The UFT is once again marshalling its forces to ensure we get a state budget that protects public education in New York City.

We have a major challenge ahead of us this spring: Making sure every New Yorker is counted in this year’s U.S. Census.

The Red for Ed movement continues to be a rallying cry for teachers around the country who are fed up with underfunded schools and low wages. We in New York City set the standard for public school educators about what it is possible to gain when you belong to a strong union.

We’ve seen a dramatic drop in the number of oversize classes early in the school year — thanks to class-size reduction provisions negotiated as part of the 2018 Department of Education-UFT contract that were designed to get faster relief for teachers and students. 

Welcome back. I hope you enjoyed a restful summer break and you’re re-energized for the year ahead. As always, we’re here to help you meet the challenges and opportunities that present themselves every September. Please extend yourself to the new teachers who are finding their footing in the classroom this year. We’ve all been there, and it can be daunting.

We all carry biases and can benefit from a better understanding of how they affect our relationships with others, personally and professionally.