November 16, 2024 is National Educational Support Professionals Day 🎉 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. 

Schools could not operate without the work of dedicated Education Support Professionals (ESPs). School bus drivers are the first to see students in the morning. Food service professionals prepare and serve healthy meals, often greeting students by name and taking the time to learn their food allergies. They maintain buildings and grounds, keep computers running, and do behind-the-scenes work that is often taken for granted. 

Despite their essential roles, more than one-third of education support professionals earn less than $25,000 a year.  In fact, more than one-fourth must rely on federal assistance programs to take care of their families. 

👉 Show your support for these essential and vital people in our community! Take 30 (free) seconds and elevate ESPs when you advocate for livable wages: https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/action-center/take-action/fair-pay-and-benefits-education-support-professionals

📸: NEA