The 160 teachers and paraprofessionals who gathered for a day of professional learning on MindUP heard from the organization's founder, Goldie Hawn.

About 425 school staff, students, community leaders and local elected officials packed Villa Barone Manor in the Bronx for the UFT District 11 Scholarship Dinner Dance, which raised more than $10,000 for scholarships for District 11 students.

The passion that educators bring to Career and Technical Education programs and their ability to light their students’ pathways to success were lauded at this year’s CTE Awards Recognition Ceremony.

Some 350 guests were treated to fiery lion dancers and a delicious traditional Chinese meal as the UFT Asian Heritage Committee hosted its annual Lunar New Year Banquet. Marian C. Thom, the founder and longtime chair of the committee, was honored.

Ten years ago, the UFT saved the jobs of 10,000 members by providing training on combating discrimination, bullying and harassment in schools The six hours of training was required by the then-new state law, the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), for teachers, paraprofessionals and school clinicians to maintain their state certification. Many of the trainers, past and present, came together on Feb. 8 to mark the anniversary.

The UFT decked the halls with joy and toys when it invited 100 students from 10 city shelters to UFT headquarters on Dec. 16 for its annual holiday party in partnership with the Coalition for the Homeless.