March 27, 2024

CARSON CITY, Nev. – Las Vegas school registrar Erica Nungaray was recognized Saturday as one of five finalists for a National Education Association award.

Finalists for the Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year Award were honored during the association’s ESP conference in Las Vegas.

“I am thrilled that Erica is being recognized for her dedication and passion for supporting students, families and her colleagues,” said Jhone Ebert, State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “Education support professionals like Erica play a vital role in our state’s public schools.”

Education support professionals serve in positions such as registrars, paraprofessionals, school bus drivers, custodians and food service workers.

Nungaray joined the Clark County School District in 2017, beginning as a special education paraprofessional at Whitney Elementary School and Keller Middle School in Las Vegas.

She became a registrar at Harney Middle School in Las Vegas in 2022 and currently works at Las Vegas High School.

As a registrar, Nungaray’s job responsibilities include managing student records, and overseeing the enrollment and registration process.

Nungaray said she’s deeply honored that she was nominated for the prestigious award.

“This recognition is a testament to my unwavering dedication to my role and field,” she said. “I must acknowledge that this journey has not been solitary; the support of the entire education community has been instrumental in my success. Every day, I strive to support my colleagues, my union, and my community. I am thrilled that my peers recognize the positive impact I am making in our profession.”

“Erica Nungaray is dedicated to ensuring all students and families are supported in the Clark County School District,” Las Vegas High School Principal Raymond Ortiz said. “She makes it her mission to provide resources, wrap-around services, and support as students transition from one school to another.”

Nungaray serves on two School Organizational Teams within the Clark County School District. She’s also a member of the Nevada State Education Association’s board of directors.

“Erica’s genuine passion for public education and elevating the voices of Nevada support professionals is inspiring to not only myself, but to our members who have the pleasure of working with her,” said Dawn Etcheverry, President of the Nevada State Education Association.

In a letter of recommendation to the award selection committee, Etcheverry wrote: “At her school site, her bright smile in the front office is often the first one people see each day.”

For more information about the ESP of the Year Award, visit nea.org.

About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NV, NDE oversees all public pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators. Learn more at https://doe.nv.gov/ and join us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.