Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/208500
ESProfessional Ensuring Student & School Success Paraeducators We help students achieve. We make teachers more effective. We help students with special needs. Education Support Professionals (ESPs) ensure students and schools succeed. Our duties have grown steadily and our functions have changed dramatically since we were first introduced into classrooms as teacher aides. Our duties are no longer limited to recordkeeping, preparing materials, or monitoring students in lunchrooms and other settings. Today, paraeducators assist with classroom instruction and provide direct services to students and their parents. A large number of us work with students with special needs, and all of us have job responsibilities that contribute directly to academic achievement and school safety. Fast Facts: • 58% work at preschool, kindergarten, or elementary levels • 78% work with special education students • 83% work full-time Our Jobs Include, But Are Not Limited To: • Instructional and Non-instructional Assistants • Teachers' and Program Aides • Library Aides, Technicians, and Assistants • Preschool Caregivers • Building, Bus, and Playground Monitors NEA's Paraeducator ESPs Are: • 94% are female • 78% are married • The average age is 51 • We are 49% of the total NEA ESP membership Well-trained and experienced • 25% have a 2-year college degree • 25% have a Bachelor's degree • 9% have a Master's, Professional, or higher degree Committed to students and their careers • 75% have spent their own money to purchase food or school supplies for for students • 80% plan to stay in the ESP field • 71% plan to stay in their current jobs until retirement • NEA ESPs have been working in public education an average of 12 years Active in the school community ESP Action Winter.13advo.indd 18 47% dents stu 26 Governance o 16 Suggestions for the Appropriate Use of Technology 22% 29% have supported a school or tutoring program ram rog sp read books t to 15 Connect to AEA volunteer ed ave h ed or sup p oach ec av h or 42% have supported a parent organization ted a spo rt Be sure to check out these other stories for more opportunities to get involved and take action. Focused on safety • 80% have job responsibilities promoting school safety • 99% believe it is their job to intervene when bullying occurs • 94% feel that they have effective strategies for handling bullying situations. 18 Winter 2013/14 x AEA Advocate 11/6/13 10:43 AM