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Bloomberg backs charter school expansion
Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York City, is financing efforts to expand charter schools around the country with $750 million from his $70 billion fortune.
Reviewing 2021
This year, the new New York City Medicare Advantage Plus Plan conspired to pull us apart. But the unity of spirit of UFT retirees is stronger than any such stresses.
A classroom that feels like home
"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...
Working relationships with colleagues are vital
Whether you co-teach on a regular basis or sit on the same grade or subject team as other educators, you have a host of colleagues who can be your allies and support network.
High school seniors may apply for Shanker scholarships
Make sure high school seniors apply for the UFT’s $5,000 Albert Shanker college scholarships. This year the application deadline is Feb. 28, 2022.
‘I want to be him’
New teacher Gabrielle Vega was drawn to her 8th-grade social studies teacher's flair for the dramatic, and her affinity for theatrics is serving her well as she teaches that subject at MS 936 in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, a District 20 middle school...
Virtual Parent Conferences
Four UFT fall parent conferences in October and November, held virtually for the second consecutive year, drew nearly 350 parents and featured workshops, speakers, resources and surprises.
Future in Focus college and career fair
Nearly two thousand educators and their students logged on for the UFT’s Future in Focus virtual college and career fair on Oct. 21 and 22, when representatives from more than 100 colleges and universities helped participants explore the...
Federation of Nurses/UFT Professional Issues Conference
The Federation of Nurses/UFT's Professional Issues Conference, held virtually on Nov.19, gave members valuable information about COVID-19 and its psychological impact, congestive heart failure and social media as it applies to nurses.
UFT Middle School Division’s Anti-Bullying Conference
Students from 105 schools registered for the UFT’s citywide Anti-Bullying Conference, held virtually on Oct. 28, which focused on conflict resolution strategies and how to be an upstander, or someone who intervenes or stands up for a person who is...
State judge issues ruling on NYC Medicare Advantage Plus Plan
The UFT is pleased that the judge has made a ruling that the effective date of the NYC Medicare Advantage Plus Plan will be April 1, 2022. This later start date will ensure that UFT members and health care providers have enough time to be made aware...
UFT on the selection of David Banks as New York City Schools Chancellor
UFT President Michael Mulgrew issued a statement in response to Eric Adams' announcement that David Banks would become the next New York City schools chancellor.
NYC, slash class sizes now
The New York City Council bill to reduce class sizes in our public schools is designed to protect our children’s health and their academic prospects by ensuring adequate space for every student in every classroom.
UFT launches TV ad campaign honoring the work of school communities during the pandemic
The UFT is launching a television ad campaign honoring the work that New York City public school educators, parents, and students have done together during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A new update about the NYC Medicare Advantage Plus Plan
Due to the ongoing litigation, the UFT strongly voiced its opinion that the New York City Medicare Advantage Plus Plan should not take effect until an orderly transition and continuity of services for retirees can be guaranteed.
An update about the NYC Medicare Advantage Plus plan
A court hearing was held on Nov. 23 before a state judge presiding over the lawsuits involving the NYC Medicare Advantage Plus Plan. Nothing was decided. The two sides agreed to continue to talk and will go back before the judge on Dec. 8.
Members’ pandemic efforts lauded on Teacher Union Day
"You have all gone above and beyond the call of duty," UFT President Michael Mulgrew said at the UFT's annual Teacher Union Day on Nov. 7 that honored the courage and hard work of members during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Resolution opposing Intro 2211 on school safety agents
The UFT urges City Council Committee on Education to amend Intro 2211 to not transfer authority over school safety agents to DOE authority.
Resolution strengthening our commitment to lower class size and hold the NYC DOE accountable for enforcement of class size reduction
We have a City Council that is considering passing a once-in-a-generation bill that would make physical space per student into administrative code, to make it the city’s responsibility to give each child the physical space they deserve to remain safe...
Reducir el número de estudiantes en cada salón de clase en la ciudad de Nueva York
La pandemia de COVID-19 lo ha dejado claro: el número de estudiantes en cada salón de clase ahora sabemos que es un problema de salud pública. El consejo municipal está considerando un proyecto de ley que establecería nuevos límites sobre el número...
UFT-DOE agreement on social-emotional screening
We were able to negotiate time during your regular workday for you to complete the DESSA SEL screener — and your ability to do this work off school grounds at your discretion.
Testimony on changes to municipal retirees' health care plan
UFT Welfare Fund Executive Director Geof Sorkin testified before the New York City Council Committee on Civil Service and Labor regarding changes to municipal retirees' health care plan.
Kudos to Trevor Stokes, Midwood HS, Brooklyn
Midwood HS Chapter Leader Trevor Stokes used the leverage of the union’s operational issues complaint process to make sure every classroom and office at his school has an air purifier.
A place to veg out
For students and teachers at PS 13 on Staten Island, vegetable and meditation gardens provide not only learning experiences but also a respite from pandemic challenges; a place where both students and staff can get some sun, fresh air and a boost to...
Classroom management a key to student success
Fostering a respectful environment and establishing predictable classroom routines goes a long way toward helping students thrive. But for new and experienced teachers alike, this school year presents fresh challenges to traditional classroom conduct...
‘I am not a superhero’
The expectations that society puts on teachers are as old as time, but this year, it’s gone to a whole new level. I knew going into this year we would have our work cut out for us.
Student loan forgiveness rules temporarily relaxed
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program will temporarily become easier to access for teachers and other public servants, the Biden administration announced on Oct. 6. The federal Education Department estimates that more than 550,000 borrowers, in...
California to mandate COVID-19 vaxes for students
California will become the first state in the U.S. to require public and private school students receiving in-person instruction to get vaccinated against COVID-19, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced on Oct. 1, once the FDA gives full approval for COVID...
Flood of caring for family in need
Teachers and staff at PS 377 in Bushwick, Brooklyn, came together to help a school family that lost everything when their apartment flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.
Recovering ‘what was lost’
Dial-A-Teacher, the UFT’s homework help line that offers K–12 students free assistance from city Department of Education teachers in all school subjects in seven languages, is back for its 41st year.
CaringKind Alzheimer’s Walk
Nearly two dozen UFT members participated in the union-sponsored CaringKind Alzheimer’s Walk on Oct. 10 in Central Park.
Mauri Small, school social worker
Mauri Small is a school social worker at the Williamsburg HS for Architecture and Design in Brooklyn, where she handles all the mandated counseling for students with IEPs as well as crisis intervention and mediation.
Making fashion cents
It started with a bag of used clothing that Bambi Falvo meant to donate. Now Falvo, who retired in 2019 after 32 years of teaching, is an online entrepreneur who specializes in reselling new and used clothing.
Calling in the vote in New Jersey
RTC members from New Jersey made calls to more than 3,000 UFT members, both retirees and in-service members, to help get out the vote for Gov. Phil Murphy in the governor's race on Nov. 2.
Tough to communicate
Communication is fraught with miscommunication. Presenting the New York City Medicare Advantage Plus Plan to retirees is tough. We have tried to offer the best and most comprehensive information so retirees can make their own informed choices.