Unions protect the rights of their workers when it comes to professional issues, salary and benefits. But they also protect their members’ most basic rights. For anyone who doubted that, the lockout of the faculty at Long Island University in...

Now that September is over, you may find yourself taking a deep breath as you prepare to dive into the rest of the school year. With parent-teacher conferences approaching in late October and early November, take some time this month to think about...

The UFT on Sept. 23 launched a new TV ad celebrating the dedication and commitment of New York City educators. The ad, which aired on major broadcast and cable stations in the metropolitan New York area, points out that in these turbulent times...

The heat and humidity were intense during the Labor Day Parade on Sept. 10, but no more so than the emotions surfacing from the sea of blue and white umbrellas carried up Fifth Avenue by hundreds of UFT members. “Now, more than ever, unions have to...

A recent arbitration ruling with significance for more than 5,000 teachers reinforces the UFT position that principals must conduct separate pre-observation and post-observation conferences when formally observing UFT members who are still rated...

The third week in October is National Save for Retirement Week. Congress began this effort in 2006 to raise awareness about the importance of retirement savings.

When we hear a constant drumroll of complaints about a persistent obstacle, we take it seriously. And paperwork is the No. 1 complaint our members have about their workday.

Are you a new teacher looking for proven lesson plans? Are you a veteran educator looking for creative ways to reach students or eager to share your own innovative techniques? Check out the Share My Lesson website.


A majority of new teachers in New York City public schools are satisfied with their teaching experience and plan to continue in their careers, a UFT survey reveals. A significant minority, however, has had a tough time and may leave the profession.