Parent outreach doesn’t have to mean making individual phone calls one by one the old school way. By using tech tools, you can streamline your process for contacting families and make those connections more successful.

What to do after a UFT retiree dies? Here is a checklist of the steps a surviving spouse or beneficiary should take to receive all the benefits they are due.


When you retire, you have three choices for handling your money in your Tax-Deferred Annuity: 1) Defer; 2) Convert your TDA into a monthly annuity; or 3) Withdraw all the funds. Most TRS and BERS members elect TDA deferral status.

The UFT Welfare Fund Retiree Legal Plan with Elder Law Supplement offers many benefits, but the five that UFT retirees use the most are assistance with estate planning, elder law, civil litigation, real estate and matrimonial law.

The students in teacher Donna Griebel’s pre-K class celebrated their identities by mixing paints to create a color that matched each child’s unique skin tone.

"The decor and ambiance in my classroom have little touches to make it feel like home — things like curtains on the windows, beanbag chairs in our carpeted area and decorative lights. I try to address all five senses, like using air freshener to make...

Checks for termination pay are mailed to the address on file with the city Department of Education. If you have moved since you retired, you must update your address with the DOE.

The UFT opposes the proposals to open and co-locate Success Academy Charter Schools in the Springfield Gardens Campus Q420, the K495 Sheepshead Bay Campus, in the X113 Campus, and the Q072 Campus and we call on the NYC DOE to protect and further...

Math teacher Lauren Cosides from the Family School in the Bronx has discovered a fun way to teach the making of 10 in math to her 1st-graders.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew issued a statement in response to Chancellor David Banks' March 2 policy address.

Teachers and students anticipate a return to normal as the pandemic recedes and in-class education resumes. As devastating and disruptive as the pandemic was, we should not overlook the valuable lessons inherent in the disruption. Jobs, homes, health...

We are going on year five using the Yondr-and-collect method at my middle school in the Bronx with about 350 children. We had small challenges in the first couple of years until we ironed out our system.

“We make a difference” was the theme at the UFT’s Paraprofessionals Festival and Awards Luncheon on March 5, celebrating paraprofessionals for rising to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last held in person in 2019, the luncheon was held at...

Smaller class sizes make parents feel better about their child’s education, makes children feel more seen in class and allows teachers’ hard work to become more effective. The bill passed by the state Legislature on June 2 takes us one step closer.

As a paraprofessional in the Vision Education Services Chapter, which serves about 900 blind and visually impaired students citywide, Lucio Medina acts as a guide and advocate for the students he supports.

Signing up for Medicare involves more than just checking a box on a form; there are multiple parts to Medicare, and rules and premiums vary.

UFT members in all five boroughs and on Long Island participated in this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks on two separate Sundays in October. “We’re here to honor the survivors in our building and to call attention to this disease...

Some 265 recent UFT retirees were celebrated for their service, passion and commitment to changing students’ lives during this UFT Welfare Fund annual event.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew explains how New York State’s Foundation Aid proposal for the next fiscal year shortchanges the children of New York City, where over 75% of students live in poverty.

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.

The UFT is welcoming students and teachers back to New York City’s public school this fall with a radio campaign highlighting recent public school successes.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew issued a statement in response to a federal panel's ruling that the DOE could begin enforcing its vaccine mandate.

The UFT issued a statement in response to the proposed five-year capital plan recently issued by the New York City School Construction Authority.

School librarian Cynthia Turnquest Jones teaches young students to recognize “put-ups” (positive language) and “put-downs” (negative language) as part of a restorative circle.

In-service and retired members commment on issues ranging from Staten Island's first inclusive St. Patrick's Day Parade to Christina McGrath's nomination as a trustee of the Teachers' Retirement Board to New York Teacher's recent coverage of PROSE...

Delegates at the UFT Delegate Assembly approved a resolution calling for the union to push for a fairer cost of living adjustment for New York City public employee pensions.

The UFT recognizes our outstanding school-related professionals and pays tribute to them for their important contributions to the New York City school system and to the United Federation of Teachers.

Pre-K teacher Melysa Solomon of Manhattan's PS 343 has come up with an innovative way to provide students with their snacks throughout the day.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew issued a statement in response to the announcement that New York City public schools will close until at least April 20 in an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

The UFT released an update on the number of members who have been vaccinated.

The UFT and the Federation of Nurses/UFT accused the state health department of failing to enforce the safe staffing law passed by the legislature nearly three years ago.

The following email was sent from Vice President for Special Education MaryJo Ginese to all school counselors, speech teachers, occupational and physical therapists, social workers and psychologists on Wednesday, Feb. 9.

New York State United Teachers President Andy Pallotta and UFT President Michael Mulgrew released a joint statement of support on June 9 regarding passage of state criminal justice reform legislation in Albany.