(New York, NY) – The United Federation of Teachers is raising concerns about staffing shortages across the five boroughs. The city’s teacher union says that this is especially impacting students that need the most assistance. Union President Michael Mulgrew is putting the blame on the city Department of Education for the staffing shortfalls.
The dwindling number of teachers is hampering students in special education that need additional services, in turn additional staff, for things like speech or physical therapy. The union cites over 2,200 vacancies across 474 schools, and that’s just in roles for special education. City schools chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos says she hears the concerns from educators. She promised to strengthen city schools and prioritize students with disabilities.
