Time To Show Up for PSRPs Like They Show Up for Our Schools, Students and Communities

WHEREAS, the AFT represents more than 370,000 paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodial and maintenance employees, health assistants, clerical employees, secretarial staff, and other school and college support staff in schools and colleges across the nation; and

WHEREAS, members who perform this work may be called many different things, from paraprofessionals and school-related personnel to college support staff, to classified staff, to school-related personnel or any other number of school support staff names; and

WHEREAS, no matter what title they hold, PSRPs are an integral part of our public schools, providing support to students, co-workers and administrators in ways that often go above and beyond their scope of work;

WHEREAS, the connection to community often extends beyond the classroom for PSRPs, with many living in the cities and towns they serve, often sending their children or grandchildren to the same schools; and

WHEREAS, many of these dedicated PSRPs do not receive a living wage, much less a competitive, family-sustaining living wage, with many forced to work two or three jobs just to get by; and

WHEREAS, providing PSRPs with the wages, benefits and respect they deserve is essential to creating safe and supportive school environments that are conducive to students learning and thriving; and

WHEREAS, many PSRPs work directly with students with high needs and those facing systemic barriers and because of the nature of their work, they are often subject to workplace violence and other safety hazards; and

WHEREAS, PSRPs show up every day for their students and the communities they serve, whether it's getting them to school, getting them fed, helping them throughout their day, providing critical services, or keeping their learning environments safe and clean; and

WHEREAS, the AFT is steadfast in our commitment to supporting locals during contract negotiations to ensure PSRPs—who are the unsung heroes of our schools—get the wages, benefits and respect they deserve; and

WHEREAS, AFT PSRPs have won stronger wages, benefits and working conditions through collective bargaining in recent years:

RESOLVED, that the AFT will provide assistance to local affiliates looking to pass state legislation to lift up the work of PSRPs and ensure they are recognized for the critical role they play in our schools and communities; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will continue to work with allies and leaders at the federal level to champion key legislation and resolutions to support PSRPs, including the Pay Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Act, the Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights, and the Preparing and Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will promote strong collective bargaining agreements that ensure contracts for PSRPs that include:

• Livable wages and job security;
• Access to healthcare, retirement and other benefits available to employees across the U.S.;
• Opportunities for advancement along with training and professional development opportunities;
• Proper protections and protocols to ensure their workplaces are safe and healthy along with clear channels to report workplace concerns; and
• Recognition of the role they play in the classroom and community, including providing PSRPs a voice in discussions directly impacting their work and working environments; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will take deliberate steps to uplift the contributions, work, stories and voices of PSRPs around the country to increase recognition among fellow members and within the communities they serve.

Adopted July 18, 2026