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Certification Information for Paraprofessionals
Here you will find information for paraprofessionals pertaining to certification.
Implementing new contract is ‘main focus’
At the first Delegate Assembly of the school year on Oct. 11, UFT President Michael Mulgrew stressed the importance of making sure all parts of the new DOE-UFT contract get implemented.
Harmful paraprofessional shortage
Teacher Robyn Matty speaks to the challenges teachers and students face in the wake of a severe shortage in paraprofessionals.
Paraprofessionals deserve the money
Paraprofessional Diana Judge advocates for City Council passage of the $10,00 "RESPECT check" for paraprofessionals.
Contract 2023 FAQ
The following FAQ answers some of members' most-asked questions about the new contract agreement.
The contract becomes a tool for school reform
From the earliest days of the UFT, presidents Charles Cogen and Al Shanker knew that educators could be a powerful tool for reform. Educators knew first-hand the problems that their students faced, and they encouraged educators to come up with...
Shore up paraprofessionals
The city doesn’t realize its impact on educators. Stagnant wages make it impossible for educators to cover basic expenses.
DOE Memo: Career Training Program Release Time for UFT Paraprofessionals
Paraprofessionals who meet the requirements indicated in this memo are eligible for release time for non-classroom study or travel from work to their college/university. The NYCDOE will grant release time each college semester (fall, spring and the...
Congrats on the new contract
As a retiree (still can’t believe I’m saying that — I sang at a nursing home and was older than a few there), I just wanted to congratulate the union on its well-deserved contract gains. We are all a part of a big family of educators and dedicated...
Contract 2023: PSAL
Six sports are now added to the list of PSAL coaching activities.
What is the daily pay rate for a substitute paraprofessional?
Pay for substitute paraprofessionals will increase annually under our 2023 contract. See the current pay rates » See more information about per diem roles and salary »
Contract’s next pay increase comes on Jan. 18
The next 3% pay increase from our 2023 contract is scheduled to take effect on Thursday, Jan. 18.
Paraprofessionals Festival & Awards Luncheon
Nearly 700 members of the Paraprofessionals Chapter turned out at the New York Hilton on March 23 to honor 15 of their colleagues for their heroic efforts in New York City's public school classrooms at the annual Paraprofessionals Festival & Awards...
Manhattan paraprofessionals meet and greet
About 60 paraprofessionals, including members in their first year and veteran paraprofessionals, gathered to network and meet their union representatives at the Manhattan Paraprofessionals Meet and Greet.
Putting our contract into action
Contract enforcement all starts with understanding what the new agreement entails. Everyone should read the new contract — it’s the most important living document we as UFT members have.
Federation of Nurses/UFT Contracts
See current Federation of Nurses contracts for each of our chapters.
Targeted support for retired paraprofessionals
A monthslong UFT initiative to reach out to retired paraprofessionals, connect them with union services and support, and encourage them to get involved in the Retired Teachers Chapter culminated with a meet and greet at UFT headquarters on Sept. 19.
Paraprofessionals Festival and Awards Luncheon
“We make a difference” was the theme at the UFT’s Paraprofessionals Festival and Awards Luncheon on March 5, celebrating paraprofessionals for rising to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last held in person in 2019, the luncheon was held at...
How do I become a paraprofessional?
To become a full-time paraprofessional for the New York City Department of Education (DOE), you must first become a substitute paraprofessional, and serve at least 25 days in that role. You must also have the New York State Teaching Assistant...
Citywide Paraprofessional Representatives Meeting
Please join your colleagues at our final paraprofessional representative meeting of the year as we come together to celebrate the dedication and lasting impact of our paraprofessionals. This festive recognition ceremony will honor paraprofessionals, Executive Board members and retiring members for their many years of service, commitment and leadership. At this meeting, we'll also discuss important issues and updates for our chapter.
Lead Teacher Assistant Q&A for Paraprofessionals
Find out more about the lead teacher assistant (lead educational associate) position for paraprofessionals.
Happy Paraprofessional Appreciation Day!
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...
Paraprofessionals lobby city lawmakers
Small union contingents led by paraprofessionals met with New York City Council members throughout March to lobby them to support the RESPECT check legislation.
Paraprofessionals Chapter elections this spring
Every three years, you have an opportunity to elect a school chapter leader, a paraprofessional representative for your school as well as the leadership of the citywide Paraprofessionals Chapter.
Paraprofessionals attend "Suffs" on Broadway
Several hundred paraprofessionals who contribute to COPE, the union’s political action fund, attended a performance of Suffs, the Broadway musical about women’s battle for the right to vote, as an expression of thanks from the UFT.
Paraprofessionals Chapter Special Election
Learn more about how the election process will be conducted for the Paraprofessionals Chapter special election in the spring of 2026.
Contract 2023: Virtual learning
There would be a major expansion of virtual learning in New York City public schools under the 2023 contract.
Oversize classes down, thanks to new procedures in teachers' contract
A new procedure negotiated by the United Federation of Teachers has led to a dramatic decrease in the number of oversize classes in the schools.
Substitute teacher and paraprofessional resolution
The UFT calls for more flexibility in the nomination of substitute teachers and paraprofessionals, and for the DOE to consider a Hard-to-Staff differential for substitutes serving schools that have had difficulty filling positions.