“We Make a Difference” was the theme at this year’s UFT Paraprofessionals Festival and Awards Luncheon, which celebrated paraprofessionals at Shanker Hall on March 5 for rising to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Paraprofessionals from across New York City celebrated colleagues’ achievements, learned new skills at workshops and enjoyed games and self-care activities at a carnival during the 2023 Paraprofessionals Festival & Awards Luncheon at the New York Hilton Midtown on March 25.

Nearly 700 paraprofessionals attended the UFT’s annual Paraprofessionals Festival & Awards Luncheon on March 23 at the New York Hilton in Midtown Manhattan. Fifteen paraprofessionals were honored for their outstanding service. Attendees participated in workshops to strengthen their practice and enjoyed a carnival featuring games and self-care. This year’s theme was “Superheroes of Education: Celebrating our Paraprofessional Powers.”

UFT members united in blue on Oct. 13, 2022, in support of a fair DOE-UFT contract.