UE Convention Resolutions
Pay Equity for School Paraprofessionals
Paraprofessionals play a unique and critical role in the day-to-day functioning of our pre-K to 12 public education system. The role of paraprofessionals has evolved from an additional resource to provide clerical assistance to multiple functions, chief of which is assisting teachers to instructing students with special needs. Their primary areas of responsibilities include assisting teachers with building and maintaining effective instructional teams, assisting teachers with maintaining learner-centered supportive environments, supporting teachers with planning and organizing learning experiences, assisting teachers with engaging students in learning and assisting instruction, assisting teachers with assessing learner needs, progress and achievement, and meeting standards of professional or ethical conduct.
Paraprofessionals can be found working in regular education, transitional education, and inclusive educational classrooms. They also work in computer laboratories, media/library centers, and on playgrounds. During any given day they have some of the following tasks to complete: bilingual and sign language translation, note taking, occupational and physical therapy exercise activities, speech reinforcement activities, personal care assistance, testing, and data collection.
Many paraprofessionals have independently pursued training and education to learn specific reading, math, and language arts programs. In addition, No Child Left Behind has mandated that paraprofessionals in Title I-funded schools or programs complete two years of college or pass an assessment test in order to maintain their jobs and be deemed "highly qualified."
However, while the responsibilities, educational requirements, and workload of paraprofessionals have increased dramatically in the recent past, salaries and benefits have not.
Paraprofessionals, who are predominantly women, work in school districts where other employees receive salaries, pensions, healthcare, vacation, paid holidays and other benefits far in excess of that of paraprofessionals.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THIS 71st UE CONVENTION:
Endorses continued and active participation in legislative, political, and collective bargaining campaigns which address the gender discrimination against paraprofessionals and seeks to improve the wages, benefits, and working conditions in order to bring equity to paraprofessionals.