You may be on vacation, but the UFT isn’t! The union operates all year round to make sure that members have what they need to thrive at every stage of their careers. Take a look at all the ways the union can support you this summer.
Professional development
This summer, the UFT and the UFT Teacher Center are offering high-quality, low-cost professional development for you to earn A+ or P credits toward your salary differential.
The Teacher Center is offering two Summer Institute courses on the science of reading. These courses, which combine online sessions and in-person sessions at UFT headquarters, offer 45 CTLE hours and three P credits. The first two-week course, running from July 7 to 16, is a beginnerto intermediate-level course that focuses on evidence-based reading instruction. The second course, running from July 28 to Aug. 6, is an advanced-level course on designing and implementing high-impact literacy instruction. Both courses will integrate AI and other digital tools. Keep an eye on the UFT Teacher Center website for registration information.
This July, the UFT is offering two graduate-level courses on teaching English language learners: “Language, Culture and Learning for English Language Learners” and “Methods of Teaching Language and Literacy for English Language Learners.” Both courses begin on July 8 and continue through July 31, meeting from Monday to Thursday, on Zoom. “Methods of Teaching” meets from 9 a.m. to noon, and “Language, Culture and Learning” meets from 1 to 4 p.m.
Mental health support
The UFT’s Member Assistance Program (MAP) offers an online “seasonal self-care” support group, available free of charge to all UFT members. This summer’s group will dive into different areas of wellness by offering practical tips from MAP’s licensed clinicians. The group meets weekly on Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to noon, from July 8 to Aug. 19. Attend every session or drop in when you can.
In partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness, MAP will be offering “In Our Own Voice,” a summer session of Shattering the Stigma on July 2. Two trained national alliance volunteers who are living with mental health conditions will share their experiences of mental illness and recovery. Members will have the opportunity to ask questions, share their own experiences and learn about available mental health resources. And on Aug. 14, MAP will hold a workshop on 10 nutritional supplements that may help support your overall well-being. Keep an eye on the MAP web page for registration information.
If you would like to set up an appointment with a MAP counselor or receive a referral for outside mental health resources, call 212-701-9620 from Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. or email mapinfo [at] uft [dot] org. If you need immediate support, you can call the UFT Helpline, a 24/7 support line, at 1-866-UFT-FOR-U.
Legal help
Are you moving this summer? Would you like a lawyer to check over your lease before you sign it? The UFT Legal Services Plan assists members with everyday issues like reviewing a lease or contract or getting a manufacturer or a dealership to honor a warranty. Under the plan, an attorney can also prepare a will, a health care proxy and power of attorney for you at no cost.