Education Support Professionals (ESPs) like paraeducators, food service workers, bus drivers, and more make school happen for our students and families across our state. Whether helping a student learn how to read, serving a nutritious meal, or assisting families register for kindergarten, ESPs are an essential group of school workers.

But right now, because of low pay, inadequate benefits, and poor training, it is hard to find enough staff to do this critical, student-facing work.

The Education Support Professionals Bill of Rights will ensure we have the resources we need to guarantee Minnesota's students succeed.

What is the Education Support Professionals Bill of Rights?

The Education Support Professionals Bill of Rights is legislation at the Minnesota Legislature (HF1348) (SF 131) that works to better the conditions of ESPs.

• Increasing the starting wages for all ESPs in Minnesota Public Schools to $25 an hour.
• Providing ESPs with health insurance that we can afford to take and use.
• Ensuring that all ESPs have access to twelve hours of professional development each year.

ESPs are public employees. Decades of underfunding by the state and at the bargaining table have made these jobs unsustainable. Now, districts and the legislature must step up and support ESPs!