As the Dec. 20 deadline approached, several hundred New York City public schools were working on their applications for funding to reduce class size next school year. In late October, principals were invited to create a plan and apply for funds, which will be recurring, if their school had the available space but needed to hire more staff to lower class size to the new limits in state law.


In-service members enrolled in the UFT Welfare Fund gained two benefit improvements in November: an increase in the weekly short-term disability benefit and more coverage of a special formula for newborns and others with nutrition-intake deficiencies.

The UFT Paraprofessionals Chapter launched a new RESPECT campaign at its Nov. 21 paraprofessional representatives meeting to demand that the Department of Education pay paraprofessionals more, value their work and uphold their rights.


UFT President Michael Mulgrew is calling on the city to fill vacant school-related professional positions in order to fulfill the special education requirements of at least 9,000 students across the city.

UFT Welfare Fund-eligible members now have access to more than three times as many dentists through the UFT Welfare Fund’s Scheduled Benefit Plan, which is its most popular dental plan.

Thanks to a three-year effort by audiologists and their union, public school students now have access to hearing loss assessment in Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx and at two locations in Brooklyn.