In a powerful move, Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts, alongside prominent co-sponsors Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, has introduced the Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights. This visionary resolution seeks to provide fair wages, comprehensive benefits and equitable working conditions to the dedicated paraeducators, classroom assistants, bus drivers and custodial workers who form the bedrock of our education system.

Recognizing the critical role these individuals play, especially since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the bill emphasizes their importance in maintaining essential services for schools and thriving students. “The Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights recognizes the important role these educators play in our schools and in our kids’ lives,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “And [the bill also] calls for fairer pay, better benefits, workplace safety and access to training that will give these jobs and the folks who do them the respect they deserve.”