WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) introduced a bipartisan resolution designating Monday, April 29 through Friday, May 3, 2024 as “National Specialized Instructional Support Personnel Week.”
There are currently over one million specialized instructional support personnel working in schools across the United States. Included in this group are school counselors, social workers, psychologists, school nurses, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and other critical support personnel.
“As a teacher, I know firsthand how important support staff are. The range of services they provide is essential to helping prepare students to learn and to accommodate their individual needs so they can thrive.” said Congresswoman Hayes. “The specialized instructional supports these professionals provide strengthen our schools and communities.”
“I am proud to once again join my colleague, Representative Hayes, in recognizing specialized instructional support personnel,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “The men and women working as school counselors, social workers, physical therapists, audiologists and more, serve an essential role in schools, ensuring our children have the support and resources to thrive. I am grateful for their work and contributions to our school systems.”
Nationwide, support personnel are vital in creating school environments that are safe and provide a variety of educational programs that benefit students and their communities. There is a direct link between increased resources for support staff and improved educational outcomes for students. Congresswoman Hayes and her colleagues recognize the importance of these essential school professionals and encourage continued investments in specialized instructional support personnel.