The following update was sent to all DOE-employed paraprofessionals from UFT President Michael Mulgrew and UFT Paraprofessionals Chapter Leader Shelvy Young-Abrams on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2020.

The following update was sent to all DOE-employed paraprofessionals from UFT President Michael Mulgrew on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020.

It has been a tremendously stressful time for our students, our families and us. The Department of Education agreed with the UFT that a change of pace and focus was in order during the seven days that would have been the spring break in a normal year.

Today is National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, so it is a perfect time to say thank you for all that you're doing to make remote learning possible for your students and their families. I know it's been a rocky transition under unprecedented circumstances, but you've stepped up to the plate in a big way. I'm so proud to be your UFT chapter leader.

Read more about professional development for paras, chapter updates via email, our Paraprofessional Festival and Awards Luncheon and career opportunities.

Find out about certification for Level III paras, the upcoming constitutional convention, pay increases in May, paraprofessional PD opportunities, immigration rights and more.

During the five-year period starting on July 1, 2016, Level III certified paraprofessionals are required to collect a total of 100 professional development hours, now called Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) hours, by a state-approved provider such as the UFT Teacher Center.

In June 2016, the Regents created a new local diploma option for students with disabilities who did not meet graduation standards through the existing appeal and safety net options.

Schools are no longer required to request prior approval from the State Education Department to administer state assessments over multiple days. And beginning with the 2017 test administration, students with disabilities who have the “tests read” accommodation on their individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 accommodation plans (504 plans) must be provided with this accommodation for all sections of the test.

Find out about the role of a paraprofessional, our Paraprofessional Festival and Awards Luncheon, our Lead Teacher Assistant meet-and-greet, certification and more.