Where We Stand

As an advocate for New York City’s children, educators and schools, the UFT has always been involved in policy development and politics that shape our school system. We testify before legislative bodies, research and write reports and participate in the public discussion of education policy. Our union’s elected governing body debates and passes resolutions defining the union’s position on many issues. You will find a record of that advocacy here, through testimony, speeches, resolutions and more.

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Current Issues

Supporting Struggling Schools

The great promise of public education is that it is for all children, and a strong public education system has long been understood as one of the pillars of a democratic society. The great challenge for educators is thus not only how to raise standards and achievements but also how to raise them for our most vulnerable and disadvantaged students.

Charter Schools

Charter schools were originally conceived as innovative public schools, free from the bureaucracy of school districts and designed to nurture new effective educational models. In fact, the late UFT and AFT president Al Shanker was an early proponent of charters.

UFT Committees

The UFT Professional Committees seek to actively engage members in professional growth through activities such as conferences, seminars, workshops, educational trips, newsletters and professional recognition.