Learn NEA's position on pending legislation related to public education, and take action to protect our schools
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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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 5476 Preparing and Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on September 18, 2025
This bill will help schools across the country recruit and retain diverse, qualified, and experienced paraeducators by establishing higher wages, career pipelines, and professional development opportunities for school paraeducators.
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Support
S 2738 ESP, Paraprofessional, and Education Support Staff Family Leave Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on September 9, 2025
This bill would expand the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to cover 2.7 million education support professionals (ESPs) who are currently blocked from accessing FMLA benefits. The FMLA guarantees a segment of the workforce the ability to take unpaid leave to care for their newborns and sick loved ones without fear of losing their jobs.
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Support
HR 5222 ESP, Paraprofessional, and Education Support Staff Family Leave Act www.congress.gov
Introduced on September 9, 2025
This bill would expand the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to cover 2.7 million education support professionals (ESPs) who are currently blocked from accessing FMLA benefits. The FMLA guarantees a segment of the workforce the ability to take unpaid leave to care for their newborns and sick loved ones without fear of losing their jobs.
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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