Around the UFT
Social workers’ full-day workshop
Lifelong support from union
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Jonathan Fickies
Nearly 400 social workers gathered at UFT headquarters in Manhattan on April 8 for a full-day workshop, “Collaboration and Inspiration: School Social Workers as Leaders, Advocates and Brokers for Change,” organized by the UFT and the Department of Education’s Office of Guidance and School Counseling. Hasan Moody, a third-year social worker at the Bronx Academy for Software Engineering, said he felt fortunate to have access to quality, low-cost professional development as a union benefit, especially since his non-DOE colleagues don’t have it or else pay full price for it. “It’s nice to know that I have this level of support and it’s lifelong,” Moody said. The UFT provides some professional learning opportunities at no cost and also offers for-credit professional development at a discount for those members who require it to maintain their licenses. Social Workers and Psychologists Chapter Leader Anurag Singh said his goal is to find ways to help his members hone their skills and meet licensing and certification requirements. “One way to do that is to help advocate for more professional development within the union,” said Singh. Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña, UFT Vice President for Special Education Carmen Alvarez and New York City first lady Chirlane McCray greeted members at the workshop.