Education support professionals

Education Support Professionals -- which include paraprofessionals, office staff, custodians, kitchen staff, and any USD employees not licensed by the Kansas Department of Education -- have traditionally been excluded from union or association membership. Now those staff members have the opportunity to enjoy many of the same benefits that certified staff enjoy, including membership in the Kansas National Education Association (KNEA) and National Education Association (NEA).

Benefits include:

• Support from DTA and KNEA Staff:  When dealing with employment-related concerns at the building or district level, you will have the benefit of building representatives, DTA leadership, and KNEA representatives who can intervene and advocate for you.
• Membership Discounts:  KNEA offers discounts on travel, restaurants, and retail stores through its website. In fact, members can recoup much of the cost of membership though savings on products and services they are already purchasing.  Learn more about NEA Member Benefits and the KNEA Access Card.
• Legal Services:  Your membership in KNEA includes access to KNEA attorneys for employment-related matters and some personal legal services through the attorney referral program.
• Leadership Opportunities:  Your membership allows you unique opportunities to be involved in DTA leadership, KNEA governance, conferences, and online learning opportunities.

How much does membership cost?

Membership dues are reduced in recognition of different pay scales for ESPs and the fact that ESPs cannot collectively bargain until more than 50% of USD 232 ESPs are association members.

Dues are approximately $23 per month and are collected by electronic funds transfer (EFT) -- a monthly deduction from your back account.  Annual dues are prorated for the rest of the 2024-25 school year, so a new member enrolling in February would pay $163.12 for the remainder of the year.