Educators understand that to teach children effectively these days, a “whole child” approach, one that takes into account the safety, engagement, and health of young people, works best. Here’s another thing everyone in schools knows—we can’t make a “whole child” approach happen without education support professionals.
So, why don’t we treat them better?
ESPs meet many of the health, safety, nutritional, technology, hygiene, transportation, and other needs of our students, making optimal learning possible. They’re invaluable in our public schools, and here’s just some of what we know about them, compiled by the National Education Association:
- ESPs make up almost half of NEA’s more than 3 million members and they serve in nine “career families”: clerical services, custodial and maintenance services, food services, health and student services, paraeducators, security services, skilled trades, technical services, and transportation services.
- They’re committed to students: 62 percent are assigned activities involving special education students; 76 percent are involved in school safety; and 63 percent have spent money out of their own pockets to buy food or school supplies for students.
- They’re both experienced and educated: On average, ESPs have been in their field for 13 years; 65 percent say they’ll stay until retirement; and more than half have an associate’s or more advanced degree.
- They’re involved in their school community: Two-thirds of ESPs live in the communities where they work and many volunteer for community events and organizations; and 64 percent volunteer in activities that benefit children and schools, such as reading books to students or lobbying.
- Eighty-four percent of ESPs work full-time (although 65 percent are paid hourly), with 43 percent working in elementary settings and 49 percent working as paraeducators.
While the contributions of ESPs are amazing and indispensable, their value isn’t reflected in their paychecks and in other areas. It’s not right. Here’s some of what ESPs deserve:
- Better salaries: More than two-thirds (68 percent) of ESPs say they’re not making a living wage and 51 percent report a problem paying for food.
- Better professional development: Only 23 percent say they’re satisfied with the training and growth opportunities they’re getting; 77 are not.
- Adequate staffing: A large majority of ESPs (76 percent) are asked to perform duties outside their job descriptions.
- More respect and inclusion: Only 33 percent of ESPs are very satisfied with the respect they receive on the job.
