Retired Teachers Chapter Luncheon 2026

Margaret Ward accepts the Retired Paraprofessional Advocacy Award for being a dedicated advocate who stands up against injustice and remains highly active in the union.

Retired teachers Tracey Brown (left) and Shirley Dewely chat during breakfast at the start of the RTC Luncheon.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew thanks retirees for their activism and for dedicating their lives as educators to making a better society.

“Wherever we go out activism follows,” RTC Chapter Leader Bennett Fischer tells retirees. “We are a powerful political force not only here within the UFT but in the communities that we call home.”

About 300 RTC members and guests attend the 60^th annual luncheon.

The New York City Labor Chorus, celebrating its 35^th anniversary, performs at the start of the luncheon.

Attendees cheer and sing along to the New York City Labor Chorus’ rendition of “Solidarity Forever.”

Jackie Padilla (left) and Helena Itak, newly retired teachers from JHS 118 in the Bronx, enjoy the event.

Martin Raskin, the recipient of the RTC’s Historical Preservation Award, stands at a table of New York City public school memorabilia that he has collected for decades.

Joyful retirees dance in a conga line as Jimmy Hill and the Allstarz Band plays.

RTC Chapter Leader Bennett Fischer joins the band onstage for a song.