Respect for School Support Staff Starts with a Decent Salary

In today’s educational landscape, the invaluable role played by Education Support Professionals (ESPs) cannot be overstated. These dedicated individuals provide crucial support within the K-12 and higher education sectors, ensuring that students receive the assistance they need to thrive academically. However, despite their essential contributions, many ESPs struggle to make ends meet due to low wages.

The National Education Association (NEA) recently conducted a survey that shed light on the financial challenges faced by ESPs. According to the report, a staggering 90 percent of ESPs in K-12 schools identified low pay as a significant concern. This glaring issue is further compounded by the fact that 37 percent of ESPs hold down a second job to make ends meet. Some ESPs, like Special Education Instructional Assistant Danielle Jones, are forced to rely on additional sources of income to supplement their earnings. Jones, who has been working in education for 21 years, highlights the dire financial situations faced by many of her colleagues, with some resorting to housing assistance and food stamps to cover their basic needs.

The financial strain on ESPs is further exacerbated by the rising costs of living and inflation. While the average earnings for ESPs in 2023-2024 increased to $37,097, the real value of these earnings decreased when adjusted for inflation. In fact, over the past decade, average earnings for ESPs have declined to $28,318 in constant 2015 dollars. These figures are alarming, especially when considering that less than one-third of ESPs working full-time earn less than $25,000 per year. Additionally, 10 percent of ESPs earn less than $15,000 annually, highlighting the harsh reality faced by many individuals in this vital profession.

Despite the challenges they face, ESPs remain committed to their roles within the education system. However, the financial pressures and lack of adequate compensation are leading to high levels of burnout and staff turnover. This trend is particularly concerning in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed additional strain on education systems worldwide. Without significant improvements in pay and working conditions for ESPs, the education sector risks facing further shortages and a decline in the quality of support provided to students.

The NEA report also found significant disparities in earnings based on location and bargaining power. States with collective bargaining statutes saw ESPs earning higher average salaries compared to states where collective bargaining is prohibited. The impact of collective bargaining was evident in Andover, Massachusetts, where a new contract led to a substantial increase in starting pay for paraeducators. Karen Torres, an instructional assistant and key member of the Andover Education Association, saw her earnings rise significantly as a result of collective bargaining efforts, demonstrating the tangible benefits of union representation for ESPs.

In conclusion, the critical role played by ESPs in the education system cannot be understated. These dedicated individuals deserve to be compensated fairly for their hard work and commitment to supporting students. Addressing the issue of low wages for ESPs is not only a matter of economic justice but also essential for ensuring the continued success of the education system as a whole. By prioritizing fair pay and working conditions for ESPs, we can create a more supportive and sustainable educational environment for students and staff alike.