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Letters to the editor October 21, 2004 Paraprofessionals appreciate help with training To the editor: The new requirements for paraprofessionals have left many dedicated, hard working teacher aides lost in a sea of confusion and uncertainty. I would like to thank NYSUT's Education and Learning Trust for offering, in partnership with colleges across the state, new undergraduate courses for teacher aides and assistants. Alice Brody has been particularly helpful. The 18-credit program is designed for teaching assistants seeking New York state certification, paraprofessionals with instructional duties in schools operating Title I programs and those interested in eventually pursuing a degree in teaching. The trust has even applied for a grant from the AFL-CIO Workforce Education and Training Grants Program to help us defray some course expenses. Thank you also to Elvira Pettersen, director of the Rockville Centre Teacher Center . She was concerned about the paraprofessionals in our district and felt it was important for us to have the training we needed for the Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills. She made the initial contact with ELT and arranged for and paid for the test preparation course through the teacher center. Sixty-three paraprofessionals attended and 40 more were turned away due to an enrollment cap. They will have to wait for a future session. Lena Cobia, President of the Rockville Centre Teacher Aide Association, has diligently followed up by obtaining and distributing information regarding course descriptions, necessary materials and registration to our members. Margaret Mansfield |
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