It was nice to read the article about Jermaine Coley, the school counselor at PS 284 in Brooklyn [“Providing ‘fatherly’ guidance,” April 11, 2025, issue].

Paraprofessionals make so many things happen seamlessly that otherwise would most likely take a huge effort, which would impede time spent on instruction, transportation and other much-needed systems.

I want to bring up something that’s been on my mind and honestly really bothers me: When I hear “boys and girls” being used in the classroom or see students being asked to line up or sit based on their gender. I’ve known kids, even as young as age 5...

In-service members and retirees weigh in on everything from the need for a "RESPECT check" for paraprofessionals to offering warm words about a Brooklyn school counselor to standing up for immigrant students.

UFT members comment on everything from the value of paraprofessionals to teachers' need for cellphones.

In Japanese schools, character instruction comes before or with academic training. As an example, students must clean up after themselves as there are no janitors. This sense of academic and social responsibility transcends the rush to impose...