You and the UFT - Paraprofessional Edition

Nov 21, 2001 3:00 PM

THE CAREER LADDER

Any UFT paraprofessional who does not have a bachelor’s degree at the time of employment may participate in the Career Ladder, (officially known as the Career Training Program) a benefit fought for and won by the UFT. In addition, those paraprofessionals who have bachelor’s degrees but need education courses to meet the requirements for a teacher’s license may participate in the Career Ladder to meet those qualifications.

By going to college you’ll expand your knowledge and become a better paraprofessional — and you’ll be able to earn the credits that will increase your salary (see next item). If you participate, you’ll receive free tuition — and during the school year if you take five or more college credits per semester, you’ll also get 2 1 /2 hours off per week with pay to pursue your studies. And if you take six credits in the summer and do not take a summer job with the board, you’ll even receive a stipend.

To join you must obtain a Career Training Program voucher from your school secretary, district office or the board and then apply to one of the participating colleges. For more information, request a copy of the UFT pamphlet, The Career Training Program: The UFT Paraprofessional’s Ladder to Success. You can also call the board’s Career Training Program at (718) 935-2296.