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Every 5 years, the NEA conducts in-depth surveys of the ESP membership, both those employed in K-12 and Higher Education. Here are some key findings of the 2012 K-12 ESP study:

Nearly half (48%) of all K-12 ESP members are paraeducators. Clerical services ESP are 16% of the membership, Transportation Services 11%, Food Services 10%, and Custodial Services 7%. For more about the 9 K-12 ESP job groups, go to "ESP Jobs."

80% of K-12 ESP work full-time.

72% have their their worksite located in a school building. The rest work in central offices, maintenance facilities, special education centers, etc.

K-12 ESP's are committed to their careers and their employers. They average 11.5 years in the ESP workforce, and 67% plan to keep their current jobs. They have an average of 10.8 years with their current employer.

ESP's are actively engaged in insuring the safety of students. 59% have witnessed bullying behavior, and 89% of these have intervened or tried to stop it. Likewise, 45% have witnessed school violence, and 85% of these have intervened or tried to stop it.

75% of K-12 ESP's live within the boundaries of the school districts where they are employed.