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Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act

USA119th CongressS-2330| Senate 
| Updated: 7/17/2025
Edward J. Markey

Edward J. Markey

Democratic Senator

Massachusetts

Cosponsors (10)
Jeanne Shaheen (Democratic)Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Democratic)Elizabeth Warren (Democratic)Ben Ray Luján (Democratic)Alex Padilla (Democratic)Christopher A. Coons (Democratic)Sheldon Whitehouse (Democratic)Cory A. Booker (Democratic)Ron Wyden (Democratic)Richard Blumenthal (Democratic)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, titled the "Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act," directs the Secretary of Education to establish a grant program aimed at enhancing the workforce of paraprofessionals in public education. The program will provide allotments to State educational agencies (SEAs) to assist States, local educational agencies (LEAs), and educational service agencies (ESAs) in their efforts to recruit and retain paraprofessionals across public elementary schools, secondary schools, and preschool programs. Funding allocations to SEAs will be based on the amount received by local educational agencies in the State under Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. SEAs may reserve a small portion of their allotment for administrative and statewide activities, with the majority of funds distributed as competitive subgrants to eligible entities , including LEAs and ESAs. These subgrants can support a range of initiatives, such as establishing evidence-based paraprofessional leader induction and mentoring programs to improve instruction and retention, and developing high-quality professional development programs. Funds may also be used to help paraprofessionals acquire necessary skills, credentials, or certifications, including those for special education or English learners, or to increase wages and provide bonus pay incentives. Priority for subgrants will be given to entities that serve a greater number or percentage of children from low-income families or those located in specific rural or high-need school areas. The bill mandates annual reporting from SEAs to the Secretary, detailing average paraprofessional pay baselines, wage increases, and the impact of the program on the number of paraprofessionals employed. It also clarifies that the Act does not alter existing collective bargaining rights but requires compliance with its provisions and negotiation under State labor laws.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-3681
Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act
Jul 17, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jul 17, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Sep 18, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-5476
Introduced in House
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-3681
    Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act


  • July 17, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • July 17, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


  • September 18, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-5476
    Introduced in House

Education

Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act

USA119th CongressS-2330| Senate 
| Updated: 7/17/2025
This bill, titled the "Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act," directs the Secretary of Education to establish a grant program aimed at enhancing the workforce of paraprofessionals in public education. The program will provide allotments to State educational agencies (SEAs) to assist States, local educational agencies (LEAs), and educational service agencies (ESAs) in their efforts to recruit and retain paraprofessionals across public elementary schools, secondary schools, and preschool programs. Funding allocations to SEAs will be based on the amount received by local educational agencies in the State under Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. SEAs may reserve a small portion of their allotment for administrative and statewide activities, with the majority of funds distributed as competitive subgrants to eligible entities , including LEAs and ESAs. These subgrants can support a range of initiatives, such as establishing evidence-based paraprofessional leader induction and mentoring programs to improve instruction and retention, and developing high-quality professional development programs. Funds may also be used to help paraprofessionals acquire necessary skills, credentials, or certifications, including those for special education or English learners, or to increase wages and provide bonus pay incentives. Priority for subgrants will be given to entities that serve a greater number or percentage of children from low-income families or those located in specific rural or high-need school areas. The bill mandates annual reporting from SEAs to the Secretary, detailing average paraprofessional pay baselines, wage increases, and the impact of the program on the number of paraprofessionals employed. It also clarifies that the Act does not alter existing collective bargaining rights but requires compliance with its provisions and negotiation under State labor laws.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

S 118-3681
Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act
Jul 17, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Jul 17, 2025
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Sep 18, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-5476
Introduced in House
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    S 118-3681
    Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act


  • July 17, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • July 17, 2025
    Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.


  • September 18, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-5476
    Introduced in House
Edward J. Markey

Edward J. Markey

Democratic Senator

Massachusetts

Cosponsors (10)
Jeanne Shaheen (Democratic)Kirsten E. Gillibrand (Democratic)Elizabeth Warren (Democratic)Ben Ray Luján (Democratic)Alex Padilla (Democratic)Christopher A. Coons (Democratic)Sheldon Whitehouse (Democratic)Cory A. Booker (Democratic)Ron Wyden (Democratic)Richard Blumenthal (Democratic)

Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee

Education

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted