We're advocating for the rights and respect of school support staff all across the country.
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Education Support Professionals (ESPs) are critical to the success of our nation’s public schools. They are the bus drivers who get our students to school safely, the custodians who keep our school buildings and grounds clean, the cafeteria workers who ensure our communities are fed, the paraeducators who meet the needs of our most vulnerable students, and so much more. They are essential members of the educational team who work at every level of education—from pre-school to university graduate programs.
Despite their important roles, many ESPs have to take on more than one job to make ends meet. More than one-third of ESPs earn less than $25,000 a year, and on average, they are making below a living wage in all 50 states.
One job should be enough.
We're building a movement of NEA members and public education allies across the country. We’re calling on education leaders and policymakers to invest in ESPs, respect their professional expertise, and recognize their vital contributions to student learning and well-being.
Pledge Your Support for the NEA ESP Bill of Rights
“Through our ESP Bill of Rights Campaign, more and more school employees are understanding and supporting the struggle for better contracts for every support staff in every county.”
Ivory Smith, Custodian, Worcester County Education Support Personnel Association President
ESP Bill of Rights events across the country
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The ESP Bill of Rights, Explained
Across the country, states are working to secure better pay, working conditions, and more for their ESPs, because one job should be enough. On this episode, we’re discussing how NEA members, staff, and leaders are collaborating on a campaign to create an ESP Bill of Rights in each state—an effort to increase ESP visibility, rights, and respect—and how your state can join in, too.
The 10 Articles of the ESP Bill of Rights
Fair Compensation One job should be enough! ESPs should not have to work multiple jobs to maintain financial independence.
Recognition and Respect ESPs play a vital role on the education team and in students' lives inside and outside the classroom. They keep our schools running and our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn every day. They deserve to be respected and recognized as accomplished professionals.
Safe and Healthy Work Environment ESPs deserve a safe and healthy workplace that is free of violence, including physical, verbal, and emotional abuse, and free of exposure to hazardous materials. ESPs deserve clear safety protocols, appropriate supplies, safely maintained equipment, training on workplace regulations, and whistleblower protections.
Affordable Healthcare ESPs should have access to affordable health insurance.
Paid Leave ESPs deserve paid leave, including personal days, sick days, parental/caregiver leave, and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) benefits.
Professional Learning and Career Advancement ESPs deserve high-quality, job-related professional learning and accessible opportunities for career advancement. Seniority rights must be protected when ESPs pursue promotions and request transfers, and at times of layoffs or furlough.
Workload and Staffing ESPs have the right to a workload that allows them to excel in their assigned positions. ESPs deserve a voice in establishing fully staffed shifts, clear work protocols, and resources that support their careers.
Retirement ESPs have the right to a secure retirement. All their years of service should count toward a pension.
Protection from Privatization ESPs should be free of the threats of privatization that risk the stability of school communities, silence the voice of employees, and further undermine the value of the services they provide in their jobs.
Right to Bargain ESPs deserve a strong voice in their workplace that includes the right to join their union and advocate for the rights and protections they deserve. Bargaining and advocacy ensure they enhance student learning and improve educator working conditions–benefiting students, schools, and the community as a whole.
Start an ESP Bill of Rights Campaign in your state or local
Watch a webinar series on how NEA members, staff, and leaders have partnered in Maryland, Massachusetts, and Illinois to build a state-wide campaign to increase ESP visibility, rights, and respect.
“Many of our ESPs work more than one job. I believe the work we do in our buildings should be enough to survive! We all deserve a living wage, career opportunities, and respect. I believe the ESP Bill of Rights will help do just that."
Katrina Mills, Building Service Manager, Education Association of St Mary’s County
The Political Power of Education Support Professionals
Many states—including Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Delaware, Michigan, Vermont, and Washington—have or are creating their own ESP Bill of Rights.
“I too often see that ESPs in my community are not honored and respected enough. We deserve to feel loved and supported in our communities. The ESP Bill of Rights will narrow down and highlight what ESPs need to be able to do their work and be treated as professionals.”
Ric Calhoun, Campus Supervisor, Washington Education Association 2025 ESP of the Year
Shareables
Download and print these posters and flyers for your bulletin board or your next rally!
Becoming a member of the National Education Association connects you with a movement of educators supporting each other. We are a community that will help you advocate for the funding, resources, and support you and your students deserve.
The National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest
professional employee organization, is committed to advancing the cause of
public education. NEA's 3 million members work at every level of
education—from pre-school to university graduate programs. NEA has
affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities
across the United States.
