes above and beyond his job as custodian at Sacramento Elementary School, keeping the building beautiful and safe," Governor Tina Kotek said. "The stories I've heard of Mr. Mac's joy and compassion are uplifting. He is a community-builder, caring for the shy and rambunctious students alike, making everyone feel like they belong. It is workers like Mr. Mac who make school a place where students thrive."
Thanks to ODE’s partnership with the Oregon Lottery, John received an award of $5,000 and a commemorative plaque. A matching plaque and banner were awarded to Sacramento Elementary School to mark John’s achievements and his impact in the Parkrose community.
“Oregon Lottery is proud to support this award, as it spotlights an individual working tirelessly to make our educational community stronger,” said Oregon Lottery Director Mike Wells. “Mr. McIntyre’s hard work, positivity, and kind nature exemplify why he is deserving of this honor.”
“John is an incredible role model for our students. He's kind, he cares for everyone, and he takes incredible pride in his work. He brings a warmth to Sacramento that is felt by everyone,” said Superintendent Lopes Serrao. “He's a meaningful contributor to the inclusive and supportive culture at Sacramento Elementary. It's an honor to work with him and watch him do incredible work for the Sacramento community.”
“When I think about someone who takes pride in what they do and who truly loves the community he works alongside, I think of John. He creates beautiful spaces for students to learn, he empowers kids to be leaders in the community through service, and he shows true care for each and every student and staff member in our building,” said Principal Lamb Christensen. “There is no one more deserving of this award than our beloved Mr. Mac!”
“John McIntyre is the heart of Sacramento Elementary. Beyond keeping the school clean and safe, he goes out of his way every day to connect with students and staff, creating meaningful relationships that truly uplift the entire school community,” said Robyn Stolin, Supervisor of Maintenance for Parkrose School District. “His dedication and extra-mile attitude make an extraordinary difference. It is my privilege to work with him, and we’re so proud to see him recognized with this honor.”
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 Education Support Professional 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 2026 will open again soon on the Education Support Professional website. Be sure to nominate the life-changing ESPs in your school!
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