Paraprofessionals Awards Luncheon
Marizol Rizol (center), the Humanitarian Award recipient, is flanked by UFT President Michael Mulgrew and UFT Paraprofessionals Chapter Chairperson Priscilla Castro.
When Shaniece Weller took the stage at the UFT Paraprofessionals Awards Luncheon on March 7, the atmosphere was so electric, she said, the moment felt surreal.“It was very affirming to know that my hard work does not go unseen,” said Weller, a paraprofessional at PS 136 in St. Albans, Queens.
As she accepted her award to the cheers of more than 1,000 attendees at the New York Hilton Midtown, she said her thoughts were with her students, whose growth she sees as inseparable from her own recognition. “All the progress that they’ve made is reflected in my being given that award.”
Weller was among 16 honorees recognized for their work supporting students across the city. The ceremony also honored paraprofessional Marizol Rizo of PS 116 in Jamaica, Queens, with the Humanitarian Award and celebrated recently retired UFT Secretary LeRoy Barr with the Paraprofessionals Chapter Liaison Appreciation Award.
Theresa Marzigliano, a paraprofessional at PS 101 in Brooklyn, donning Mickey Mouse ears.
Beyond the awards, the event served as a broader show of appreciation for paraprofessionals. There were professional learning sessions focused on instructional support, information on career advancement, plus music, a self-care fair offering spa services, and wellness resources.
Union leaders also used the occasion to reaffirm their commitment to win passage of the RESPECT check legislation, which would provide paraprofessionals with an annual $10,000 check. The bill stalled in the City Council in late 2025, but new Council Speaker Julie Menin pledged her support in her address to attendees gathered at the Hilton.
Calling paraprofessionals “unsung heroes,” Menin vowed to work alongside UFT President Michael Mulgrew to move the legislation forward. “I am here today to tell you I have your back. Michael Mulgrew and I will not rest until we get this legislation to the finish line.”
Chapter Chairperson Priscilla Castro echoed that sense of urgency, saying that the previous year’s setback under former Council Speaker Adrienne Adams reflected political inertia rather than a lack of need. Members’ collective efforts in support of the RESPECT check bill have helped elevate the public’s understanding of paraprofessionals’ role in schools.
LaToya Leopold Albert (right) and Julia Alexander-Defoe, paraprofessionals at PS 705 in Brooklyn, join a cheer of “Para strong all day long.”
“We are essential educators,” Castro said, noting that the thousands of paraprofessional vacancies at the start of the school year translated into unmet needs for students. Addressing pay disparities, she added, will help fill those positions and end the shortage. “When paraprofessionals are empowered, students win.”
Weller underscored that point, describing the wide-ranging responsibilities paraprofessionals shoulder each day — from behavior and crisis management to individualized student support. “Teachers can’t do everything by themselves,” she said.
Fellow honoree Silvia Radano, a paraprofessional at PS 78 on Staten Island, highlighted the unique role paraprofessionals play, particularly for students with disabilities. She emphasized the importance of building trust and connection. “I love being that person for them,” she said.
Radano said passage of the RESPECT check bill would help paraprofessionals feel more fully recognized for their contributions. In the meantime, she said, winning the UFT Paraprofessionals Award was a powerful affirmation.
“It’s a day I’ll never forget,” she said. “I felt so appreciated and supported, and I’m thankful to my union for creating something so meaningful.”
