I am a paraprofessional who works tirelessly with aggressive and emotionally unstable students. This job is not only physically demanding but also emotionally draining, as we constantly deal with crises that arise from our work. The stress associated with this profession is immense, yet our pay does not reflect the challenges we face daily.

Paraprofessionals and teacher aids play a crucial role in shaping the future of our children, especially those who require additional support due to behavioral or emotional issues. We are often on the front lines, dealing with physical and emotional traumas that can be overwhelming.

Despite these challenges, our compensation remains inadequate. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), paraprofessionals earn an average wage of $13.84 per hour in 2020 - hardly reflective of the intense nature of our work.

It's time for change. It's time to recognize and value the critical role that paraprofessionals and teacher aids play in education by providing them with fair compensation commensurate with their responsibilities.

Please sign this petition to demand higher pay for paraprofessionals and teacher aids across all educational institutions in America!