HAYES INTRODUCES BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION HIGHLIGHTING NATIONAL SPECIALIZED INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT PERSONNEL APPRECIATION WEEK
WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced legislation to recognize more than one million Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) across the United States by designating the week of April 28, 2025, as “National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Appreciation Week.”
Specialized Instructional Support Personnel are crucial in helping students navigate learning challenges by identifying strengths, talents, interests, and areas that hinder overall academic performance. These professionals—including school counselors, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists, library media specialists, speech-language pathologists, and others—collaborate with teachers, staff, families, and the community to remove barriers.
“Specialized instructional support staff are working diligently with students, teachers, parents, school staff, and community members to ensure they have the resources necessary to reach their full potential,” said Congresswoman Jahana Hayes. “By providing multi-tiered and wraparound services these support personnel help enable student success. This resolution reaffirms our commitment to the work of these dedicated professionals.”
“Specialized Instructional Support Personnel are the backbone of student success—delivering targeted services that address the social, emotional, behavioral, and health needs of our children. From school counselors and nurses to speech-language pathologists and psychologists, these professionals ensure no student falls through the cracks. This week is about honoring their specialized expertise and renewing our commitment to fully supporting the critical work they do every day in our schools,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick.
? “The American Occupational Therapy Association welcomes the introduction of the National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP) Appreciation Week congressional resolution, which highlights the essential contributions of all SISP—such as occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants. OT practitioners are proud to work alongside our SISP colleagues every day to support the success, well-being, and inclusion of all students. We thank Congress for shining a spotlight on this vital workforce and reinforcing the importance of a whole-child approach in education,” said Katie Jordan, CEO of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
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. Both initiatives underscore the critical contributions these individuals make to the success of students and the overall quality of schools. These efforts highlight the understanding that a thriving education system depends on valuing and supporting the diverse team of professionals working in various capacities to create positive and effective learning environments for all students.
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