Two black women smile at the camera holding a sign that says One Job Should Be Enough

Rights, Recognition, & Respect The ESP Bill of Rights

We are building a movement to invest in school support staff, respect their professional expertise, and recognize their contributions to student learning and well-being. Join us!

School support staff, also known as education support professionals (ESPs), keep our public schools running and our students thriving. Despite their important roles, many ESPs have to take on more than one job to make ends meet. Nearly 32% of full-time K–12 ESPs earn less than $25,000 annually, and on average, they are making below a living wage in all 50 states.

One job should be enough.

We're building a movement to invest in ESPs, respect their professional expertise, and recognize their vital contributions to student learning and well-being. States are investing in ESP Bill of Rights/rESPect campaigns to build awareness and advocacy around the issues ESPs face, such as poverty-level wages, a lack of benefits, safety concerns, and lack of respect and appreciation for their contributions.

Together, we have the power to make real changes to ensure a better future for ESPs and the students they serve.

The ESP Bill of Rights, Explained

Listen to this episode of the School Me Podcast to learn how NEA members, staff, and leaders are collaborating on a campaign to create an ESP Bill of Rights in each state—an effort to increase ESP visibility, rights, and respect—and how your state can join in, too.

The 10 Articles of the NEA ESP Bill of Rights

Fair Compensation One job should be enough! ESPs should not have to work multiple jobs to maintain financial independence.

Recognition and Respect ESPs play a vital role on the education team and in students' lives inside and outside the classroom. They keep our schools running and our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn every day. They deserve to be respected and recognized as accomplished professionals.

Safe and Healthy Work Environment ESPs deserve a safe and healthy workplace that is free of violence, including physical, verbal, and emotional abuse, and free of exposure to hazardous materials. ESPs deserve clear safety protocols, appropriate supplies, safely maintained equipment, training on workplace regulations, and whistleblower protections.

Affordable Healthcare ESPs should have access to affordable health insurance.

Paid Leave ESPs deserve paid leave, including personal days, sick days, parental/caregiver leave, and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) benefits.

Professional Learning and Career Advancement ESPs deserve high-quality, job-related professional learning and accessible opportunities for career advancement. Seniority rights must be protected when ESPs pursue promotions and request transfers, and at times of layoffs or furlough.

Workload and Staffing ESPs have the right to a workload that allows them to excel in their assigned positions. ESPs deserve a voice in establishing fully staffed shifts, clear work protocols, and resources that support their careers.

Retirement ESPs have the right to a secure retirement. All their years of service should count toward a pension.

Protection from Privatization ESPs should be free of the threats of privatization that risk the stability of school communities, silence the voice of employees, and further undermine the value of the services they provide in their jobs.

Right to Bargain ESPs deserve a strong voice in their workplace that includes the right to join their union and advocate for the rights and protections they deserve. Bargaining and advocacy ensure they enhance student learning and improve educator working conditions–benefiting students, schools, and the community as a whole.

A Growing Movement

Across the country, states are investing in ESP Bill of Rights/rESPect campaigns to increase ESP visibility and secure better wages, benefits, working conditions, and more for their ESPs. These campaigns build awareness and advocacy around the issues ESPs face, such as poverty-level wages, a lack of benefits, safety concerns, and lack of respect and appreciation for their contributions. They capture the issues ESPs are often ashamed to share.

Through the ESP Bill of Rights movement, we can help parents/caregivers, students, elected officials, community members, and other school staff understand the contributions ESPs make to school communities and the vital role they play in public education.

Where We're Fighting

Since the ESP Bill of Rights movement began, 18 states have launched campaigns. Through their efforts, they’re building power and changing the future of ESPs in their states—with ESP voices leading the way.

A map with highlights on states that have active ESP Bill of Rights campaigns.

State Campaigns

ESP Bill of Rights campaigns are active nationwide. Don't see your state? Sign our ESP Bill of Rights Pledge to show your support at the national level.

Alaska
Arizona
Colorado
Delaware
Georgia
Illinois
Iowa
Kansas
Massachusetts
Maryland
Michigan
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

Read and share these real stories from members like you who launched Bill of Rights and living wage campaigns in their states.

Take Action

Now more than ever, education leaders and policymakers must commit to investing in ESPs. Whether you sign our pledge, support your state campaign, or share your ESP story, you are helping us get closer to a future where all ESPs have their professional expertise respected and their vital contributions to student learning and well-being recognized.

Pledge Your Support

We're advocating for the rights and respect of all school support staff. There is power in numbers—signing our pledge not only helps us keep you in the loop about ways to take action in support of the ESP Bill of Rights, it also shows the momentum behind our movement. Make sure your support is counted and your voice is heard!

Sign Our Pledge

Campaign Toolkit

The ESP Bill of Rights Toolkit has information and resources to guide you through building a successful ESP Bill of Rights campaign. You will find sample bargaining language, sample data collection tools, and more to help ESPs advocate for thriving wages, good benefits like retirement and paid leave, professional development and career growth opportunities, respect, and inclusion.

Use our Toolkit to get started

Descargar kit de recursos en español

Share Your ESP Story

How are you making a difference in the lives of students, fellow educators, or school communities across the country? We are looking for stories that highlight how you or your local union have achieved salary/policy improvements for ESPs, supported student success, or driven other meaningful changes to make ESPs more visible in your community. Use the form below to share your story!