summary
Introduced
07/17/2025
07/17/2025
In Committee
07/17/2025
07/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
119th Congress
Bill Summary
A bill to direct the Secretary of Education to carry out a grant program to support the recruitment and retention of paraprofessionals in public elementary schools, secondary schools, and preschool programs, and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act, directs the Secretary of Education to establish a grant program aimed at supporting the recruitment and retention of paraprofessionals in public elementary, secondary, and preschool programs. The program will allocate funds to state educational agencies based on their previous year's Title I funding, with each state able to reserve up to 5% for administrative activities. States will then competitively award subgrants to eligible entities like local educational agencies or educational service agencies to support paraprofessionals through activities such as creating mentorship programs, developing professional development initiatives, helping paraprofessionals obtain specialized credentials (like special education or English learner certificates), and increasing wages or offering bonus pay. The bill prioritizes grants for entities serving higher proportions of children from low-income families or in rural or high-poverty areas. Recipients must submit annual reports detailing paraprofessional pay baselines, employment data, and professional development efforts. The bill does not interfere with existing collective bargaining agreements and authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030. A paraprofessional is defined as a classroom aide who works under the supervision of a licensed teacher, typically providing instructional support to students.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (10)
Ed Markey (D)*,
Richard Blumenthal (D),
Cory Booker (D),
Kirsten Gillibrand (D),
Ben Ray Luján (D),
Alex Padilla (D),
Jeanne Shaheen (D),
Elizabeth Warren (D),
Sheldon Whitehouse (D),
Ron Wyden (D),
Last Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (on 07/17/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
Document Type | Source Location |
---|---|
State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2330/all-info |
BillText | https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/s2330/BILLS-119s2330is.pdf |
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