The PARA Educators Act directs the U.S. Department of Education to establish a grant program that provides federal funding to states to help recruit and retain paraprofessionals—such as teaching assistants and aides—in public elementary schools, secondary schools, and preschool programs. States receive grants based on the number of low-income students they serve, and must distribute most of the money to local school districts and educational service agencies through competitive subgrants, with priority given to high-poverty schools and rural areas. Schools can use the funding for activities like establishing mentoring programs for paraprofessionals, providing professional development and certifications (including special education and English learner credentials), and increasing paraprofessional wages or offering bonus pay. The bill authorizes unspecified funding for fiscal years 2026 through 2030 and requires states to submit annual reports tracking paraprofessional employment levels, wage increases, and recruitment efforts. The legislation protects existing collective bargaining agreements and labor protections while requiring states to negotiate in good faith to comply with the program.
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