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Cara Matthews

New York Teacher Senior Editor/Reporter

Weingarten book signing

Weingarten book signing

Warning that democracy and public education in the United States are imperiled, Randi Weingarten discussed her new book — “Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy” — at the event with about 170 union members and guests.

Strides 2025

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks

Hundreds of UFT members in all five boroughs and on Long Island participated in the Making Strides walks on the last two Sundays in October, raising money for breast cancer research and awareness. 

Free Legal Assistance Generic

Free legal assistance for UFT retirees

The UFT Welfare Fund Retiree Legal Plan with Elder Law Supplement offers many benefits, but the five that UFT retirees use the most are assistance with estate planning, elder law, civil litigation, real estate and matrimonial law.
Feeding others to feed

Feeding others to feed the soul

Retired teacher Luann Martin gives back to her community by volunteering with the Feeding with TLC soup kitchen operated by Trinity Lutheran Church on Staten Island.
Union backs Mamdani for mayor

Union backs Mamdani for mayor

The UFT Delegate Assembly voted on July 8 to endorse Queens Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor in the November elections. At a news conference at union headquarters the following day, Mamdani pledged to work with the union to protect New York City public schools and support educators and students.
Embattled federal May Day rally

Embattled federal workers unite

Federal workers have faced a dizzying mix of reductions in force, firings of probationary workers, early retirements and deferred resignations since Trump became president for the second time. The Federal Unionists Network (FUN) in New York City is focused on organizing workers, fighting the federal attacks and forming alliances within the labor movement, including the UFT.
Homing in on learning

Homing in on learning

The historical curiosity of 1st-graders at Manhattan's PS 4 is sparked when co-teachers Lizette Lantigua and Yomayra Gomez take them on a class trip to the 260-year-old Morris-Jumel Mansion, Manhattan's oldest surviving residence.
3,000 additional educators hired to reduce class size

3,000 additional educators hired to reduce class size

As of Aug. 6, the DOE had hired more than 2,300 educators for the 3,700 open positions for class size reduction — about 62% of the need. The progress is significant, but the UFT notes that with hiring shortages throughout the city school system, the DOE needs to do more.
Cellphone ban takes effect

Cellphone ban takes effect

The new academic year marks the start of the statewide bell-to-bell ban on cellphones and any other internet-enabled electronic communication devices in schools. The UFT successfully fought for the restriction to help students focus.
Give 'RESPECT check' a hearing

UFT demands Council speaker give 'RESPECT check' a hearing

The UFT has turned up the pressure on City Council leaders to bring the "RESPECT check" bill for paraprofessionals to a committee hearing and a vote. Forty-seven of 51 City Council members have co-sponsored the bill and more than 104,000 people have signed a petition in support of the legislation, but Council Speaker Adrienne Adams has not brought the bill to a committee hearing, which is a prerequisite for a vote.