Paraprofessionals Chapter elections this spring
Every three years, you have an opportunity to elect a school chapter leader, a paraprofessional representative for your school as well as the leadership of the citywide Paraprofessionals Chapter.
Fireside chat with Norman and Velma Murphy Hill
UFT members had the rare opportunity to hear a first-hand account of the creation of the Paraprofessionals Chapter more than 50 years ago from Velma Murphy Hill, the chapter’s founder and first chair, and her husband Norman Hill.
Health and Safety workshop for Bronx paraprofessionals
At this virtual meeting for paraprofessionals working in the Bronx, participants will hear from Corrine J. Barros, coordinator for the UFT Bronx Health and Safety and Victim Support Program. She will discuss occupational hazards, safety protocols and how the UFT protects members' rights when incidents happen.
William Valentin, paraprofessional for hearing impaired students
As a one-on-one paraprofessional in a third and fourth grade DHHES classroom at PS 333 in the Bronx, William Valentin supports Deaf and hearing impaired students with their communication, educational and behavioral needs.
Better tool to assure special ed compliance
The new contract establishes school-based Special Education Committees and annual training of all staff on special education rules and regulations. Vice President for Special Education MaryJo Ginese writes that these new rights will empower members...
Paras get Teacher’s Choice money
After years of advocacy by the UFT, paraprofessionals will be included in the Teacher’s Choice program for the first time this school year.
Targeted support for retired paraprofessionals
A monthslong UFT initiative to reach out to retired paraprofessionals, connect them with union services and support, and encourage them to get involved in the Retired Teachers Chapter culminated with a meet and greet at UFT headquarters on Sept. 19.
Success depends on community
That success depends on your community is something I only truly understood after my first year of teaching. When I was a para, I was committed to supporting my students and my teachers. When I first became a teacher, I forgot that I needed to ask...
Absences for paraprofessionals
If you are a paraprofessional, the DOE-UFT contract establishes rights and obligations in terms of when you can be absent from work. Learn about how you accumulate and can use sick days and about excused absences.
Bringing retired paras into the UFT fold
The UFT has initiated an outreach program to determine how the union can best support retired paraprofessionals. The Retired Teachers Chapter includes approximately 7,600 paraprofessionals.