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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.
Teacher’s Choice is back
UFT-represented educators once again are eligible for reimbursement for some of their out-of-pocket classroom expenses through Teacher’s Choice.
Teacher’s Choice stays steady
UFT-represented educators will receive roughly the same Teacher's Choice alloment as last year to reimburse them for some of their out-of-pocket expenses for supplemental instructional supplies and materials of their choice.
Optional drug rider reimbursement up to $900
Beginning in March, UFT retirees can expect a partial reimbursement from the UFT Welfare Fund -- for as much as $900 for some retirees -- for the cost of an optional prescription drug rider.
Lack of ratings won’t affect observations
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...
Love thyself
The longest relationship any of us will have is with ourselves. It’s worth putting time and energy into that relationship and celebrating yourself.
Hochul state budget plan ‘best I’ve seen’
UFT President Michael Mulgrew lauded Gov. Kathy Hochul’s state budget proposal, telling the Delegate Assembly on Jan. 19 that “the starting place for the budget is the best I have ever seen since I’ve been president.”
New teachers join UFT’s ranks
About 1,500 new teachers became proud new members of the UFT at the opening day of the Department of Education’s annual New Teacher Week.
Teacher’s Choice amounts to hold steady
The popular Teacher’s Choice program continues this school year, with eligible UFT-represented educators receiving a reimbursement for some of the supplemental instructional supplies they buy.
In sickness and in death
It’s always a good idea to speak with your family about what to do in the event of a debilitating illness or death. Here is a list of topics to discuss with your family and the legal documents you should have. Let trusted family members know where...
Testimony on changes in the DOE's COVID-19 protocols and implementation of the vaccine mandate
UFT President Michael Mulgrew testified before the New York City Council Committee on Education regarding changes in the DOE's COVID-19 protocols and implementation of the vaccine mandate.
High schools will reopen on March 22
Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that high school buildings will reopen for in-person classes on Monday, March 22. High school staff with in-person assignments will report to their buildings on Thursday, March 18 and Friday, March 19 to set up for the...
Workplace discrimination and harassment
The UFT-DOE contracts contain protections against a wide range of discriminatory or harassing behaviors, including sexual harassment. Federal, state and city laws also provide protections. Here is what you need to know.
School Counselors Chapter Newsletter - October 2025
Information about a chapter survey, IPRs and student services managers.
Designating your beneficiaries
You possess a valuable financial asset from participating in a defined-benefit pension system and saving money in a tax-deferred annuity. That’s why it’s important to designate beneficiaries, keep your beneficiary designations current after life...
Wellness Matters: Physical Health - Taking Care of Your Body
Your body will take you through all the stages of your life. Like a properly maintained machine, your body will work more efficiently when it’s well taken care of.
Ask George
Members with questions about their union rights and benefits can now ask George, the UFT’s automated and interactive UFT Member Hub guide.
Resolution in support of eradicating domestic violence and intimate partner violence
The UFT will work with the City of New York and local coalition partners to educate young people, UFT members and New Yorkers at large about the dangers of domestic violence and intimate partner violence and to offer resources to combat, prevent and...
Tech tools for public speaking
Educators know that speech is integral to fluency so it's no wonder many classroom assignments and projects revolve around public speaking. Here are some tech tools to help practice and perfect speeches.
TRS’ new Roth option
The Teachers’ Retirement System introduced a Roth option in addition to its Tax-Deferred Annuity Program starting in 2026.
Learn about this new opportunity to save for retirement.
Taking stock in students’ skills
Steven Leaderman, a teacher at P370, a District 75 program in Coney Island, has created an innovative vocational program that has his students sort and deliver school supplies. The program helps the students develop key vocational and life skills...
Pandemic-related certification changes
The UFT fought alongside our state affiliate, NYSUT, for amendments to some of the state regulations that govern certification so that educators are not penalized by the interruptions caused by the pandemic.
Building relationships with your students
I have developed five simple strategies for building genuine and affectionate relationships with my students quickly and efficiently early in the school year.
Free assessment apps available
Online forms of classroom assessments can be huge timesavers for educators by providing quick data, instantly compiling student answers and even reducing the amount of grading.
Rules governing work after retirement
Here's what you need to know about making extra income after retirement from the New York City DOE.
Better tool to assure special ed compliance
The new contract establishes school-based Special Education Committees and annual training of all staff on special education rules and regulations. Vice President for Special Education MaryJo Ginese writes that these new rights will empower members...
Dental care
The UFT Welfare Fund offers dental benefits through two programs: the Scheduled Benefit Plan, which provides services through either a designated panel of dentists or a dentist of your choice, and Dentcare, a no-cost dental HMO.
Earnings rules governing work after retirement
Whatever the reason a retiree may decide to take a job after retirement, they need to follow specific rules to avoid jeopardizing their pension or Social Security benefits.
All aboard! SHIP benefits upgraded
The Supplemental Health Insurance Program (SHIP), created by the UFT Retired Teachers Chapter to help members pay for out-of-pocket medical costs, continues to grow in enrollment and to enhance its reimbursement for benefits such as private-duty...
Welcome to the new RTC
The RTC’s voice is more powerful than it’s ever been, and the chapter is poised to be more active and engaged than ever before. Longtime retirees’ wisdom and experience combined with newer members’ energy and ideas is a winning recipe for protecting...
Lifelong learners chart new courses in Si Beagle classes
Each year, thousands of retirees take advantage of Si Beagle Learning Center in-person and online courses, seminars, trips, and dining and theater experiences. The program is named for the late Si Beagle, who pushed the union to offer continuing...
What to know about RMDs
About three-quarters of UFT members participate in the Tax-Deferred Annuity program. Retirees who are 73 or older must withdraw a certain percentage of funds – known as required minimum distributions (RMDs) — from the tax-deferred annuity each year...
Defending immigrant students
About 300 UFT members from schools across the city attended one of the union's immigration workshops in October and November. The sessions walked members through the steps to establish school-based committees to support and defend immigrant families...
Nurture yourself
Whether it’s the winter doldrums, the news of the day or the hectic pace of work, there are many reasons you may be feeling overwhelmed. And while it may sound counterintuitive, slowing down and taking the time to nurture yourself can help you...
Nominate a UFT colleague for a 2020 Paraprofessional Award
Each year, the UFT recognizes outstanding paraprofessionals who have made contributions to their school, their community and their union. Please use the link below to nominate a full-time paraprofessional for this award. The nomination deadline is...
Excused absences
You are entitled to be absent from work but still get paid without using your sick bank for bereavement, jury duty, graduations, screenings and blood donations, and some health-related absences.