Around the UFT

Some 300 members joined the UFT's Academic High Schools division to celebrate a broad spectrum of contributions across the city’s public school system. Excellence in Education awards honored teachers recognized for innovative pedagogy, while Community Champion awards celebrated school-related professionals who fostered warm and inclusive environments within their schools.

Some 200 members and guests gathered as the UFT Speech Improvement Chapter hosted its 20th annual celebration of National Speech-Language-Hearing Month. 
Award-winning topics and projects, including those that raised awareness about cerebral palsy, utilized augmentative and alternative communication devices and described strategies to address selective mutism.

Hundreds of early childhood educators gathered at UFT Headquarters to address a serious topic: the power of play. The UFT’s 18th annual Early Childhood Conference integrated the theme “learning through play” throughout the joyous events of the day — from a group karaoke sing-along to powerful presentations and nine CTLE-credit-bearing workshops.

Some 500 UFT members enjoyed a performance of Broadway's "Buena Vista Social Club," the featured event of this year's Educators Night on Broadway, an annual collaboration between the Broadway League and the UFT.

About 300 Retired Teachers Chapter members and guests attended the RTC Luncheon, which featured performances by the New York City Labor Chorus, and Jimmy Hill and the All-starz Band, whose blues, soul and funk music got attendees dancing.
The RTC gave out 10 awards honoring members’ activism, advocacy, leadership and dedication. The chapter also recognized 50-, 60- and 70-year union members for their service.