NYC Department of Education to Leave Assigned Special Education Teachers in Place

Assemblymembers Daniel Rosenthal and Nily Rozic and Senator Joseph Addabbo (D-Flushing) announced that New York City Department of Education has decided to keep special education teachers serving non-public schools in place following conversations with the lawmakers.

New York City employs ten Special Education Teachers to provide Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS) to students with disabilities attending nine non-public schools in Queens. Changes in federal law regarding service delivery for federally funded services raised the concern that these special education teachers might be reassigned. Due to the sudden nature of the announcement, the news was met with backlash from parents, school administrators and the special education teachers alike. The special education teachers were expected to receive new assignments across New York City by September.

The lawmakers brought these concerns to the attention of the DOE and the Mayor’s office, and advocated for a review of this policy. Following these conversations, the City determined that SETSS providers would continue in their assignments for at least one additional school year (SY 19-20).

The success of the SETSS program is evidenced by the hundreds of students and parents that have reached out to share their personal stories,” said Assemblymember, Daniel Rosenthal. “Following the news of possible provider transfers, our office immediately began advocating for continued SETSS funding. I am grateful to the DOE for listening to our concerns and for taking action to ensure that all students are afforded quality comprehensive special education services.”

“When it was announced that the NYC Department of Education was going to remove SETSS instructors from non-public schools — despite the program’s obvious success — my office received calls from teachers and parents asking if there was anything we could to do save the program,” Senator Joseph Addabbo, a member of the NYS Senate Education Committee, said. “After working with the DOE, I am thankful that they have reversed their decision and will allow the amazing SETSS instructors to remain with their current assignments for at least the 2019-2020 school year.”

“We are committed to ensuring that all New York City students received a great education, and we are glad we can continue the SETSS services as previously provided. We are grateful for our partnership with the elected officials who worked with us to ensure great services to families and students,” said New York City Department of Education, Deputy Chancellor of School Planning and Development, Karin Goldmark.

"Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS) educators have been providing the highest quality educational services for students in non-public schools for years," said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. "I am glad that the Department of Education has agreed to allow the SETSS program to continue for the 2019/2020 school year and will continue advocating for the services all students deserve."