New teachers hear from UFT President Michael Mulgrew during the new teacher meet and greet event at the UFT Staten Island borough office on Sept. 29. Department of Education officials, including new District 31 Superintendent Anthony Lodico, joined union staff in offering advice to the educators who attended.

PS 9 speech therapist Jessica Musto (left) and PS 56 teacher Tina Chechel at the event.

Pension specialist Barry Golbin (left) discusses that subject with attendees.

New members pack the meeting room.

PS 21 teacher Mira Kim picks up information.

Patrick Donegan, a teacher at IS 259 in Brooklyn who lives on Staten Island, has accumulated plenty of information.

Members get their certification questions answered.

Outreach specialist Barbara Ruvolo (left) advises teachers Nayely Apunte (center) and Amy Crespo.

Kristina Scheffler, a paraprofessional at PS 78, chats with other attendees.

UFT Staten Island Borough Representative Debra Penny welcomes the new members.

District 31 Representative Sean Rotkowitz offers some tips.