Sandy Scragg
New York Teacher Reporter
UFT Welfare Fund health care programs
The UFT offers several health initiatives that provide members with access to medical experts, concierge services for personalized care and best-in-class treatment options. Read our FAQ to learn more about three UFT Welfare Fund health care programs: Health and Cancer Helpline, MSK Direct and HSS Perform.
Give your pedagogy a lift with podcasts
There are great podcasts, many made for educators by educators, that discuss relevant issues, share solutions and foster community. Get some inspiration through your headphones and take a listen to one of the teacher-friendly podcasts provided in this guide.
The big lessons of smaller class sizes
Three teachers in Queens — the New York City borough with the most overcrowded classrooms — drive home the benefits of the state's class size law, which mandates smaller numbers of students per class, by sharing their experiences from the front lines.
Early Childhood Conference 2026
Hundreds of early childhood educators gathered at UFT Headquarters to address a serious topic: the power of play. The UFT’s 18th annual Early Childhood Conference integrated the theme “learning through play” throughout the joyous events of the day — from a group karaoke sing-along to powerful presentations and nine CTLE-credit-bearing workshops.
Switching schools
Ready to apply for a new opportunity or wish to transfer to a new school? This Q and A explains what educators need to know about the Open Market Transfer Plan.
Creating podcasts
Creating classroom podcasts isn’t just trendy, it’s a task that checks many boxes: using real-world skills, applying content knowledge, integrating technology, incorporating student voice, and practicing all four components of English language arts.
Learn how.
Protect play: an essential ingredient in early childhood success
Play fosters a lasting love of learning, and must be protected in early childhood classrooms. Research overwhelmingly reinforces the benefits of play-based instruction. Children who engage in cooperative play generally have higher self-esteem, and play fosters social skills like sharing, taking turns, and resolving conflicts. Active learning has been shown to boost academic achievement and retention compared to teacher-led instruction.
Fixing Tier 6
Get answers to all your questions about the Tier 6 New York State pension tier and why the UFT is fighting so hard to "fix" it.
Creating classroom content with AI tools
Find about a variety of educator-friendly AI tools with tips on how to use them to create classroom resources, including Notebook LM, Suno and others.
Partnering with paraprofessionals
When teachers and paraprofessionals are on the same page, the classroom becomes a place of unity and students are the beneficiaries. Teachers across the city discuss the benefits of forging strong, healthy relationships with the paraprofessionals with whom they work.