Leigh Anderson
New York Teacher Senior Editor/Reporter
SIU Hospital–South nurses win big
Nurses at Staten Island University Hospital–South represented by the Federation of Nurses/UFT overwhelmingly ratified a three-year contract on March 27 that raises salaries by a compounded 14 percent, preserves premium-free health care and increases staffing in key units.
A UFT chapter is born
After a five-year fight for recognition as a bargaining unit, the UFT's newest chapter, the Division of School Facilities Supervisors Chapter, is negotiating its 1st contract with the city Department of Education.
School Counselors Conference
The invaluable need for human connection in a fast-moving digital world was top of mind as School Counselors Chapter Leader Rosemarie Thompson welcomed about 200 counselors and other related service providers to union headquarters for the 22nd annual School Counselors Conference.
Middle Schools Conference
More than 70 educators gathered at union headquarters for the union’s Middle Schools Conference, gaining professional development and key insights on meeting the challenge of supporting students at a uniquely challenging age.
Guiding the future of labor
The UFT celebrated the future-forward focus that career and technical educators bring in giving students the tools they need to join tomorrow’s labor force as more than 450 members and guests gathered at union headquarters on Feb. 12 for the union’s CTE Awards Recognition Ceremony.
Prepare now for summer
Start early and don't be afraid to get creative. Those are words of advice veteran educators are offering to new teachers get tips on how to best prepare now for the end of school year that is fast approaching.
Welcoming all to dance
Special education dance teacher Megan Mollendorf takes great “steps” to ensure all students can participate.
New deal for VNS Health nurses
Federation of Nurses/UFT members who are registered professional nurses employed by VNS Health overwhelmingly ratified a contract on Jan. 27 that provides a 12% compounded pay increase over two years, money for experience and certification differentials and improvements to scheduling and the retirement health package.
City must ‘build’ capacity
The UFT is taking aim at the School Construction Authority as it forecasts that when New York City public schools enter year four of the phased implementation of the state’s class-size reduction law, they will fall slightly short of the 80% compliance the law requires -- largely due to a lack of space.
Samuel Berck, math teacher at Rikers Island
District 79 math teacher Samuel Berck instructs incarcerated students at the East River Academy at the Rikers Island jail complex.