We would like to see improved wages, better chances for promotion, and wider opportunities for professional development and in-service training. Health insurance and retirement benefits are important issues for us.

Nationally, our biggest threat is privatization of our jobs. 40% of us report that the work of at least one ESP job group in our district is currently contracted out. 75% of us are concerned about losing our jobs to privatization.

Many different jobs are performed by ESEA Education Support Professionals. The National Education Association (NEA) has identified seven main job groups that include more than 300 categories of ESP positions.

We Are:

Paraprofessionals - Instructional and Noninstructional Support

Clerical Services - Secretarial, clerical, and administrative support

Operations - Custodial, Building, and Grounds Maintenance

Transportation - Transportation and Delivery Services and Vehicle Maintenance

Food Services - Food Planning, Preparation, and Services

Skilled Trades Services - Trades, Crafts, and Machine Operations

Technical Services - Computer, Audiovisual, and Language Technical Support; Media, Public Relations, Writing, and Art Specialties