As the Appropriations Committee reviewed the paraeducator bill last month, CSEA members made sure their voices were part of the official record.

More than 20 paraeducators and union members submitted written testimony in support of the legislation, which would establish a statewide minimum salary of $45,000 for paraeducators and create a more consistent pay standard across Connecticut. Right now, wages vary widely from district to district, and in almost every case, they fall far short of what’s needed to live.

Paraeducators wrote about working multiple jobs just to get by. About staying in positions they care deeply about, even when the pay doesn’t match the responsibility. And about the toll that low wages take, not just on their own families, but on the students who depend on stable, experienced support in the classroom.

The paraeducator bill is focused on creating a real, statewide baseline for the profession — not just small fixes. At its core, the bill sets a $45,000 minimum salary for paraeducators, ensuring that no matter where someone works in Connecticut, there is a floor that reflects the value of the job.

We’re not letting those stories sit in a committee file. We’re actively sharing paraeducator experiences across social media to make sure the public — and lawmakers — understand what’s really happening in schools across the state.

If you’re a paraeducator, email our Communications Director Drew at Dstoner@csea760.com and share what a $45,000 minimum salary would mean for you along with a photo of yourself. These stories are helping drive the conversation and build support for change.

Paraeducator Appreciation Week is March 30th - April 3rd and is an important moment to recognize the work paras do every single day. As part of that, CSEA Para Council President Cynthia will join other para council leaders to accept a proclamation from the Governor honoring paraeducators across Connecticut.

Recognition matters. But paraeducators are making it clear: it’s time for that recognition to be backed up with real investment.