Leigh Anderson
New York Teacher Senior Editor/Reporter
Student novels displayed on bookcase
Cara Cifferelli, an ELA teacher at John Dewey HS in Brooklyn, encourages her students to write full-length novels in her classroom as part of National Novel Writing Month. The students' work is displayed in a classroom bookcase.
Talking while walking
At PS 13 on Staten Island, UFT members and the principal began holding initial planning conferences "on the move." That seemingly minor change has delivered outsized benefits in teacher morale — and possibly even student achievement.
Building strong ties between home and school
Research shows a positive impact on students when teachers and families are able to work together effectively. Here are UFT Teacher Center tips and strategies to establish a solid relationship between home and school.
My classroom snack cart
Pre-K teacher Melysa Solomon of Manhattan's PS 343 has come up with an innovative way to provide students with their snacks throughout the day.
Nurse Recognition Day
Some 200 nurses and their families filled Shanker Hall for the Federation of Nurses/UFT’s annual Nurse Recognition Day dinner on May 8 to honor members for their union activism and patient advocacy.
UFT Teacher Center’s 45th anniversary celebration
Some 350 UFT Teacher Center site coaches, field liaisons and directors past and present — from long-retired employees to current staff — gathered at the TWA Hotel in Queens on April 27 to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the program.
Spring Education Conference
UFT President Michael Mulgrew didn’t mince words about the current threats to public schools and public school communities at the union's 2025 Spring Education Conference. He asked the more than 1,600 members who packed the New York Hilton Midtown to steel themselves for the battles to come, promising victory in solidarity.
Workshops with a New York State of mind
Educators could earn CTLE credit by attending any of five professional development workshops offered by the UFT Teacher Center at this year's Spring Education Conference.
This year’s New York City theme allowed Teacher Center instructors to infuse the workshops with local culture and history.
Early Childhood Conference
More than 300 educators in grades 3-K though 2 enjoyed a day of inspiration, camaraderie and professional development with an emphasis on how important a strong start is to a child’s educational achievement.
Honoring over a half century of service
UFT retirees with 50, 60 and 70 years of service were honored at the Retired Teachers Chapter Luncheon at UFT headquarters on May 23.