school support staff

The New Jersey Education Association is highlighting efforts to safeguard the value of Education Support Professionals, the paraprofessionals, aides and support staff who keep schools running alongside teachers. The campaign stresses fair recognition and treatment for these workers, who are often underpaid and overlooked in debates about school staffing and public education funding.

The Butte County Office of Education in Northern California has been named the 2026 Medium County Office of the Year. The recognition honors the agency's work supporting local school districts and students. Local outlets reported the award, and community members are congratulating the organization and its staff on the honor.

A bill sponsored by New Jersey Senator Amato allowing school support staff to receive credit for prior military service has been signed into law. The measure means employees in school support roles can count military service toward employment benefits such as seniority or pension credit. It is being highlighted by state Senate Republicans as a win for veterans working in schools.

Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Education has been awarded a $7.2 million grant to expand mental health support for students. The funding will back programs aimed at strengthening mental health services in schools, reflecting growing attention to student wellbeing. The university announced the award through its news outlet, drawing regional interest in how the money will be used to train staff and improve access to care.

Special education students at Midway High School in Texas are gaining hands-on experience running the school's campus coffee shop, an initiative highlighted by KWTX. The program lets students practice job and social skills by serving drinks to staff and classmates, and it is being praised as a way to build confidence and open pathways to future employment.