RESOLUTION ADVOCATING FOR INCREASED STAFFING OF SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS, SCHOOL COUNSELORS, SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS, NURSES, OT/PT, SPEECH, SOCIAL WORKERS, PARAPROFESSIONALS, HEARING SERVICES AND ALL OTHER TITLES THAT DEAL WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION 

Whereas, in New York City Schools, we work to meet the educational, health and social needs of our students; and 

Whereas, the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) recognizes the crucial role special education teachers, counselors, nurses, OT/PT, speech, social workers, paraprofessionals, hearing services and all other titles that deal with special education play in addressing the diverse needs of the student population; adequate staffing levels of these positions are essential for fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that meets the needs of all students; and 

Whereas, the existing shortage of special education teachers, school counselors, school psychologists, nurses, and social workers has led to increased workload and challenges in providing individualized attention and support to students with unique learning requirements; and 

Whereas, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the social-emotional and mental health needs of students, causing an urgency to expand the support staff to address these challenges effectively; therefore, be it 

Resolved, the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) advocates for the hiring of more special education teachers to address the growing demand and ensure that students with unique learning requirements receive the appropriate resources necessary for their academic success; and be it further 

Resolved, the UFT urges the DOE to implement an expansion of counseling services in schools, by hiring additional social workers, school counselors and school psychologists to provide students with comprehensive social-emotional support; and be it further 

Resolved, the UFT urges the hiring of additional nurses in schools to enhance the health and well-being of students, ensuring timely and effective responses to medical needs within the school community; and be it further 

Resolved, the UFT advocates for the hiring of OT/PT and speech providers to address the growing demand and ensure that students with unique learning requirements receive the appropriate services necessary for their academic success; be it further 

Resolved, the UFT calls on the New York City Department of Education to work collaboratively with us to develop and implement strategies for recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified special education teachers, counselors, nurses, OT/PT, speech, social workers, paraprofessionals, hearing services and all other titles that deal with special education to meet the evolving needs of the student population and create a supportive learning environment for all.