WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) reintroduced legislation to recognize more than one million Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) across the United States by designating the week of April 27, 2026, as “National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week.”
There are more than 1 million SISP professionals across the United States. This group includes school counselors, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, library media specialists, speech-language pathologists, and others. These individuals provide school-based prevention and early intervention services to reduce barriers to learning, as well as work with teachers, school leaders, and parents to ensure that all students are successful in school.
“Specialized instructional support staff are essential in bridging students, educators, families, and communities with the resources necessary to thrive. Through wraparound services, SISP professionals create the foundation for meaningful student success,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. “I remain committed to supporting their indispensable role in school communities.”
“Some of the most important work in a school happens before a student ever takes a test or receives a grade. Specialized Instructional Support Personnel are trained to see the challenges that may stand in the way of learning, identify the academic, social, emotional, behavioral, and health needs behind them, and help students get the support they need to succeed. In my work with the incredible SISPs in our community, I have seen the magnitude of their impact firsthand. This resolution honors their specialized expertise, recognizes their essential role in student success, and renews our commitment to supporting the critical work they do every day in our schools,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick
The legislation builds upon the Paraprofessionals and Education Support Staff Bill of Rights resolution, legislation introduced by Congresswoman Hayes to advocate for dignified wages, benefits, and working conditions for paraeducators, classroom assistants, bus drivers, custodial workers, and other essential school staff who often work for low wages, few benefits, and without job security.