THe problem: Our paraprofessionals are paid stunningly low wages despite often being asked to do the work of lead teachers and being essential to the pipeline to future lead teachers. In addition, 1/2 of DC charter schools have full-time teaching roles with starting pay below a dc living wage. Educators should be able to afford to live in the community they teach in.

THE SOLUTION:

DC should implement a minimum pay standard for all full time educators (AT LEAST) above the living wage needed to afford a studio apartment in DC. According to the national low income housing coalition- that is $61,000 a year.

The Details: 
⇨ The pay gap: In Washington, DC there is a $25,000 gap between the average paraprofessional salary and the cost of living. This is only true in four other places- Vermont, New Hampshire, Oregon and Hawaii.

⇨ A critical time: Paraprofessional employment has fallen dramatically during the pandemic. We need to do much more to fill vacancies for these critical support positions.

⇨ Initiatives across the country: Many places are increasing pay for paraprofessionals. For example, Houston just implemented an 11 % pay increase and a $2,000 retention bonus.