Let’s take a look at what has been going on with our RESPECT check legislation in 2026, and see where we need to go next.

A Queens paraprofessional demands that members of her title be compensated well enough "to live, not just survive," and argues that the RESPECT check payment should become permanent and pensionable.

UFT Assistant Secretary Michael Sill delivered testimony before the New York City Council Education Committee on the implementation of the New York State class size law in city schools.

A pink wave crested over New York City school buildings on Oct. 16 as UFT members wore pink to work to raise awareness about breast cancer. The annual tradition is a way to celebrate survivors, pay tribute to lost loved ones and colleagues, and...

Hundreds of early childhood educators gathered at UFT Headquarters to address a serious topic: the power of play. The UFT’s 18th annual Early Childhood Conference integrated the theme “learning through play” throughout the joyous events of the day —...

UFT President Michael Mulgrew's statements on New York City's Academic Recovery Plan, which was announced on July 8, 2021 by Mayor de Blasio.

Retired teacher Pamela Thompson Lopez calls paraprofessionals "gifts from God" as she recounts how indispensable they were to her in her classroom. Thompson Lopez says paraprofessionals deserve a livable wage.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew submitted testimony before the New York City Council Committee on Education's hearing on the New York City preliminary budget for fiscal year 2027.

UFT members and staff handed out books, backpacks, school supplies and other goodies to students and their families at the Harlem Week Children’s Festival at Howard Bennett Playground on Aug. 20.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew delivered testimony before the New York City Council Committee on Education on the city's preliminary budget for fiscal year 2026.

UFT members across the city were proud to wear pink on “Pink Day,” Oct. 12, the second Wednesday in October, to raise awareness about breast cancer, celebrate survivors and remember colleagues lost to the disease.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew says reducing class size and paperwork are the keys to moving the public schools forward.

The UFT African Heritage Committee Awards Dinner restored music and festivity to its 20th annual event on Feb. 3, reflected in its theme: “Thriving Into Our Future.”

The 160 teachers and paraprofessionals who gathered for a day of professional learning on MindUP heard from the organization's founder, Goldie Hawn.

Many UFT-represented members have a unique and valuable benefit: the ability to take an extended child care leave and return to their job afterward. This benefit is for those who want to take more time off than paid parental leave or an FMLA benefit...

Some 200 UFT members braved storm clouds to participate in this year's 5K Family Run/Walk on Coney Island. The event raised $7,000 for the UFT Disaster Relief Fund.


The strategies employed by educators at Brooklyn's Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School to protect their immigrant school community have been replicated by schools across the city, earning them a Team High School Award at this year's UFT Academic...

These five UFT members — along with their fellow educators throughout New York City — grappled with fresh challenges as the omicron variant surged.

I have been an occupational therapist for the city for over eight years. I love working with children inside and outside the classroom. However, it seems to me in all the schools I’ve been in (I’ve worked in more than 13 schools, including a number...

The UFT’s Spring Education Conference began with a panel discussion called “Speak Up” at which a half-dozen teachers spoke about what New York City public educators and students need to thrive.

The UFT is making it easier for NYC families to find child care. NYC Childcare Navigator is an expansion of an online tool the union launched a year ago to help members find child care options and apply for programs that could offset the cost.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew celebrated retirees’ lengthy service to the city and their enduring commitment to public education, their students and communities at the 59th Retired Teachers Chapter Luncheon on May 23 at UFT headquarters.

Ten years ago, the UFT saved the jobs of 10,000 members by providing training on combating discrimination, bullying and harassment in schools The six hours of training was required by the then-new state law, the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA)...

UFT President Michael Mulgrew submitted testimony before the 2026 Joint Legislative Budget Committee regarding the governor’s proposed executive budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.

A chapter leader on their own can only do so much. The power of our union is in all of its members. That has been provided by the work of our Chapter Action Teams.

Federation of Nurses/UFT members who are Licensed Nurses employed by VNS Health overwhelmingly ratified a contract on Jan. 29 that provides a 15% pay increase over two years, additional money for experience differentials and improvements in...

Hispanic Heritage Month ends on Oct. 15. To mark the occasion, I've enjoyed reflecting on the incredible contributions Latino activists have made to our UFT parent and caregiver family. I want to share with you a little information about two such...

UFT President Michael Mulgrew announced a new prerequisite for mayoral candidates who want to be considered for the UFT endorsement: spend a day working — alongside professional educators — in a New York City public school.

Members of the school community at PS 18 in the South Bronx have transformed a brick wall into a mural reflecting the diversity and values that make the UFT United Community School and its neighborhood a vibrant community.

The 52nd NYSUT Representative Assembly on May 3-4 was a celebration of recent victories, including Tier 6 pension reform, and a rallying cry for the battles ahead.

We are at a stronger place as a union than we were a year ago. We are using the muscle of activism. We have engaged our communities in a conversation about what is important to us as a profession. We have used our superpower — the power to educate —...

After three years without their annual luncheon, UFT Retired Teachers Chapter members reunited to celebrate their service to the union and the integral role retirees play in strengthening the power of the UFT. More than 400 retirees attended the...

The benefits of 3-K are solid, with the youngest students gaining the foundation they need to succeed in pre-K and beyond as educators engage them in hands-on activities and play-based learning crucial to developing their young minds.


Federation of Nurses/UFT members employed by NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn won a significant victory in their long-running battle with the Sunset Park hospital over short staffing when an independent arbitrator on Dec. 1 sided with the union and...

After striking for more than three weeks in November, the Portland, Oregon school district and the union representing teachers, school counselors and other employees reached an agreement that boosts salaries and planning time. But the new contract...

The DOE-UFT contract gives educators an expedited process for addressing many workplace problems: the operational issues resolution process. In the 2023 contract, the paperwork and operational issues process was expanded to address even more...