Bill · H.R. 5476· House(119-HR-5476)

Preparing And Retaining All (PARA) Educators Act

Age: 66 years

Georgia

Introduced: 9/18/2025
Last activity: 9/18/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Sponsored by: Lucy McBath
Cosponsors: - 66 - 1

Education

Introduced
In Committee

What this bill would do

This bill directs the Secretary of Education to create a grant program aimed at recruiting and retaining paraprofessionals in public elementary schools, secondary schools, and preschool programs. Under this legislation, the Secretary will provide allotments to State educational agencies, which will then award competitive subgrants to eligible entities like local school districts. The bill allows these funds to be used for establishing mentoring programs, implementing professional development, providing certifications, and increasing wages or bonuses for paraprofessionals. Priority for these subgrants is given to entities that serve high numbers or percentages of children from low-income families. Additionally, states receiving these grants are required to submit annual implementation and evaluation reports to the Secretary of Education. Finally, the bill authorizes the appropriation of necessary funds for each fiscal year from 2026 through 2030.

Yes· 3 of 6

Does this put more money into public schools?+7
The bill establishes a grant program to fund recruitment, retention, and professional development in public schools.
Would children be better off under this?+5
The bill aims to improve classroom instruction, student learning, and achievement through better support for paraprofessionals.
Does this raise the lowest wage an employer may pay?+5
The bill provides funds to increase wages or provide bonus pay incentives for paraprofessionals.