Fixing Tier 6, increasing state funding for public schools and boosting pay for early childhood providers were among the top priorities as about 1,000 UFT members and parents traveled to Albany on March 16 for the union’s annual Lobby Day.

While the national union may seem distant from our activist local in New York City, we are, in fact, an integral part of the AFT. The AFT’s bird’s eye view keeps us involved in national issues and policies that affect the wider labor movement and...

Just like the students, teachers and schools needed last year to transition back to business as usual, though perhaps with a new definition of usual. Already I can recognize and appreciate the changes my administration has made to address problems...

It’s time again for Retired Teachers Chapter elections. Every three years, RTC members vote to elect who they want to lead their chapter. 


When we as teachers take the time to get to know our students' needs, interests and values, we create a learning environment that is more meaningful and relevant to their lives.

Over the summer, RTC members helped their teachers union colleagues in Florida reach new state-mandated union enrollment thresholds and helped the United Farm Workers union organize migrant farmworkers in New York State.

Knowledge of advanced academic vocabulary makes it possible for students to engage with, produce and talk about texts valued in the classroom. But how do we develop our students’ academic language in meaningful ways?

CookShop, the federally funded nutrition education program of the Food Bank For New York City, helps children, teens and adults develop the nutrition knowledge and cooking skills to make healthy food choices on a limited budget, and fosters...

A monthslong UFT initiative to reach out to retired paraprofessionals, connect them with union services and support, and encourage them to get involved in the Retired Teachers Chapter culminated with a meet and greet at UFT headquarters on Sept. 19.

Retired high school math teacher Mark Grashow supports the education of thousands of students in rural communities throughout Africa and the Middle East through the nonprofit he founded after retirement, the US-Africa Children's Fellowship.

Wadleigh Secondary School for the Performing and Visual Arts, described by its staff as a “hidden gem” in Harlem, has overcome two threats of closure. Today the revitalized school, which won a Team High School Award at the union’s Academic High...

The best place to get informed and involved is your local school. The principal at your school is ultimately responsible for addressing any concerns you may have. But, in addition to working with your principal, there are other ways to gather...

UFT Vice President for Academic High Schools Janella Hinds writes that when it comes to our academic high schools and the broader New York City public school system, we need to lead — not follow — on innovation that affects our practice.

More than 70 educators gathered at union headquarters for the union’s Middle Schools Conference, gaining professional development and key insights on meeting the challenge of supporting students at a uniquely challenging age.

For New York City’s approximately 1 million public school students, a strong CTE program is a sure pathway to economic stability. But for too long, our CTE programs were treated like a backup plan, the place kids were sent when someone decided...

6th-grade teacher Ruth Duran shares tips for educators about how to make summer learning for students feel less like homework by engaging them in activities that tap into their creative sides and activities they genuinely enjoy.

Christopher Arroyo, the new chapter leader at the Brooklyn School for Math and Research in Bushwick, created the high school’s first-ever consultation committee in the fall, which immediately led to improvements in school safety and compensation for...

Sandra Feldman (1939-2005), was elected in May 1997 as president of the 1.3 million-member American Federation of Teachers. She was the 15th president of the AFT and the union’s first female president since 1930. She also was elected to the Executive...

A. Annuity Fund The Board shall contribute at the rate of $400 per year to the Teachers’ Retirement System to be credited monthly to the annuity account of each employee who is at the maximum step of his/her salary schedule. The Board will seek such...

The UFT Florida Center in Boca Raton is now open each weekday, and members can stop by any time from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Joining more than 7 million protesters nationwide, more than 200 UFT members marched up Sixth Avenue alongside members from other New York City unions as part of the No Kings March in Manhattan on Oct. 18.

I worked with both Christina McGrath and David Kazansky when I served as the union’s Bronx borough representative over 17 years ago. Both are great people committed to serving our members with knowledge and empathy for their needs.

Teacher Assistants and Teacher Aides shall be considered probationary for a period of ninety (90) days from the date of employment, excluding time lost for sickness and other absences. Teachers and Psychologists shall be considered probationary for a...

The Teachers’ Retirement System has moved up the timeline to October for when required minimum distributions from tax-deferred annuities will be paid.

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.

Under New York State law, appointed educators achieve tenure after completing a probationary period.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law three state bills in December that incrementally improved UFT members’ pension benefits.

Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Lyle Frank on Jan. 11 issued a preliminary injunction against the city, EmblemHealth and GHI that temporarily bars them from charging any of the copayments in the GHI Senior Care plan that went into effect on Jan. 1...

A. Rates of Pay During the term of this Agreement the pay rates applicable to teachers shall be: Effective Date Rate October 13, 2007 $147.59 May 19, 2008 $154.97 B. Frequency of Payment Payments to teachers shall continue to be made on a semi...

More than 500 members and their guests turned out to celebrate educational excellence in the Bronx at the seventh annual District 11 Scholarship Dinner.

Students learn how to combat climate change at eco-friendly, solar energy-powered school on Staten Island that has become a model for the Carbon Free and Healthy Schools campaign.

Enhanced student achievement based upon high standards and expectations must be the driving force behind every activity of New York City public schools. To accomplish this, we must reinvent schools so that decision making is shared by those closest...

Our scholarship program, which began in 1969, was renamed in Albert Shanker’s memory in 1997. He was the New York City teacher who became president of both this union and our national affiliate, the American Federation of Teachers. More than anyone...

Enhanced student achievement based upon high standards and expectations must be the driving force behind every activity of New York City public schools. To accomplish this, we must reinvent schools so that decision making is shared by those closest...

Public school educators across the city have stepped up to address the educational, socio-emotional and economic needs of the 6,000 migrant students, shipped from Texas, who have arrived in city schools this fall.