After weeks of negotiations, the DOE agreed to change its position that the lack of ratings in 2019–20 should be a determining factor in the number and type of observations that teachers are required to have this school year. Any tenured teacher rated Effective for the 2020–21 school year will receive a minimum of two informal observations this year. (As before, members can request a formal observation if they wish, but it is not required.)

The dispute between the UFT and the DOE over spring break pay in 2020 will now proceed to arbitration, with a hearing before a neutral arbitrator likely to take place in mid-December.

If school staff were not told by Oct. 15 to report to their school for professional development on Election Day, they will participate in PD remotely.

Any DOE employees who choose to continue receiving paper checks must receive them at their mailing address. The DOE will no longer send these checks to schools.

Although public schools have resumed full in-person learning, parent-teacher conferences will be remote during the 2021–22 school year.

From April 15 through Aug. 9, UFT members do not need a release from a principal to change schools, and the Open Market Transfer Plan offers all pedagogues and paraprofessionals access to citywide job openings.


Everything you need to know about signing up for Medicare if you’re turning 65, whether you are retiring or continuing to work.

High school seniors have until Dec. 31 to apply for the UFT’s $5,000 Albert Shanker college scholarships.

In July 2021, some educators will reach the end of the first five-year cycle for collecting 100 Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) hours from state-approved providers. This Q&A tells you what you need to know about CTLE requirements. 

The UFT app, NYSUT and AFT provide members-only discounts from merchants on travel, apparel and much more.