Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools
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Published: March 12, 2025
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
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Support
HR 3367 Improving Training for School Food Service Workers Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on May 13, 2025
This bill would help improve training for food service employees in schools by ensuring that training occurs during work hours and at no cost, and if training is unable to occur during scheduled work hours, the bill makes clear that employees must be informed in advance and compensated appropriately.
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Support
S 1736 Improving Training for School Food Service Workers Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on May 13, 2025
This bill would help improve training for food service employees in schools by ensuring that training occurs during work hours and at no cost, and if training is unable to occur during scheduled work hours, the bill makes clear that employees must be informed in advance and compensated appropriately.
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Support
S Res 158 Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights www.congress.gov
Introduced on April 7, 2025
A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that paraprofessionals and education support staff should have fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions.
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.
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