News for Paraprofessionals
Our fight isn’t over
The UFT's paraprofessional RESPECT campaign is far from over. The union is optimistic that the "RESPECT check" legislation calling for a $10,000 annual check to paraprofessionals will prevail in 2026 despite outgoing Council Speaker Adrienne Adams' opposition as she prepared to leave office in 2025.
Fight for ‘RESPECT ’ continues
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams blocked the “RESPECT check” bill from coming to a vote before the full City Council this year. But the UFT plans to redouble its efforts to get the bill across the finish line in the new year.
Blue for RESPECT
UFT members supported the “RESPECT check” bill on Nov. 13 by holding teach-ins, wearing blue and tagging City Council members on social media in photos of themselves holding “RESPECT for Paraprofessionals” signs.
Education caught in cro$$fire
UFT President Michael Mulgrew warned of the serious repercussions for public schools stemming from the Trump administration’s attacks on health care and education.
Matching families with needed child care
The UFT is making it easier for NYC families to find child care. NYC Childcare Navigator is an expansion of an online tool the union launched a year ago to help members find child care options and apply for programs that could offset the cost.
Change for the better
Paraprofessional Unique Robinson of Murrow HS in Brooklyn acted quickly to advocate for a solution when presented with the need to safely and comfortably meet the toileting needs of her paraplegic student.