Paraprofessional Credential Goes Back To Drawing Board
Credentialing, like certifications or licensure, has been an ongoing issue for paraprofessionals for many years. The educational experience of many paraprofessionals began as trial by fire in classrooms where they learned on the job. Often there was very little training or none at all. There were a few states with credentialing systems that established some minimal standards for paraprofessional qualifications and competencies. More states have since been added, and Minnesota wants to join the list.

In Minnesota, the Legislature sent a mandate to the state Board of Teaching to develop a voluntary paraprofessional credential, which was rejected by an administrative law judge last spring. The news disappointed paraprofessionals who were looking forward to the opportunity to improve their skills to better serve students and their profession. “Paralegals and LPNs have credentials. Why don’t we?” asked a puzzled Becky Hespin, a special educator from OSEO Minnesota. “I think it is critical to have credentialing.” The lack of credentials, voluntary or mandated, hampers the professional growth of paras.

School Bus Owner/Operators Get Financial Help
(Adapted from a story in the Times-Picayune)
The cost of gasoline is taking a disproportionate share of everyone's budget. It is creating a problem for many drivers, especially those who drive vehicles that use diesel fuel, which is more expensive than gasoline. For some workers, like school bus drivers in St. Tammany Parish, La., who also own their school buses, the fuel situation could create a hardship.

New National AFT Officers—AFT PPC Chair Lorretta Johnson Elected Executive Vice President
History was made at the recent AFT convention in Chicago when the delegates elected the first female triumvirate to head a major labor union. The new officers (pictured above) are Randi Weingarten, president; Antonia Cortese, secretary-treasurer; and Lorretta Johnson, executive vice president.

Paras and Technical-Clerical Ratify
New Three-Year Contract
The 2007-2008 school year is drawing to a close, and paraprofessionals and technical-clerical workers in the Pittsburgh school district finally settled an agreement that had expired in June 2007. Negotiations were difficult, as were the teacher negotiations that produced a contract in January.

All in a Day's Work: Monitoring Students
Some paraprofessionals are responsible for monitoring certain areas of the school, including the hallways, playground and cafeteria. They help provide a safe environment for students, and respond to any problems that occur. That is exactly what cafeteria monitor Hazel Akerly did recently at Liberty Middle School in Sullivan County, New York, when she noticed a student gasping for air during her lunch shift.

Safe School Legislation
A safe school environment is a prerequisite for learning. Violence in schools is a problem that affects negatively the learning and working environment for students and school staff. Sometimes disruptive and violent behavior occurs on the school bus, which is also considered part of the school. To exacerbate the problem, too often acts of violence or serious behavior problems in school or on the school bus are not resolved effectively or expeditiously by school administrators.

School Support Staff all over the Country Are Choosing AFT/PSRP.
View a list of collective bargaining election victories over the past 12 months.