2026 Paraprofessional of the Year Guidelines
Paraprofessionals play an essential role in supporting high quality bilingual and ESL programs across Texas. These dedicated educators work closely with teachers, students, and families to ensure that multilingual learners receive the academic and linguistic support they need to succeed. Through their daily commitment, they demonstrate that every child deserves encouragement, representation, and meaningful learning opportunities.
To honor the outstanding service, professionalism, and impact of paraprofessionals in our schools, the Bilingual ESL Education Association of the Metroplex has established the BEAM Paraprofessional of the Year Award.
AWARDS
The winner of the 2026 BEAM Paraprofessional of the Year competition:
• Will be publicly acknowledged and honored at the annual symposium with a special plaque recognizing their contributions.
• Will be welcome to invite one guest to the awards dinner.
• Will be recognized in BEAM publications and communications celebrating exemplary service in bilingual and ESL education.
ELIGIBILITY
Paraprofessional of the Year
Nominees must meet the following requirements:
• Full-time paraprofessional working in a PK–12 bilingual, ESL, or dual language program in Texas.
• Must have served in the role for at least three consecutive years prior to the award.
• Must be actively employed in a school district at the time of nomination.
SUBMISSION PROCESS
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All entries must be submitted through the official nomination form linked below.
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Nominations may be submitted by any district or campus employee who has worked with the nominee.
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Only the information provided in the nomination form will be reviewed by the BEAM judging committee. No portfolios or additional uploads are required.
Nomination Form Includes
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Name
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Campus and district
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Program type (Bilingual, ESL, Dual Language)
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School email and phone number
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Years of experience as a paraprofessional
ELIGIBILITY CONFIRMATION:
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Full-time PK–12 roll in a bilingual, ESL, or dual language program in Texas.
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At least three consecutive years of experience.
Nomination Questions
Judges will evaluate nominees based on the three criteria contained in the form:
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Contribution to Student Learning and Support
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What sets this paraprofessional apart in their work with English learners or bilingual students?
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Impact on Campus Culture and Community
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Describe any ways the nominee supports families of multilingual learners or contributes to campus or district community events.
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Additional Information
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Is there anything else you would like the judging panel to know about this nominee?
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SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
All entries must be submitted by January 30, 2026 11:59 PM CST
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Nomination form must be fully completed
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Headshot Photograph
PLEASE NOTE:
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Any applications received after the deadline will be disqualified.
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Any application missing any information will be disqualified.
SYMPOSIUM AWARDS
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Winners will have their picture included in the Symposium Program and be acknowledged at the BEAM Symposium on April 11, 2026.
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Judging: A panel of judges will select the winners in each category. BEAM Board reserves the right to bestow or not to bestow the award for each category
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Deadline: All entries must be received by January 30, 2026 11:59 PM CST. Contest entries need to be submitted by the teacher. Applicants will be notified by February 27, 2026. Entries from students from all language backgrounds are encouraged.
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Notification: Nominees will be notified by February 27, 2026
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Eligibility Disclaimer: BEAM committee members and/or their family members are not eligible to enter the contest. See Teacher of the Year page for full definition of family member categories.
Questions/Support
If you have any questions, please email Matt Condon at matt@beamdfw.org