Melissa Calderon, a paraprofessional at PS 531 in the Bronx, said she was nervous becoming a lead teacher assistant, the new career ladder position for paraprofessionals, but her principal and colleagues gave her confidence. “For the paraprofessionals at my school to be a team, that’s my biggest hope,” said the third-year para. More than 30 new lead teacher assistants attended a meet-and-greet on Nov. 4 at the union’s headquarters in Manhattan, where they were welcomed by UFT President Michael Mulgrew and Teacher Center Co-Director Rita Danis. The gathering marked the launch of a professional learning series jointly organized by the UFT and the Department of Education. “This is something the union has always wanted to do,” said Mulgrew, highlighting how paraprofessionals have always gone above and beyond the call of duty. “We need you. We want to demonstrate that this is what every school should be doing.” Paras with the new title are genuine teacher assistants whose roles and responsibilities are not solely driven by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) of a student with disabilities. They can also support fellow paraprofessionals by offering professional development, visiting other classrooms and demonstrating their own work. Calderon led a professional development workshop at her school this fall. Lead teacher assistant Jessica Guzman of P 469 in the Bronx said she has already been called upon to monitor and supervise students during a time when the class’s teacher was absent. Evens Boiguen, a lead teacher assistant at P 721 in Queens, said paraprofessionals like him have been taking on leadership roles for years, but it was nice to finally be recognized. “This position gives me more exposure,” said Boiguen, “and allows me to work more closely with the teachers.” 

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