The UFT and the Department of Education announced an agreement in May that creates a new position that is the beginning of a professional career ladder for paraprofessionals in New York City public schools. The agreement also includes changes to the Career Training Program for paraprofessionals and additional support for paraprofessionals interested in pursuing a career as a teacher.

The following is a brief summary of the different changes.

New Position:  Lead Teacher Assistant (LTA)

A new position has been created for the 2016–17 school year. This new position, Lead Teacher Assistant, creates a career ladder path for paraprofessionals. Please note the following:

• This position allows for a more diverse use of paraprofessionals in classrooms and schools to support the needs of students. It gives principals the flexibility to utilize paraprofessionals in the role of assistant teachers, supporting instruction in the classroom, working with students one-on-one or in groups under the general supervision of a classroom teacher. 
   
• This is a “career ladder” opportunity for paraprofessionals who are looking to become teachers or otherwise want to expand the positive impact they have on students.
   
• Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree and a Teacher Assistant certification (any level I, II or III) from the New York State Education Department. Paraprofessionals who were hired before Sept. 1, 2004, and who have been grandfathered in for employment are required to obtain their New York State Teacher Assistant certification to be eligible for this position. 
   
• Candidates are selected through an annual application process and must reapply each year to remain as a Leader Teacher Assistant.
   
• This position will be compensated with an additional $5,000 per school year over the base salary.
   
• The application process for the 2016–17 school year began June 24, 2016 and ended on July 15, 2016. Candidates must have met all qualifications for the position by July 15. An eligible pool will be established in mid-August, and principals will make selections before the school year begins.

Paraprofessional to Teacher Pathways

• There will now be more support for eligible paraprofessionals who are interested in pursuing a career as a teacher and who are matriculated in a graduate education program. New York State certification must be achieved after Sept. 1, 2016 and must comply with the application procedures for the program, available in the early fall. No release time for graduate credits will be given.
   
• Eligible paraprofessionals may be reimbursed up to the cost of 12 graduate credits paid at the current CUNY rate (3 credits per semester, for up to four semesters).
   
• Paraprofessionals enrolled in bilingual education programs will be reimbursed for the cost of an additional 12 graduate credits, at the current CUNY graduate rate, for classes leading to bilingual certification, through the current bilingual supplemental certification program.
   
• The DOE will reimburse all paraprofessionals (one time only) for the cost of the New York State Teacher Certificate application and up to $400 for New York State Teacher Certification examinations once certification is granted.

Official guidelines and the application process will be available in September 2016.  These benefits are not automatic. Those applying must follow all application procedures. 

Reforms/Changes to the Career Training Program (CTP):

• Effective with the fall 2016 term, the DOE will no longer pay activity, application, technology and any other fees charged by the college. This will be the paraprofessional’s responsibility.
   
• Paraprofessionals must matriculate into a degree-bearing program after completion of 60 credits. Proof will be required and the process will be outlined shortly for Career Training Program participants.
   
• Substitute paraprofessionals will no longer be eligible to participate in the Career Training Program.  The DOE will no longer pay for the six credits.          
   
• A maximum of 120 credits will be paid on behalf of the paraprofessional towards the completion of a Bachelor’s degree program (exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis).
   
• Paraprofessionals must maintain a “C” grade point average (2.0) to remain in the program.
   
• The DOE will not pay for “F” grades or late withdrawals.

Student Teaching

In some instances, colleges and/or universities will not accept work as a paraprofessional in lieu of student teaching. In these cases, paraprofessionals have earned their degree, but have not been recommended for certification because they lack the required student teaching. For paraprofessionals in this situation, the DOE will grant a limited number of 40-day paid leaves of absence for paraprofessionals who need to complete their student teaching requirements.

• Paraprofessionals who have graduated with a degree in education and only need student teaching to obtain their certification will be given first preference. 
   
• Paraprofessionals who are enrolled in a Master’s degree program and need student teaching to complete the requirements will be given second preference. 
   
• These special leaves of absence are by application only and given at the discretion of the Executive Director of Human Resources. 
   
• Approval from the college/university is required for approval to be granted by the DOE.
   
• Final application procedures will be outlined in the fall of 2016