The following email was sent to all paraprofessionals from UFT President Michael Mulgrew and Priscilla Castro, Paraprofessionals Chapter Chair, on April 1, 2026:

As a paraprofessional, you are a critical part of the New York City school system. The support you provide every day to students, teachers and your school community is invaluable. We want to take this moment to thank you for all of the hard work you do.

As you know, we have been fighting for our RESPECT check legislation so that we can start to fix the financial inequities that paraprofessionals face due to pattern bargaining. We call on the city to show their appreciation for the vital services you provide for the children of NYC by passing the RESPECT check bill. If they really want to recruit and retain paraprofessionals and show you respect, then this bill is the right move. They are listening to us, and today the City Council released their preliminary city budget response which lists achieving increased wages for paraprofessionals as one of their top three priorities!

This Paraprofessional Appreciation Day, we want to honor you and the amazing job that you do. Thank you for your care, dedication and service to education. You truly make a difference each and every day.