In July, Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) and Ann Kuster (D-NH) introduced the bipartisan Preparing and Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act (H.R. 4550). On the senate side, this bill (S.3681) was just introduced on January 30th by Senator Edward Markey (D-MA). This legislation authorizes grants to states to support the recruitment and retention of paraprofessionals.
Paraeducators include teachers' aids, instructional assistants, and other in-class support who work with a variety of students, including those with Autism. Although paraeducators play an important role in our classrooms, they continue to be underpaid and undervalued in our education system. This legislation would help keep paraeducators in the classroom and ensure they have the support they need to thrive. See the press release from Rep. Kuster’s office for more on the bill.
Please use this action alert to ask your Members of Congress to support this bill.