Today is PSRP Day

Dear IFT Members,

Today is PSRP Day, and we are proud to honor the incredible Paraprofessionals and School-Related Personnel who keep our schools running and our students thriving.

PSRPs are the leaders of our schools. You help to create culture and climate. You greet students every day, support them in classrooms, engage their families, keep buildings safe and clean, prepare meals, manage offices, and so much more. Each day, you show up with skill and care that makes a real difference in the lives of students and families.

That’s why IFT puts PSRP priorities front and center in our vision for a stronger union. We are dedicated to ensuring that PSRPs have a union to make their voices heard in their districts and in Springfield.

In Joliet, PSRPs have won a hard fought pay raise, affordable health insurance, and dignity on the job. In Pittsfield, PSRPs organized a union this year and won their first contract, in which they negotiated better working conditions, more accountability, and compensation that reflects the value of their work. And in Waukegan, paraprofessionals are taking care of each other, making mutual aid baskets for members affected by SNAP cuts.

This work has already begun statewide, too. We went to the state capitol last month to lobby for the funding to strengthen our schools - including the need for more support staff and resources. And last month at our convention, delegates passed a resolution to fight for establishing a minimum starting pay rate for PSRPs along with increasing support for our PSRP locals, councils, and chapters by providing resources and training, offering strategic support in bargaining campaigns, and prioritizing advocacy at the local, state, and national levels to promote policies that strengthen PSRP bargaining rights.

We know that your work is essential and your commitment is inspiring. Together—today and every day—we will continue to fight for the respect, fair pay, and resources you deserve.

Please take a moment to celebrate and recognize your PSRP coworkers. Together, we make schools stronger. Together, we make communities stronger.

Thank you for everything you do.

In solidarity and with great thanks,

Stacy Davis Gates, President

Cyndi Oberle-Dahm, Executive Vice President

Pankaj Sharma, Secretary-Treasurer

John Miller, Membership Secretary