Cara Matthews
New York Teacher Senior Editor/Reporter
In support of caring and sharing
Caring for people in need and promoting equity were top of mind in the five resolutions UFT delegates approved at the Delegate Assembly on Nov. 19, including support for disaster relief in Jamaica and LGBTQIA+ rights.
A helping hand is just a phone call away
The UFT Welfare Fund Retiree Social Services' Nationwide Telephone Reassurance Program offers support for retirees that is just a phone call away. Retirees can chat for as long as they need about whatever issue they may wish to discuss or may be going through.
Union pillars honored
The UFT posthumously honored two accomplished members who died this year and presented their families with memorial plaques: Ron Jones, a former vice president for elementary schools, and Richard Miller, a former vice president of middle schools.
Seeking the spotlight in retirement
Richard Sacher, who retired from teaching in 2005, has made acting and singing his second act.
New Retiree Luncheon
Some 265 recent UFT retirees were celebrated for their service, passion and commitment to changing students’ lives during this UFT Welfare Fund annual event.
‘Demystifying Disability’ workshop
About 25 school staff gathered on Dec. 3 for a "Demystifying Dsability" workshop led by special education teacher David Friedman from PS 69 in Jackson Heights.
Teacher Union Day
About 1,700 UFT members and guests marked the union’s 65th anniversary at this year’s observance of Teacher Union Day on Nov. 2 by honoring union members past and present for their efforts to improve working conditions and strengthen members’ rights and benefits.
Fight for ‘RESPECT ’ continues
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams blocked the “RESPECT check” bill from coming to a vote before the full City Council this year. But the UFT plans to redouble its efforts to get the bill across the finish line in the new year.
Blue for RESPECT
UFT members supported the “RESPECT check” bill on Nov. 13 by holding teach-ins, wearing blue and tagging City Council members on social media in photos of themselves holding “RESPECT for Paraprofessionals” signs.
Kudos to Amy Craine, District 31 Pre-K Centers, Staten Island
UFT members at the six sites that make up District 31 Pre-K Centers on Staten Island are no longer staying silent in the face of mistreatment from their principal, thanks to Chapter Leader Amy Craine.