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A note of appreciation
A Brooklyn teacher expresses her gratitude for the care and dedication paraprofessionals demonstrate for students daily.
‘Thank you,’ LeRoy Barr
A teacher at Brooklyn's PS 152 lauds recently retired UFT Secretary LeRoy Barr for his mentorship and guidance.
Powering up student success
When students ask John Isaza why he teaches — despite the higher salary he could earn as an electrician — his answer is simple. “I love my job,” he tells them. “When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.” Isaza, a UFT Career and Technical...
A stroke of genius
Follow along as the 2nd-grade students in Jacqueline Velten and Melissa Hamm’s integrated co-teaching class at PS 54 on Staten Island travel to the Staten Island Museum to experience “Art Now: Watercolor Fun,” one of 20 class trips the museum offers...
Living out her dream
Teacher Jacqueline Armento's development and coordination of the Law Institute at John Bowne HS in Queens earned her recognition at this year’s UFT Career and Technical Education Awards night, where she received a UFT CTE Educators Award.
Stephanie Isidore, FDNY HS, Brooklyn
Chapter Leader Stephanie Isidore of FDNY Captain Vernon A. Richard HS in Brooklyn was an impactful source of comfort and information to her member colleagues in helping them navigate having three different principals over the course of nine months.
Social Workers Appreciation Day
School social workers gathered at UFT headquarters and online on March 6 for a day of professional development and networking to mark the 10th annual Social Workers Appreciation Day.
School Counselors Conference
The invaluable need for human connection in a fast-moving digital world was top of mind as School Counselors Chapter Leader Rosemarie Thompson welcomed about 200 counselors and other related service providers to union headquarters for the 22nd annual...
Paraprofessionals Awards Luncheon
More than 1,000 members and guests turned out to affirm the work of paraprofessionals at the annual Paraprofessional Awards Luncheon. A total of 16 honorees were recognized for their work supporting students across the city, with UFT leaders...
Middle Schools Conference
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.
UFT Labor Seder
The shared themes between Passover and the labor movement took center stage at the UFT Jewish Heritage Committee’s annual Labor Seder at the UFT Brooklyn borough office where attendees shared in the traditional ritual meal.
UFT Irish American Heritage Committee Celebration
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.
Iftar dinner
More than 200 UFT members filled Shanker Hall at union headquarters on February 27 to break the Ramadan fast during the UFT Muslim Educators Committee's third annual Iftar dinner. The event was joined by guests including Mayor Zohran Mamdani and...
HERstory 2026
About 200 members gathered for a day of self-care, reflection and community at the UFT’s annual HERstory Celebration Brunch in honor of Women’s History Month.
The event, organized by UFT Vice President Janella Hinds, was designed to support members'...
Guiding the future of labor
The UFT celebrated the future-forward focus that career and technical educators bring in giving students the tools they need to join tomorrow’s labor force as more than 450 members and guests gathered at union headquarters on Feb. 12 for the union’s...
Future in Focus
Hundreds of students from dozens of high schools across the city learned about union careers and benefits from the New York City unions represented at the UFT Academic High School Division’s ninth annual Future in Focus career fair.
African Heritage Awards Dinner
About 150 UFT members and guests braved frigid temps to celebrate African heritage and honor educators, students and colleagues amid a snowy start to Black History Month at the 23nd annual UFT African Heritage Committee Awards Dinner.
Union pushes for systemic equity
At a March 4 legislative reception in Albany, UFT leaders pressed lawmakers to advance a slate of policies aimed at improving equity across New York’s education system, from Tier 6 retirement benefits to school funding and early childhood care...
Earnings rules governing work after retirement
Whatever the reason a retiree may decide to take a job after retirement, they need to follow specific rules to avoid jeopardizing their pension or Social Security benefits.
Prepare now for summer
Start early and don't be afraid to get creative. Those are words of advice veteran educators are offering to new teachers get tips on how to best prepare now for the end of school year that is fast approaching.
