Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act

This legislation establishes a federal grant program designed to strengthen the paraprofessional workforce in public elementary schools, secondary schools, and preschool programs. The program directs the Secretary of Education to provide allotments to State educational agencies, which will then distribute competitive subgrants to eligible local educational agencies and educational service agencies. The primary goal of these funds is to support the recruitment and retention of paraprofessionals . Eligible activities include establishing evidence-based paraprofessional leader induction and mentoring programs, developing and implementing high-quality professional development, and providing opportunities for paraprofessionals to obtain essential skills, credentials, or certifications such as special education or English learner certificates. Crucially, the grants can also be used to increase paraprofessional wages or offer bonus pay incentives to attract and keep qualified staff. State educational agencies are required to prioritize subgrants to entities serving a higher number or percentage of children from low-income families, or those in specific rural or remote areas. Annually, recipient State agencies must report on key metrics, including average paraprofessional pay baselines, wage increases, and the number of paraprofessionals employed. This reporting ensures accountability and tracks the program's effectiveness in addressing paraprofessional shortages and improving their compensation across schools.