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Support Professional of the Year

The Delaware Department of Education is sponsoring the ESPY awards, that’s Educational Support Professionals of the Year. Much like the Teacher of the Year awards program, ESPY recognizes those other than classroom teachers who do outstanding work in school districts. Winners have been nominated by their peers and members of the community. Each winner will receive an award, and one will be chosen to represent the district.  Our district winner will go on to the state ESPY awards program with hopes of being named that Delaware ESPY winner of the year!

 

jennfier goldsborough

Jen Goldsborough 

• 2026 Colonial School District Educational Support Professional of the Year
• Special Education Coordinator | Gunning Bedford Middle School
• William Penn High School Alumnus, Class of 1997

Driven by a deep commitment to supporting educators, Jen Goldsborough has dedicated the past several years to promoting mental health awareness across the Colonial School District. After the sudden loss of a colleague and friend, she worked to destigmatize mental health and provide meaningful support for staff. At the district level, she created wellness activities throughout the year, and at Gunning Bedford,  collaborated with state legislators to secure funding for the Zen Den—a calming space designed to help staff reduce stress, recharge, and regulate emotions.

In addition, Jen developed daily calendars of readings, activities, and motivational messages during Mental Health Awareness Month in 2024 and 2025, fostering a culture of empathy, reflection, and empowerment. These efforts have been instrumental in improving school climate, reducing burnout, and supporting teacher retention, ultimately strengthening staff-student relationships and student success.

Celebrating her 25th year in the district this year, Jen says that her work exemplifies the role of an educational support professional by placing the well-being of staff and students at the heart of school culture. She believes that “when educators care for themselves, they are better able to care for their students—and this belief guides everything I do.”