Retired Teachers Chapter News

RTC Chapter Leader Bennett Fischer looks back on the year that is closing, taking pride in a vibrant chapter that advocates for every member and supports both labor and the community. He reminds retirees of the tangible, bread-and-butter improvements members have won and urges the same energy when all return in the fall.

Scam artists and fraudsters often prey on adults over 60, targeting their savings and good credit. UFT retirees learned tips from the city's Department of Aging to avoid being victimized.

Here is what UFT retirees need to know to stay in the know about UFT events and benefits if they are moving away from New York City.

Tom Pappas, a “tough as nails” but kind educator and administrator who began teaching in 1957 and went on to serve as a district representative, borough representative, UFT assistant, UFT secretary, staff director and Retired Teachers Chapter leader, died on Feb. 13, 2026. He was 93.

Retired special education teacher Hope Kirsch has turned her educational knowhow into a rewarding second act as a lauded special education attorney post retirement.

Chapter Leader Bennett Fischer calls on retirees to join the UFT in organizing around protecting the social safety nets of Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, as he details threats and cuts the Trump administration has made regarding the programs already.