Woodland Elementary ESP honored with ESP of the Year award

Gail Huggins, a Resource Education Service Professional (ESP) at Woodland Elementary School, has been named ESP of the Year by Osseo ESPs Local 7325 Union group. The award recognizes the contributions of ESPs to their schools, communities and profession. 

Candidates for ESP of the Year are scored according to five criteria: professional practice, advocacy and association involvement, community engagement, personal achievement and enhancement of ESP image. 

Huggins has been a resources ESP for eight years and has received her voluntary para professional credentials through the Minnesota Department of Education. She received the District 279 Foundation’s Investment in Youth Award in 2022 and serves as a representative on the culture and climate team at Woodland. Huggins takes great pride in her career and considers herself a lifelong learner.

As part of this award, Huggins is eligible to run for the state of Minnesota’s ESP of the Year award in October 2025.