"Union helps paras reach new certification standards." May 7, 2003. New York Teacher.

Union helps paras reach new certification standards

May 7, 2003

After a 35-year career at Verizon and several years as a consultant, Patty Lennon has "a new life" as a teacher aide.

"I'm too young to be retired and you always hear how the schools need help," said Lennon, who became a one-on-one aide to a secondary student with disabilities last fall. "I love the job because of the kids." But the Oneida County BOCES Teachers Association member was intimidated when administrators told her that, to keep the job, she needed several college courses.

"I didn't know if I could still study," said Lennon. "I knew how to use a computer, but I wasn't sure how to use it for research papers."

Lennon is now finishing her second college course, thanks to her statewide union's Professional Development Program for School-Related Professionals. "The instructors are wonderful and the courses are so relevant to your job," Lennon said.

New York State United Teachers' Education and Learning Trust has been working with community colleges across the state to develop 18-credit undergraduate programs to assist both teacher aides and teaching assistants in meeting new state and federal requirements. The courses can be applied toward a two-year associate's degree for those interested in becoming teachers.

NYSUT developed the programs with information gleaned from a statewide survey of 2,000 teacher aides, teaching assistants and paraprofessionals.

"The survey found that, overwhelmingly, aides and assistants wanted to continue their education," said Antonia Cortese, NYSUT's first vice president. The survey showed a dramatic need for school support staff offerings.

Programs are available at Mohawk Valley Community College, Hudson Valley CC and Genesee CC. Through distance learning, the Genesee program is reaching districts around western New York.

The NYSUT's Education and Learning Trust is working with other colleges around the state to form partnerships.

The average cost of the courses is $100 per credit, not including fees. For information or registration call (800) 528-6208 or write to the Education and Learning Trust, 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110-2455.

- Betsy Sandberg

Teaching assistant certificates

After Feb. 2, 2004, there will be four levels of teaching assistant certificates in New York:

Level I - This certificate will require a high school diploma or equivalent, and passage of the Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills. The certificate will be valid for one year and can be renewed for one year.

Level II - In addition to passing the state assessment, the candidate for this certificate must complete six college credits towards a bachelor's degree and have a year's experience as a Level I teaching assistant. A Level II certificate will be valid for two years and cannot be renewed.

Level III - In addition to requirements of Level II, teaching assistants must complete an additional 12 college credits for this certificate. The certificate will remain valid as long as the professional development requirements of 75 hours every five years are met.

Pre-professional certificate - In addition to the 18 college credits required for a Level III certificate, candidates for this certificate must enroll in a college program leading to teacher certification or be employed in a program governed by an articulation agreement with a college. The certificate is continuously valid, provided that 75 hours of professional development are met every five years.

Paraprofessionals, teacher aides or teaching assistants who work with teachers in Title I classrooms, hired before Jan. 8, 2002, have until January 2006 to meet new federal standards. They must either complete two years of college, have an associate's degree, or pass a state or local assessment.