Education Support Professionals

Action Alert: ESPs Deserve a Living Wage!

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NEA's 478,000 Education Support Professional (ESP) members take care of our children every day and make sure they have the tools they need to succeed in our schools and classrooms.

We are the...

• school bus driver who greets your child with a warm "hello" and delivers him safely to school
• cafeteria worker who gives your daughter a warm, healthy meal
• paraeducator who provides your child with a little extra help in the classroom
• office assistant who makes sure your son's records are up to date
• technician who wires the classroom computers
• custodian who works to keep schools clean
• security professional who helps keep students safe.

We make up more than 40 percent of the total K-12 education workforce. We are a critically important part of the school community.

We bring years of experience to our jobs.
On average, K-12 ESP members have nearly 11 years of experience in education support work.

We are dedicated to students and schools.
Nearly 95 percent of K-12 ESPs surveyed in 1997 said they planned to stay in education.

We have strong ties to the community. Nearly 80 percent of us...

• volunteer time to community organizations or activities
• live in the school districts where we work

NEA Legislative Action Center

ESEA and Paraprofessionals

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ESP Members of the NEA Board

About Education Support Professionals

Professional Development

ESP Issues

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NEA Resources for ESP

National Council for
Education Support Professionals