Chad Hamilton is a dedicated special education teacher with 19 years of experience serving students at P231K in District 75. His career spans teaching 8:1:1 standard assessment classrooms, as well as 8:1:1, 12:1:1, and 6:1:1 alternate assessment classrooms. Chad’s expertise as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and a New York State Licensed Behavior Analyst (NYS-LBA) underscores his commitment to providing exceptional support and instruction to students with diverse needs.

Currently in his seventh year as UFT Chapter Leader at P231K, Chad has a long history of union involvement and advocacy. He previously served as UFT Teacher Delegate for three years and has contributed to the union’s efforts as a PM Staffer in the UFT District 75 Office. His experience on the UFT Contract Negotiation Committee for the 2023 contract provided him with valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for advancing the interests of special education professionals and students. Additionally, Chad represents his colleagues as a NYSUT and AFT Traveling Delegate, further demonstrating his dedication to union service and educator advocacy.

Chad is running for Vice President of Special Education with A Better Contract UFT out of a deep commitment to ethics and advocacy for students, families, communities, and UFT members. He believes that special education in New York City requires significant reform to ensure compliance with student IEPs and adherence to federal, state, and local special education laws and regulations. His vision includes advocating for adequate staffing, related services, and appropriate space allocations in every school.

A strong proponent of professional growth, Chad emphasizes the need for teacher voice leading to meaningful professional development and access to developmentally appropriate curriculum and instructional materials. He is also passionate about fixing para pay to ensure that paraprofessionals—vital partners in special education—can afford to live and work in New York City. His vision extends to achieving parity for Occupational and Physical Therapists, advocating for full LODI coverage, and aligning longevity increases to salary schedules with those of teachers.

Through his leadership, Chad Hamilton aims to bring real change to special education, creating a supportive and equitable environment for both educators and students. His approach is collaborative, focusing on building a union that empowers special educators across all titles and contributes to the success of exceptional students throughout the city.