At the UFT’s annual city legislative breakfast, 28 City Council members heard how critical an annual “RESPECT check” would be in reversing the paraprofessional shortage in schools. They also heard appeals from union representatives for continued city funding of Teacher’s Choice and UFT programs that benefit educators, students and families.


Member organizing paid off at the Brooklyn campus of Boerum Hill School for International Studies and two other public schools. The city Department of Education moved to alleviate overcrowding by transferring unused Success Academy Charter School space to their schools.

With the state funding that 750 schools received to bring class sizes into compliance with state law, more UFT members will have optimal teaching conditions next school year and are confident that students will benefit from the additional time and attention they receive.


UFT members expressed their growing concern with the Trump administration’s policies and the threat of cuts to education funding by rallying in the streets and wearing red in schools as part of an AFT national Day of Action.

The UFT has improved an important benefit for members who have experienced hearing loss. Effective March 1, members will be reimbursed up to $4,000 for hearing aids every three years.