ESP Bill of Rights

Educational Support Professionals (ESPs) are the backbone of our schools, supporting students, strengthening classrooms, and helping entire communities thrive. Yet too often, their voices go unheard and their needs go unmet. The ESP Bill of Rights is a campaign to change that.

This initiative stands for dignity, respect, and fairness for every Educational Support Professional. It outlines the basic standards every ESP deserves, including safe working conditions, fair compensation, access to professional growth, and a meaningful voice in the decisions that impact their work and students.

We’re building a movement that recognizes the essential role ESPs play and demands the support they’ve long been denied. Together, we can raise expectations, drive change, and ensure that every ESP is respected as a vital part of public education.

The 10 Articles of the NJEA ESP Bill of Rights

Join us in standing up for those who stand up for our students, because when ESPs thrive, schools succeed.

Fair Compensation

One job should be enough! ESPs should not have to work multiple jobs to maintain financial independence.
Recognition and Respect

ESPs play a vital role on the education team and in students' lives inside and outside the classroom. They keep our schools running and our students safe, healthy, and ready to learn every day. They deserve to be respected and recognized as accomplished professionals.
Safe and Healthy Work Environment

ESPs deserve a safe and healthy workplace that is free of violence, including physical, verbal, and emotional abuse, and free of exposure to hazardous materials. ESPs deserve clear safety protocols, appropriate supplies, safely maintained equipment, training on workplace regulations, and whistleblower protections.
Affordable Healthcare

ESPs should have access to affordable health insurance.
Paid Leave

ESPs deserve paid leave, including personal days, sick days, parental/caregiver leave, and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) benefits.
Professional Learning and Career Advancement

ESPs deserve high-quality, job-related professional learning and accessible opportunities for career advancement. Seniority rights must be protected when ESPs pursue promotions and request transfers, and at times of layoffs or furlough.
Workload and Staffing

ESPs have the right to a workload that allows them to excel in their assigned positions. ESPs deserve a voice in establishing fully staffed shifts, clear work protocols, and resources that support their careers.
Retirement

ESPs have the right to a secure retirement. All their years of service should count toward a pension.
Protection from Privatization

ESPs should be free of the threats of privatization that risk the stability of school communities, silence the voice of employees, and further undermine the value of the services they provide in their jobs.
Right to Bargain

ESPs deserve a strong voice in their workplace that includes the right to join their union and advocate for the rights and protections they deserve. Bargaining and advocacy ensure they enhance student learning and improve educator working conditions–benefiting students, schools, and the community as a whole.