When I was a high school student, nothing pleased me more than sitting down with a blank planner, color-coding my class assignments and creating a detailed to-do list of tasks I could check off as I completed them.

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...

Two factors have contributed to the increase in bullying in recent years: the pervasiveness of social media and lingering stress from the pandemic. But no matter the reason, the surge has prompted educators to address the issue more urgently. 


The class trip for 1st-graders at PS 234 in Manhattan to Battery Urban Farm in lower Manhattan was a feast for the senses. The Battery Conservancy created Battery Urban Farm to teach students, residents and visitors about sustainable farming and...

"Pete the Cat" author Eric Litwin led early childhood educators in a merry dance as they practiced how to engage the city's youngest learners in a love for reading during the 16th annual Early Childhood Conference held at the UFT headquarters.

Approximately 30% of New York City schools don’t have libraries, and there are only 250 certified school librarians throughout a system with more than 1,800 schools. School libraries are needed more than ever.

The historical curiosity of 1st-graders at Manhattan's PS 4 is sparked when co-teachers Lizette Lantigua and Yomayra Gomez take them on a class trip to the 260-year-old Morris-Jumel Mansion, Manhattan's oldest surviving residence.

Information about a chapter survey, IPRs and student services managers.

UFT President Michael Mulgrew reminded the more than 1,100 educators at this year's Spring Education Conference that they are the protectors of students' hopes and dreams as he praised members' tenacity in rallying them to continue standing up to...

More than 250 New York City public high school students gathered on Oct. 20 for the UFT’s Future in Focus college and career fair, exploring the benefits of organized labor and featuring a job fair with representatives from a variety of unions.

City Council Member Carmen De La Rosa introduced legislation on Jan. 4 to amend Section 12-126 of the city’s administrative code to preserve health care choices for city retirees. The proposed amendment adds a clause that reaffirms the Municipal...

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.

In 2000, after several frustrating years, the UFT, NYSUT and the rest of the state’s labor movement convinced New York State to provide an annual, permanent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to retiree pensions.

Response to the death of UFT founder and former vice president George Altomare.

Thanks to the advocacy of labor unions, including the UFT, each year retired public employees in New York State receive an adjustment to their pensions linked to an increase in the cost of living.

Learn about longevity salary increases for teachers in New York City public schools.

If you have “unserved” or “underserved” students on your caseload you may apply for shortage area compensation.

Teachers and other school staff injured or made sick on the job have important rights and benefits. However, in order to access these, you must follow certain procedures. The UFT is dedicated to guiding injured and ill members through the process —...

About 70 people learned about online student safety, special education resources and more at the UFT's Staten Island Family Partnership Summit held on Nov. 9 at PS 20 on Staten Island.

With Partners in Progress: Peer Intervention Program (PIP), you can take charge of your own professional standards, address instructional issues and turn your career around. Get confidential one-on-one assistance from highly experienced, specially...

The new Teachers’ Retirement System’s Member Education Center has been named after Mel Aaronson, a retired UFT treasurer who served for 35 years on the TRS Board of Trustees, including four as board chair.

SETSS can be provided in the classroom or in a separate location. Learn more about the locations of SETSS services »

I was the UFT rep at JHS 185Q when I was summoned to the principal's office and informed that a plane had crashed into the World Trade Center. I thought at first that it was a small, private plane when the principal explained that it was a commercial...

This required training provides New York mandated reporters the tools to recognize and report instances of suspected child abuse or maltreatment. Recent amendments updated the curriculum to include trauma, adverse childhood experiences, bias in...

If you are eligible for IRMAA, now is the time to file it. Read for more details and important links.

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we have compiled high-quality classroom resources to help teachers explore and celebrate these diverse cultures with their students.

UFT members celebrated Irish American culture and contribution to the mosaic that is New York City during a celebration at UFT headquarters on Feb. 5.

Victoria Lee was elected UFT treasurer by the executive board on Dec. 4, 2023, becoming the first Asian American to serve as an officer of the UFT. With her years of service to New York City public schools, she brings a deep commitment to fiscal...

Karen Alford, UFT Vice President for Elementary Schools, submitted testimony before the New York City Council Committee on Women and Gender Equity on establishing an office of child care to oversee free child care for all city residents.

In some cases, teachers under investigation or awaiting charges are removed from their teaching assignments and are temporarily reassigned to administrative duties in their schools or in a DOE administrative office until the investigations are...

The Edmund O’Neal Middle School of Excellence in Albany has joined the United Community Schools initiative, a network providing school-based educational, emotional, health and social services to children and their families.

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...

In the months leading up to November's momentous presidential election, we can remain on the sidelines and let the bad guys make the decisions, or we can enter the political fray, enlist our friends and allies in the battle and forge victories.