Search
Search
Press coverage
See some recent media pieces that have featured the Federation of Nurses.
How do I enroll in the retirement system?
If you are an appointed teacher, paraprofessional or other pedagogue in a city public school, the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) will send you a welcome letter explaining the online enrollment procedure. Most others, including nurses, therapists...
Can a member take child care leave after their parental leave ends or must they return to service first?
Members with at least one year of service, or paraprofessionals with at least two years of service, may apply for an unpaid child care leave immediately following a UFT parental leave. The child care leave can extend to the August following the...
UFT on educators testing positive for COVID-19
UFT President Michael Mulgrew issued a statement in response to news that educators in two schools had tested positive for COVID-19.
I am a pre-K teacher. What responsibilities do I have regarding the toileting/diapering/bathroom needs of my students?
While paraprofessionals must be available to change soiled diapers or clothes promptly, teachers are responsible for the health and safety of the classroom environment and should take any steps necessary to maintain a safe and clean environment, such...
Kudos to Annawa Naing, PS/IS 78, Queens
The school-based special education committee — created as part of the 2023 DOE-UFT contract — gave Naing the tool she needed to fight to ensure special education students in her school receive the services they are entitled to.
Article Twenty-Nine — Definitions
Wherever the term "Board" is used in the Agreement it shall mean the City Board, it being understood, nevertheless, that this contract is binding on all community school districts in accordance with Section 2590 of the Education Law. Wherever the...
What can I do if staff members at my school are asked to complete excessive amounts of paperwork?
The last three DOE-UFT contracts contain provisions for paperwork reduction. If members are asked to complete redundant or excessive paperwork, you can raise this with your school's chapter leader, who is empowered to resolve these issues. A chapter...
If both parents work for the DOE, are both eligible for UFT parental leave?
Both parents are each entitled to six weeks of UFT parental leave if they both work for the DOE in UFT-represented titles. In the 2023 DOE-UFT contract, the union fixed a thorny issue with the original 2018 parental leave agreement: When both the...
Our fight to improve health care
The following email was sent to DOE-employed UFT members and pre-Medicare-eligible retirees on April 29, 2025, from Geof Sorkin, Executive Director of the UFT Welfare Fund.
Short-term disability
In-service UFT members have the protection of a short-term disability plan that can provide valuable income when personal illness renders them temporarily unable to work.
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.
Cumulative Absence Reserve
Cumulative Absence Reserve (CAR) is the formal name for the bank of “sick days” earned by UFT-represented employees who work for the city Department of Education (DOE). All full-time, school-based UFT members may earn up to 10 CAR days for the full...
‘Bring it on!’
Former paraprofessional Sherwin Persaud made the transition to teacher last school year, finding his niche working with autistic children and those with behavioral issues in the early grades at P233 in Forest Hills, Queens.
Workers’ compensation
Workers’ compensation is insurance paid for by the employer. It covers medical costs associated with an on-the-job injury or illness, and it pays a portion of lost salary if you miss work. Full- or part-time paraprofessionals, occupational and...
New NYSUT leaders elected at annual RA
Former Brooklyn elementary school teacher Andy Pallotta, who led the New York State United Teachers for six years, stepped down as union president at the annual Representative Assembly in Albany in April, while the convention honored UFT members with...
Spreading the dual language of love
Dual-language pre-K teacher Gema Campusano of the District 25 Pre-K Center in Queens has found that bilingual education not only supports students' language development but also builds their confidence and a strong sense of identity.
About the Federation Of Nurses/UFT
Representing approximately 5,000 nurses, the Federation of Nurses/ UFT is among New York City’s leading unions of healthcare professionals.
Your rights as new members
As UFT members, you have rights on the job — rights to professional and fair treatment and to working conditions that help make a tough job more doable. These rights have been negotiated in a give-and-take process with management. It’s important to...
How do I change my name on record with the UFT?
You must provide a legal document (marriage certificate, etc.) for proof of name change. If you receive Welfare Fund benefits, you should fill out the fill out the Welfare Fund’s Change of Status Form on the UFT website to change your name. If you...
Hourly rate for supervisors
Hourly rate for supervisors of therapists and nurses with a master's plus 10 years' experience and longevity.
Appendix A — Grievance Forms 1
If you believe that a supervisor has violated your contractual rights and you have been unable to resolve your issue informally, ask your chapter leader to file a Step 1 grievance against the DOE on your behalf. Grievances are all filed online now...
Who is covered?
With some exceptions, K–12 teachers are covered by Advance.
UFT nurses in staffing fight
The Federation of Nurses/UFT is in a pitched battle with NYU Langone Hospital–Brooklyn over short staffing that the union contends is putting patients at risk.
Programs and professional activities
The provisions in the DOE-UFT contract regarding program preferences and professional activity assignments give teachers a voice about which classes they will teach the following year and which professional activities they are assigned.
A health care reset
We can all agree that our health benefits need a reset. For the past two years, the city and the MLC have been involved in a negotiated acquisition process for a new in-service and pre-Medicare retiree health care plan, which we hope will be the...
Resources for Teachers Assigned
Here are some important resources for Teachers Assigned.
District 75 SETSS
District 75 also provides SETSS in District 1 through 32 schools to students with significant disabilities as part of its Special Education Inclusive Services program. Learn more »
Guide to Salary Steps and Salary Differentials
This guide explains how teachers can apply for salary step placement and differentials, and provides salary differential information for school social workers, school psychologists, guidance counselors and laboratory specialists.
When can I start my UFT parental leave?
If you physically gave birth to a child, you may use your available CAR/sick day balance immediately after your child’s birth for up to a maximum of six calendar weeks (eight weeks for a C-section) before beginning UFT parental leave for an...
Schoolhouse heroes
Three New York City public school educators jumped into action when they saw their students in distress, and their help made the difference in each life-threatening situation.