• Spring 2005
• Message from the Chair
• A Para's Right:
  Protective Gloves and
  Other Gear
• New York State Requirements for All
  Full-Time Paraprofessionals
  HIred After 2/1/04
• UFT protecting your right to a pension
• Honor Roll
• Child care subsidy
• Letters to the Parascope
• UFT Paraprofessional Social Services
• DOE/OSH HOTLINE

Dear Paraprofessionals,

As the school year draws to a close, we continue to work to secure funds for the continuation of paraprofessional programs. We also have many unresolved issues. A major one is our contract, which affects our survival.

I am sure you have heard that the Public Employment Relations Board has agreed with us that bargaining is at an impasse. So, soon we will begin the fact-finding process with a panel of independent arbitrators. The arbitration is not binding, but the panel’s final report does carry a lot of weight and in the past has helped the parties come to an agreement. I am confident that our case is strong and that we will convince the arbitrators that we deserve the kind of just and fair contract we have proposed.

This year, however, with this mayor and schools chancellor, even if the arbitrators back us up it remains to be seen whether the city and the Department of Education will work out an agreement with us. So far they have hardly been negotiating in good faith! So the union will continue its many activities to tell the public about our struggle and to win public support. We need all of you to participate in those activities in your schools and districts and to join the mass rally at Madison Square Garden on June 2.

So, get involved! Speak to your school chapter leader and district representative and ask how you can help. We must all be part of the solution. We cannot allow others to dictate our future. It’s in our hands.

Most of you have by now met the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements but new paras may not yet have done so. The deadline, January 2006, is very close. If you still lack a required course or workshop, please do not wait until the last minute. [For a list of the requirements click on New York State Requirements for All Full-Time Paraprofessionals Hired After 2/1/04.]

If you are an educational paraprofessional employed prior to February 2, 2004, and you received a satisfactory rating on the DOE initial performance review in January, 2004, you have met NCLB requirements.

All paraprofessionals hired after February 2, 2004, will complete the NCLB requirements by obtaining their New York State certificate as a Teaching Assistant.

Thanks for all you do.
In Solidarity,
Maria Portalatin