Education Support Professionals are critical members of the K-12 and Higher-ed public education workforce.
More than a half million Education Support Professional members take care of our children every day and make sure they have the tools they need to succeed in our schools and classrooms. Their roles include clerical service, custodial and maintenance service, food service, health and student service, paraeducators, security service, skilled trade, technical service, and transportation service.
Today, nearly 3 million ESPs work in our nation’s public schools and colleges, making up one third of the public education workforce. Of these, approximately a half million are NEA members.
Education Support Professionals strengthen our schools, communities, and associations across the country. They play an important role on the education team and in the lives of students both inside and outside of the classroom. They keep our schools running and our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn every day.
Education Support Professionals are...
Educated, Well-Trained, and Experienced.
- More than one half (57%) of K-12 ESPs and a majority (94%) of higher ed ESPs have an Associate’s or more advanced degree.
Committed to Students and Their Success.
- Most (61%) higher-ed ESPs plan to remain in their field and 41% plan to stay in their current profession until retirement.
- Two-thirds (66%) of K-12 ESPs have given money out of their own pockets to help students with school supplies, field trips, and class projects.
Active in the School Community.
- A majority (71%) of K-12 ESPs live in the school district in which they work and many volunteer in those communities.
Focused on Safety.
- A majority (78%) of K-12 ESPs have responsibilities for promoting and ensuring student and staff safety.
