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Issue Explainer

Support Education Support Professionals

North Dakota's proposed teacher retention bonuses would recognize the importance of keeping experienced teachers in our classrooms. But education support professionals — including paraprofessionals, bus drivers, custodians, food service workers and administrative staff — would not qualify. Strong public schools depend on every member of the education team. As lawmakers consider workforce investments in 2027, ESPs deserve to be part of that conversation.
North Dakota United Education Support Professional of the Year Dawn Ressler poses with past ND United Education Support Professionals of the Year during the 2026 Delegate Assembly. Photo by Kelly Hagen, ND United
North Dakota United Education Support Professional of the Year Dawn Ressler poses with past ND United Education Support Professionals of the Year — from left, Joan Hall of Bismarck, Laurie Mahrer of Mandan, and Bruce Schonberger of Minot — during the 2026 Delegate Assembly.
By: North Dakota United
Published: October 27, 2026

North Dakota's education support professionals (ESPs) play an essential role in keeping our schools running and helping students succeed. From paraprofessionals and bus drivers to custodians, food service workers and administrative staff, ESPs make a difference every day.

A proposed teacher retention bonus program would provide annual payments to eligible licensed teachers, but ESPs would not qualify.

North Dakota United supports efforts to recruit and retain qualified teachers. We also believe that strengthening our schools means investing in the entire education workforce.

As lawmakers prepare for the 2027 legislative session, help us make sure education support professionals are part of the conversation about recruitment, retention and competitive compensation.

Hear Why ESPs Matter

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Keeping the Promise of Quality Public Education & Public Services

With more than 11,500 members across the state, NDU supports equal opportunities for success for ALL North Dakota students, and respect and support for all educators. NDU members are teachers, community college professors, speech pathologists, bus drivers, secretaries, retired educators and student teachers.
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North Dakota United is comprised of members from both the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). These unions represent a combined 4.7 million members across the United States.

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