Paraprofessionals & School-Related Personnel (PSRP)

Note - updates on the impact of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) outbreak on non-certified education staff and members of PSRP local unions will be linked here.
 
Click here for results of our board of education (BOE) union coalition return to school survey (Jan 11, 2022).
 
Click here for Department of Public Health (DPH) guidance on mandatory school employee vaccinations (Jan. 4, 2022).
 
Click here for the state Department of Education (SDE)'s COVID-19 self-test kits distribution plan (Jan. 3, 2022).
 
Click here for the federal education department website's COVID-19 resources for schools (Dec. 30, 2021).
 
Click here for our national union's COVID-19 resources for education support staff (Aug. 14, 2021).
 
Click here to access SDE's “Special Education” portal (Apr. 21, 2021). 
 
Click here for the executive order requiring paid leave for school employees quarantined due to COVID-19 exposure (Feb. 4, 2021).
 
Click here for our legal counsel's memo on COVID-19 and employment rights (Jul. 27, 2020).
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AFT Connecticut represents thousands of school-related personnel (PSRP) in local and regional districts across the state. PSRPs work as paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, tutors, secretaries, school nurses, custodians and others who provide critical services that support student learning. From contract negotiations to professional development, AFT Connecticut works to secure the pay, benefits, conditions and respect they deserve as both professionals and “the engine that keeps their schools running.”
 
Click here to follow our national union’s PSRP Twitter feed.
 
Click here for the state education department website's School Paraprofessional Advisory Council page.
 

Demanding Lawmakers "Lift Up Working Families"

Thu, 04/09/2020 - 5:30pm
Connecticut's labor movement has been laser-focused on protecting working people since COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) began wreaking havoc as a full-blown global pandemic. The priority has been meeting the needs of those serving on the frontlines — health professionals, first responders and public safety professionals. At the same time, union leaders are teaming up for action aimed at preserving the livelihoods of working people facing layoffs, furloughs, reduced hours and shutdowns.
 

Empowering School Nurses to Fight the Pandemic

Thu, 03/26/2020 - 5:30pm
In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), Governor Ned Lamont nearly two weeks ago issued an executive order closing all public schools in Connecticut. Among the unintended consequences were furloughs and layoffs of education support personnel — including nurses and health professionals — in districts across the state. AFT Connecticut and affiliated local union leaders responded to the crisis by negotiating opportunities to re-deploy affected members to the frontlines of the pandemic.
 

Preparing for a Possible Public Health Emergency

Sat, 02/29/2020 - 1:30pm
The continuing spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) across the globe and here in the U.S. is a growing concern. As professionals working with students, patients and the general public, our members must be prepared — not panicked. We are working with our national union and state public health officials to provide tools and information in the event of a possible outbreak in Connecticut.
 
Click here for AFT's round-up of coronavirus resources.
 

Remaining Vigilant to "Open Doors for More Families"

Sat, 01/18/2020 - 11:30am
Hartford families and education advocates earlier this month reached a settlement with local and state officials in the 30-year-old Sheff v. O'Neill, et al. desegregation lawsuit. While the agreement adds more than 1,000 new magnet slots in the region, it comes up short on resolving racial isolation in the Capitol City's traditional neighborhood schools. Following news of the resolution, civil rights activists and union leaders warned against complacency in the fight for equity for students struggling with poverty.
 
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