NEA speaks up for the rights of students. Browse recent messages to Congressional leadership, and add your voice.
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.
Learn More
Published: 12/02/2021
One out of three public school employees is an Education Support Professional.
Education Support Professionals work in nine career fields:
- Clerical service
- Custodial and maintenance service
- Food service
- Health and student service
- Paraeducators
- Security service
- Skilled trade
- Technical service
- Transportation service
They need the resources and tools to work with teachers on promoting student achievement, keeping students safe, and cultivating a positive school climate that makes learning and growth possible.
Bills in Congress
Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools
-
Support
HR 770 ESP and School Support Staff Family Leave Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on 02/02/2023
Many education support professionals are not eligible for unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) due to the law’s provisions. The ESP Family Leave Act would provide them with access to the same FMLA protections that other working families receive.
-
Support
S 226 ESP and School Support Staff Family Leave Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on 02/02/2023
Many education support professionals are not eligible for unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) due to the law’s provisions. The ESP Family Leave Act would provide them with access to the same FMLA protections that other working families receive.
-
Support
HR 5348 ESP Family Leave Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on 09/23/2021
To establish eligibility requirements for education support professionals under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, and for other purposes.
Recent Victory
2019
Honoring ESPs with a New Award
Congress overwhelmingly passes, and Pres. Obama signs into law, the Recognizing Achievement in Classified Employees Act. The law created an annual program to acknowledge the work of outstanding Education Support Professionals in K-12 schools and higher education.
We Love our ESP
Key Facts About ESPs
Education Support Professionals are critical members of the K-12 and Higher-ed public education workforce.
ESP Professional Growth
To ensure a great public education for every student, education support professionals (ESPs) want and deserve high-quality professional development and supports at every stage of their careers
Stopping Privatization
No matter their age, from Pre-K to higher ed, our students benefit when all educators—janitorial staff, paraeducators, and college professors alike—are treated like the professionals they are.
We're speaking up for our students and public schools. Visit our Action Center to find out what you can do.
Learn More
Are you an affiliate?
Jump to updates, opportunities, and resources for NEA state and local affiliates.
Speak Up For Students and Public Schools
When we act together and lift our voices together in unison, we can improve the lives of children.
