Green Bay Education Association secures $300K grant for paraprofessional mentoring program

The Green Bay Education Association (GBEA) presented significant developments during a recent government meeting, highlighting a successful initiative aimed at enhancing the support for paraprofessionals in local schools. Emily Heil, a representative of GBEA, announced that the organization has secured a $300,000 grant from the National Patient Association, which will be distributed over the next three years to further develop their paraprofessional mentoring program.

This program, initially launched in the 2023-2024 school year with funding from the National Education Association, aims to address the ongoing shortage of qualified paraprofessional staff and substitutes in the Green Bay Area Public Schools. Heil emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that it directly impacts students, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

The collaboration between GBEA and Green Bay Area Public Schools is designed to recruit and retain skilled employees, ensuring that students receive the support they need. Heil expressed optimism about the program's future, stating that the involvement of experienced paraprofessionals will be crucial for its success.

The meeting also included brief mentions of other attendees, but the focus remained on the positive developments regarding the mentoring program. The GBEA looks forward to providing updates on the program's progress and its impact on career advancement for paraprofessionals in the coming years.