Services of the
Paraprofessional Academy

The Paraprofessional Academy conducts a wide-range of activities related to the professioanl development needs of paraprofessionals. Project activities include:

• Individual and group career counseling/academic planning to interested UFT paraprofessionals (by appointment)
  
  
• Providing teacher certification information to paraprofessionals identified through the CTP database as co-majoring in education. Information includes NYS certification requirements, LAST/ATS-W/CST registration booklets, state applications, transcript evaluations, and Department of Education scholarship requirements. Follow-up is done via individual counseling sessions, phone, and/or email consultation. Emphasis is placed on meeting certification requirements in a timely manner. Records are maintained and student progress is monitored.
  
  
• Developing relevant and up-to-date training materials for use in staff development days for paraprofessionals. Topics include: 1) passing the NYS Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills Test (reading, writing and math), 2) careers in education including certification requirements, 3) obtaining a college degree through the CTP, and 4) roles/responsibilities of paraprofessionals.
  
  
• Formulating professional development policy with interested stakeholders including the MYC Department of Education, the United Federation of Teachers, the NYS Education Department, and NYC senior and community colleges.
  
  
• Maintaining and updating the Paraprofessional Academy website for paraprofessionals.

• Conducting orientations (by region) with CTP and UFT personnel for all newly hired paraprofessionals about how to best utilize the CTP. (topics include the importance of matriculation, choosing a major early on, limiting transfers between colleges, etc.)