Grieving the loss of a loved one, whether a family member, friend or colleague, can be complicated and difficult. Grieving during a pandemic is more complicated still. Listen in as Alan Fruzzetti, Ph.D., a psychologist from McLean Hospital and cofounder of the Center for Trauma and Stress Education, shares his insights. While there is no “right” way to grieve, in this episode, we will learn strategies for coping with grief and loss so it isn’t overwhelming.

In this special podcast episode for UFT retirees, hear how retired UFT members throughout the country are experiencing life during this pandemic and learn strategies that retirees are using to cope with the new reality. “We want our retired members to know your union is here for you and you’re not alone,” said Retired Teachers Chapter Leader Tom Murphy. “Listen in to our conversation as one way to stay together while remaining socially distant.” The podcast features Murphy; Christopher Chin, the director of Retiree Social Services; and Donesa Jackson and Patti Vitucci of the UFT’s Florida retiree section.

Learn tips and strategies about creating boundaries, setting routines and virtually supporting students in the remote era from Doreen Ng, the director of mental health at the UFT’s United Community Schools program, and Christopher Chin, the director of the union’s Retiree Social Services Department. In this interview with Lindsay Strickler-Levine, a licensed counselor with the union’s Member Assistance Program, Ng and Chin also discuss why finding a “win” every day is an important self-care tool.

Learn more about how the UFT Member Assistance Program is helping union members cope with the COVID-19 pandemic through individual consultations, virtual support groups and online resources at Membership Assistance Program.

UFT Member Assistance Program Director Tina Puccio, LCSW, and licensed counselors Lindsay Levine and Jenice Acosta, who have been facilitating the union’s virtual support groups, discuss that strategies that have helped UFT members deal with the fear and anxiety triggered by the coronavirus crisis.

Learn more about how the individual consultations, virtual support groups and online resources that the UFT Member Assistance Program offers at www.uft.org/map

Together we make a difference: transforming student-teacher relationships through functional fitness, with Libby Douglass, a CrossFit coach at CrossFit Wall Street and Jackie Boyle, a NYC public school teacher. Hear about the benefits of using exercise in the classroom and ways to incorporate exercise into your daily classroom routine. Learn more about the UFT’s Member Assistance Program and check out resources for new teachers at Member Assistance Program.

Getting Ready to Launch with Gisele Noisy-McBride, UFT Teacher Center. How can you set yourself up for a successful school year? Hear about steps you can take to focus your actions and beliefs.

Making Classrooms Happy Places with Dana Ashley, the director of the UFT Positive Learning Collaborative (PLC), and Miranda Selbst, the PLC restorative practices coordinator and a former high school teacher. In this two-part series, Dana and Miranda discuss elements that can contribute to making a happy classroom, including rituals and best practices to create community in your classroom.

Mindfulness and Compassion with Kristin Westbrook, the founder of Calm City Meditation and certified meditation teacher. Kristin outlines three meditation techniques that can help educators relieve stress and maintain a sense of calm throughout the day: a body scan, a mindfulness meditation and a loving kindness meditation. For more information about Calm City Meditation Station visit www.calmcitynyc.com.

Making Classrooms Happy Places with Dana Ashley, the director of the UFT Positive Learning Collaborative (PLC), and Miranda Selbst, the PLC restorative practices coordinator and a former high school teacher. In this two-part series, Dana and Miranda discuss elements that can contribute to making a happy classroom, including rituals and best practices to create community in your classroom.

10 Ways to Eat Healthier With Limited Time with Meredith Price, a Brooklyn-based Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Meredith provides her top 10 strategies for eating well when you have limited time during the work week. To learn more about Meredith and some of the websites she utilizes, please visit: www.PricelessRD.com, www.101cookbooks.com, www.cookieandkate.com, www.healthyaperture.com.