How I found my voice in my ELL students
A Queens elementary school teacher writes of discovering their own voice along with their newcomer students' during the struggles and triumphs of their first year of teaching in this latest entry of New Teacher Diaries.
Welcoming all to dance
Special education dance teacher Megan Mollendorf takes great “steps” to ensure all students can participate.
If I am paid regularly by the DOE via direct deposit, can I still receive a paper check for per session work?
As of May 2026, all DOE employees who receive their regular, recurring paychecks via direct deposit, but who receive paper checks for per session work, will need to enroll in direct deposit for per session payments. Enrollment must be completed by...
Step into the light
As winter recedes and we embrace this new season, it can feel as though we are emerging from a time of hibernation and stepping out into the light. While the shorter days and colder nights of winter create a perfect setting for reflection and...
NewYork-Presbyterian tries to shake down New York City for more money
NewYork-Presbyterian is demanding sky-high rates to renew its health contract for New York City employees and pre-Medicare retirees, and is threatening to send 40,000 city workers, retirees, and their families out of network if its demands are not...
Pension fairness can help balance public budgets
UFT President Michael Mulgrew argues that by aligning Tier 6 pension benefits with those of the Tier 4 system, New York State has the opportunity to not only reverse a longtime inequity in public service pensions but also to offer relief to the...
Happy Paraprofessional Appreciation Day!
As a paraprofessional, you are a critical part of the New York City school system. The support you provide every day to students, teachers and your school community is invaluable. We want to take this moment to thank you for all of the hard work you...
Supporting youth in crisis
Supporting a young person who has thoughts of suicide can feel overwhelming. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Jessica Torres, a licensed master social worker and crisis counselor, and Brennan Spector, a former Trevor Project volunteer and licensed mental health counselor, offer guidance for adults navigating these conversations. They explore the subtle signs a student may be struggling and the power of calm language and presence. Learn how adults can care for themselves while doing this emotionally demanding work.
Update on the RESPECT check
Let’s take a look at what has been going on with our RESPECT check legislation in 2026, and see where we need to go next.
UFT School Counselors Conference 2026
About 200 school counselors gathered at UFT headquarters on March 28 for the 22nd annual School Counselors Conference. The UFT members who filled Shanker Hall enjoyed a full day of workshops, networking and camaraderie with colleagues.
Federation of Nurses/UFT Win 14% Increase With Staten Island University Hospital Northwell Health
Members of the Federation of Nurses/UFT ratified a new contract Friday night that raises nurses' salaries at Staten Island University Hospital- South (SIUHS) by a compounded 14 percent, protects their premium-free healthcare and requires the hospital...
UFT Jewish Heritage Committee Labor Seder 2026
Members of the UFT Jewish Heritage Committee gathered on March 26 with colleagues, friends and family at the UFT Brooklyn borough office for a traditional Passover meal. At this annual event, the ritualized order of the meal, or seder, was themed on connections between the exodus story and the history of the labor rights movement.
Testimony of Michael Mulgrew on the preliminary FY27 city budget
UFT President Michael Mulgrew submitted testimony before the New York City Council Committee on Education's hearing on the New York City preliminary budget for fiscal year 2027.
UFT Lobby Day 2026
About 1,000 UFT members, parents and advocates traveled to Albany on March 16 to lobby state legislators on key issues for the union. Members demanded that lawmakers Fix Tier 6 of the state pension system and reduce the retirement age to 55. They asked legislators to increase compensation for family child care providers and provide adequate state aid to city schools. Members also made their views known to lawmakers remotely via virtual Lobby Day activities during the week of March 16.
HERstory 2026
About 200 in-service and retiree members gathered at the UFT's Bronx borough office around the theme of "PowHering Through" for the union’s 8th annual HERstory Brunch & Celebration in honor of Women’s History Month. Attendees enjoyed a day of self-care and guided reflection, and they also sang "Happy Birthday" to the UFT in advance of the union’s 66th birthday on March 16.
Resolution in support of Carl Wilson for New York City Council District 3
The United Federation of Teachers endorses Carl Wilson as the next City Council Member representing District 3 in the special election on April 28.