Fitzpatrick Leads Bipartisan Initiative to Increase Recruitment and Retainment of Educators

Washington, DC - Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1), along with Congresswoman Lucy McBath (D-GA-06), have introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Preparing and Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act-legislation to strengthen the education workforce by creating career pathways, expanding professional development, and raising wages for the nation's paraeducators. Companion legislation is led in the Senate by Senator Ed Markey (D-MA).

Paraprofessionals, or paraeducators, work under the supervision of a certified teacher to provide students with specific instructional, behavioral, and personal support, particularly in special education settings involving disabled students. More than 1.2 million paraeducators nationwide provide essential support in classrooms, yet low wages, limited training, and high turnover rates threaten this essential workforce.

"I've sat in classrooms across Pennsylvania's First District and witnessed incredible paraeducators transform students' days-guiding them through lessons, calming crises, and making inclusion possible. Yet despite their central role in student success, they've been left without the pay, training, and respect their work deserves," said Fitzpatrick. "The bipartisan PARA Educators Act changes that by raising wages, expanding professional development, and creating real career pathways-because when paraeducators are supported, every child has the chance to thrive."

"Our classroom staff and educators are the backbone of our schools and help students succeed daily-often without enough recognition or pay. This has contributed to a severe paraprofessional shortage nationwide, especially in our rural areas." said McBath. "With the American education system already under strain, staffing shortages mean that our students aren't being set up for success. The PARA Educators Act will allow investment in our educators so they can continue to inspire our students and our communities. I thank my colleagues for joining me on the important legislation."

"As the Trump administration continues its relentless attack on education, it is more important than ever that we ensure paraprofessionals receive the support, compensation, and professional development opportunities they deserve," said Senator Markey. "Instructional assistants, teachers' aides, special education aides, and other educators keep our schools running and students thriving-often with little recognition and low pay. My PARA Educators Act will invest in these educators what they invest in our students, our communities, and our future."

Addressing a National Shortage

Low wages and lack of professional advancement have fueled high turnover and widespread vacancies in schools across the country. The PARA Educators Act tackles this crisis head-on by funding state and district initiatives to improve pay, working conditions, training, and recruitment efforts-particularly in high-need rural and urban communities.

Key Provisions of the PARA Educators Act

1. Establishes a New Grant Program: Creates a U.S. Department of Education grant program to support state and district efforts to recruit, train, and retain paraeducators.
2. Targets High-Need Communities: Prioritizes funding for rural and urban areas to address shortages where they are most severe.
3. Builds Career Pathways: Expands access to high-quality professional development and credentialing to help paraeducators advance in their careers-benefiting both educators and students.

The bill is endorsed by the National Education Association (NEA), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the Advocacy Institute, Autism Society, CommunicationFIRST, Council for Exceptional Children, National Rural Education Association, National Center for Learning Disabilities, AFSCME, The Arc, Citizens for Public Schools, Council of Administrators of Special Education, and the National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities.

Full text of the legislation can be found here.

###