IL HR0077

Over 500,000 Education Support Professionals (ESPs) work across Pre-K through 12 public schools and higher education institutions in nine career families including clerical, custodial, food services, health, security, skilled trades, technical services, transportation, and paraeducator roles.

ESPs are responsible for maintaining school safety and operations, processing student records, ensuring proper air quality and OSHA compliance, providing health services, supporting student academic and behavioral needs, managing technology infrastructure, and transporting students.

Starting salaries for ESPs begin at $10.00 per hour as of the 2020-2021 school year in Illinois, with many ESPs earning at or near poverty level, lacking health benefits, and needing multiple jobs to support their families.

The resolution calls for treating ESPs with equal respect, recognition, and value as teachers rather than as second-class citizens in public education.

The General Assembly is urged to pursue legislation addressing legislated salary parity, quality professional development and training, and mandated access to health benefits for all education support professionals.