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NEA Issue Explainer

Education Support Professionals

Education Support Professionals play vital roles inside and outside the classroom. They keep schools and campuses running and ensure students are safe, healthy, and ready to learn.
photo of Latina educator holding a clipboard in front of a bus
By: National Education Association
Published: December 2, 2021
This issue explainer originally appeared on NEA.org

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.

Lakila Bedeau
“We empower students by removing non-academic barriers, encouraging them to explore career opportunities and reach their full potential. We build critical relationships that ensure students are safe and successful regardless of their socio-economic status.”
Quote by: Lakilia Bedeau, Director of the Tornado Alley Youth Services Center at Paducah Tilghman High School

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

ESP Professional Growth Continuum

Key Facts About ESPs

Education Support Professionals are critical members of the K-12 and Higher-ed public education workforce.
Learn More
photo of two female food service workers in a cafeteria

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
Learn More
Custodians are critical to re-opening schools

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.
Read More

Speak Up For Students and Public Schools

When we act together and lift our voices together in unison, we can improve the lives of children.
Members march down the street wearing red and carrying signs.

Together we're stronger. Together we're heard.

You belong in the movement! Join today to belong to the movement of educators and school staff fighting for the pay and working conditions we all deserve.
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Keeping the Promise of Quality Public Education

The Oregon Education Association (OEA) is a union committed to the cause of providing the basic right of great public education to every student. OEA represents about 41,000 educators working in pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public schools and community colleges. OEA’s membership includes licensed teachers and specialists, classified/education support professionals (ESPs), community college faculty, retired educators, and student members. OEA members also belong to the 3.2 million members of the National Education Association (NEA).
About us
Join OEA

The Oregon Education Association is a state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA), the nation's largest professional employee organization. NEA has affiliate organizations in every state and in more than 14,000 communities across the United States.

Learn more at NEA.org