고담미스트 | There are 1,558 paraprofessional vacancies in the 474 surveyed schools, according to the teachers union.

“It’s shocking the number of cases I have escalated this year that involve the need for a para in school or on a bus,” said Maggie Moroff, special education policy coordinator with Advocates for Children of New York.

Paraprofessionals are represented by the teachers union. They’re assigned to students based on academic, behavioral or health needs and often work one-on-one with kids. They typically make between $30,000 to $50,000 annually.