Whether you’re working a summer session or deciding to fully recharge in July and August, setting aside a few hours for professional development is an investment in your future self. The UFT offers high-quality, affordable classes that will help you earn CTLE credits and/or A+ or P credits toward your salary differential.
Summer Institute sessions
This summer, join the UFT Teacher Center for a dynamic professional learning experience designed to strengthen instructional practice, foster collaboration and support educators across content areas.
The Summer Institute will feature engaging, hands-on sessions focused on best practices in math, science, social studies, literacy, English as a new language, special education and AI integration in education.
Through collaborative discussions, interactive learning experiences and practical instructional strategies, participants will explore innovative approaches that can be immediately implemented to enhance student outcomes and instructional impact for the 2026–27 school year.
In-person sessions will be held from June 29 to July 2, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at union headquarters. Virtual sessions will be offered from July 6–9.
For more information about cost, credits and registration, visit uft.org/summer-series.
ELL courses
In July, the UFT also will provide two graduate-level English language learner courses: “Language, Culture and Learning for English Language Learners” and “Methods of Teaching Language and Literacy for English Language Learners.”
Both courses run from July 7–30 and meet on Zoom from Monday to Thursday.
“Language, Culture and Learning” (uft.org/language-and-culture) meets from 9 a.m. to noon and “Methods of Teaching” (uft.org/methods-of-teaching) meets from 1 to 4 p.m.
Both courses provide 45 CTLE hours in language acquisition for ELLs and can also be used to fulfill three A+/P credits toward the +30 salary differential.
AFT’s AI Academy
The AFT’s National Academy for AI Instruction offers in-person and online courses throughout the year, including the summer, to demystify artificial intelligence and supply educators with strategies for streamlining planning and supporting student learning.
On June 30, the Academy will offer “Smart Supports: Using AI to Scaffold and Differentiate for English Learners.” This interactive webinar will teach practical methods of differentiating and scaffolding lessons for English language learners.
The Academy also offers on-demand online sessions to accommodate busy schedules. For more information, visit www.aiinstruction.org.
Ready when you are
Making time for professional development during the summer break can be meaningful and productive. But no judgment if you decide to spend the summer recharging your batteries in other ways! The UFT will be ready when you are.
In September, the UFT Teacher Center will offer 45 hours of social studies professional development through an immersive, on-the-streets course celebrating 250 years of American independence. Keep an eye on your email or visit www.ufttc.org in August for registration information.
Until then, enjoy the summer!