There were plenty of smiles and a bit of trepidation as the 2021–22 school year kicked off with all students returning to in-person learning in their classrooms for the first time since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

Former paraprofessional Sherwin Persaud made the transition to teacher last school year, finding his niche working with autistic children and those with behavioral issues in the early grades at P233 in Forest Hills, Queens.

Whether through activities associated with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer or Wear Pink days, UFT members across New York City have been front and center during October to raise awareness and funds to fight the disease.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew met with staff at PS 811 in Queens on Jan. 22 to discuss various education and union issues and also checked in on members during a tour of the building.

The new UFT Queens borough office was decked out with colorful balloons and banners to welcome hundreds of Queens parents, grandparents, guardians and education activists for the 10th annual UFT Queens Parent Conference on Nov. 23.

UFT members across New York City dressed in pink on Oct. 16 to raise awareness about breast cancer.