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UFT statement on Albany's reforms to Tier 6 pensions
UFT President Michael Mulgrew issued a statement regarding Tier 6 pension reform for New York State public employees.
Thinking of starting counseling?
There are as many reasons to seek counseling as there are people. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Loredana Zito, a licensed mental health counselor and school psychologist, joins us to demystify the counseling experience. Together, we explore why people seek therapy, how to find the right fit in a counselor and what to expect in those first few sessions. Stigma sometimes prevents people from seeking mental health care, but asking for support is an act of strength.
March and April 2026 posts
Posts from the March and April 2026 editions of Principal's Digest relevant to special education topics.
Jan. & Feb. 2026 posts
Posts from the July and August 2025 editions of Principal's Digest related to special education topics.
Action Center
Get involved and share your voice! Review our active campaigns and support issues that matter to our members.
Medical arbitration FAQ
Medical arbitration is the process by which a pedagogue appeals a decision made by the DOE medical office. Read our FAQ on medical arbitration for more information.
Will Clerical Day on Friday, June 5, be remote or in-person in 2026?
For the June 5 clerical day (no students) that takes place in pre-K centers, elementary schools, middle schools, K–8 schools and K–12 schools and standalone District 75 programs, UFT-represented staff in those schools will work remotely that day. As...
What is medical arbitration?
Medical arbitration is the process by which a pedagogue appeals a decision made by the DOE medical office. Members may be eligible for medical arbitration once they have been denied a Line of Duty Injury (LODI) for at least 20 consecutive days. Once...
When must I apply for medical arbitration?
You must file for arbitration within 10 business days of receiving a Line of Duty Injury (LODI) denial letter from the DOE medical office. Read more about medical arbitration and read our set of FAQs for additional information.
Providers Appreciation Awards Ceremony 2026
About 400 members of the UFT Family Child Care Providers Chapter and their guests filled Shanker Hall at union headquarters for the 13th annual Provider Appreciation Awards ceremony on May 8. More than 40 members were honored for providing exemplary service to young children and their families.
Middle Schools Awards 2026
Over 200 honorees and guests attended the inaugural Middle Schools Awards at UFT headquarters in Manhattan, where some 40 members were honored for excellence in education, collaboration and union activism.
Unwind your mind
In a world that rarely slows down, learning how to relax and unwind the mind is essential for maintaining both mental clarity and emotional well-being. When you realize you are feeling irritable and overwhelmed, don’t just push through: Step back and...
Testimony on rising health care costs
UFT President Michael Mulgrew submitted testimony on the impact of rising health care costs on patients and families before the United States House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means.
Empowering women's health
Women's health is often discussed as separate symptoms, but the lived experience — hormonal shifts, misunderstood conditions and the emotional weight of postpartum life — deserves deeper attention. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Dr. Pina LoGiudice, naturopathic doctor and owner of InnerSource Wellness, joins us to discuss concerns women bring into care and issues that often go unspoken. Together, we explore hormonal impacts on mental health, misdiagnosis, and how women can become more empowered in seeking support.
District 11 Scholarship Dinner 2026
A crowd of some 550 members and guests turned out at a Bronx banquet hall for the eighth annual District 11 Scholarship Dinner, a night of celebration recognizing the achievements of members, students and school staff in the district.
UFT Social Media Channels
Follow the UFT on social media! See some of our channels and platforms.
New York Teacher Online
Read the New York Teacher, the UFT's newspaper, online.
Strength in unity
“What I love about the union - and I don’t have to tell you, a math teacher - there is power in numbers.”
Remembering Tom Pappas
A retiree speaks of the caring guidance and wisdom shared by former UFT Secretary Tom Pappas who died recently at the age of 93.
UFT Players performance
At their annual Original Plays Festival, held March 12 and 13 at UFT headquarters in Manhattan, the UFT Players Committee, a spirited troupe of educators-turned-performers, brought six original short plays to life—each one brimming with humor, heart...
Finding a counselor
There are many reasons to seek counseling. But no matter what is motivating you to seek support, here are things to consider when finding a counselor who fits.
Matthew Colacurto
Matthew Colacurto helps noncompensatory students on a second pathway to educational success as a teacher with Pathways to Graduation, a program for those for whom traditional high school does not fit for reasons including housing or food insecurity...
Middle-schoolers need freedom to grow
UFT Vice President for Middle Schools Richard Mantell writes that one of the most concrete ways schools can help prepare middle school students to take on more adultlike behavior is in how they manage class transitions. The best instructional models...
Reelect Tom Brown to TRS board
The Delegate Assembly by an 83 percent vote has endorsed UFT Assistant Treasurer Tom Brown for reelection as a teacher-member of the New York City Teachers’ Retirement System Board. The election by in-service TRS members takes place May 13 at New...
Taking the union's case to lawmakers
Fixing Tier 6, increasing state funding for public schools and boosting pay for early childhood providers were among the top priorities as about 1,000 UFT members and parents traveled to Albany on March 16 for the union’s annual Lobby Day.
Members are the true MVPs
Members were the true MVPs as some 4,000 traveled to Albany's MVP Arena to rally in support of Tier 6 reform. The rally marked the culmination of the UFT’s monthslong “6” days campaign, an escalating series of member actions designed to raise...
Bring a Scientist to Class (It’s Easier Than You Think)
STEM has a long history of being exclusionary, and some students have a hard time imagining themselves in such roles. Bringing real scientists into the classroom, especially ones who share students’ backgrounds, helps expand that vision, middle...
Sill elected UFT secretary
UFT Assistant Secretary Michael Sill was elected UFT secretary and elevated to director of staff. He replaces LeRoy Barr, who retired on Feb. 1.
Your TDA options at retirement
More than 120,000 in-service members and retirees participate in the UFT’s Tax-Deferred Annuity program. When you retire, you have three choices for handling your money in your TDA. Learn about all your options in this month's Secure Your Future.
SIU Hospital–South nurses win big
Nurses at Staten Island University Hospital–South represented by the Federation of Nurses/UFT overwhelmingly ratified a three-year contract on March 27 that raises salaries by a compounded 14 percent, preserves premium-free health care and increases...
Moving from NYC?
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.
$1,000 retention bonus to be paid in May
The third annual retention bonus negotiated as part of the 2023 DOE-UFT contract will be paid in May. All UFT-represented employees who worked full-time during the 12 months leading up to April 1, 2026, will receive $1,000 as a supplemental check.
Loss of a legend: Tom Pappas
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...
Becoming a legal eagle in retirement
Retired special education teacher Hope Kirsch has turned her educational knowhow into a rewarding second act as a lauded special education attorney post retirement.
Protecting the social safety net
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...
Switching schools
Ready to apply for a new opportunity or wish to transfer to a new school? This Q and A explains what educators need to know about the Open Market Transfer Plan.