As school support staff, also known as Education Support Professionals (ESPs), keep our schools running and our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn every day. We are a vital part of the school community, but too often our voices go unheard.
When more Education Support Professionals join our union, we have more power to advocate for pay increases, better benefits, and changes that will improve our daily lives.
You belong at NEA.
You may have been told that unions aren’t allowed in your state or that there isn't a union for your position, but that isn’t true. Today, approximately a half million ESPs are members of the National Education Association, representing nine different career families:
- Clerical Service Workers
- Custodial and Maintenance Workers
- Food Service Workers
- Health and Student Service Workers
- Paraeducators
- Security Workers
- Skilled Trades Workers
- Technical Service Workers
- Transportation Service Workers
We have won real changes, but it’s only a start because support staff deserve so much more. Together, we can continue to make real changes to ensure a better future for ESPs and the students they serve.
One job should be enough.
For too many ESPs, this simple statement feels out of reach. Nearly 32% of full-time K–12 ESPs earn less than $25,000 annually, and on average, ESPs are make below a living wage in all 50 states.
Our members are fighting for the right, respect, and fair pay all school support staff deserve.
Across the country, states are investing in ESP Bill of Rights/rESPect campaigns to increase ESP visibility and secure better wages, benefits, working conditions, and more for their ESPs. These campaigns build awareness and advocacy around the issues ESPs face, such as poverty-level wages, a lack of benefits, safety concerns, and lack of respect and appreciation for their contributions. They capture the issues ESPs are often ashamed to share.
Through the ESP Bill of Rights movement, we can help parents/caregivers, students, elected officials, community members, and other school staff understand the contributions ESPs make to school communities and the vital role they play in public education.
This is one example of the way NEA members can come together to deliver real change for ESPs. If you want to see our vision become a reality, join us!
