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Veronica Herrera, college and career counselor

NY Teacher Article Member Spotlight
Veronica Herrera supports students making their postsecondary plans at Hillcrest HS in Jamaica. "High school students are discovering who they are, and it’s wonderful to be a part of that conversation," she said.

Fueling student success

NY Teacher Article Feature Stories
At food pantries and distribution efforts run by UFT-supported United Community Schools, monthly or weekly programs help meet the nutritional needs of struggling families across the city. The pantries are a safe haven for many immigrant families...

Utah lawmakers repeal anti-labor law

NY Teacher Article News Stories
The Utah Legislature voted in a Dec. 9 special session to repeal an anti-labor law adopted earlier this year after a coalition of 21 labor unions, including the Utah Education Association, collected 250,000 signatures in favor of a referendum to...

$35M settlement for Starbucks workers

NY Teacher Article News Stories
After more than 18 months of unsuccessful contract negotiations, Starbucks Workers United on Nov. 13 kicked off the “Red Cup Rebellion,” a nationwide strike that has expanded to include thousands of baristas at more than 145 coffeehouses.


States sue to stop latest DOE downsizing

NY Teacher Article News Stories
As the Trump administration continues to decimate the U.S. Department of Education, a coalition of states is challenging the shifting of many of the department’s core functions to the U.S. Department of Labor and three other federal agencies.

UFT toy drive and holiday party 2025

Photo gallery

The UFT, in partnership with the Coalition for the Homeless, hosted its annual holiday toy drive and celebration on Dec. 13 for students living in temporary housing in New York City. The students enjoyed a variety of crafts and games, as well as face-painting, henna hand art, a magic show and a visit from Santa. And thanks to the generosity of UFT members, the union was able to distribute more than 1,500 toys to public school students throughout the city.

Judge rules to allow the NYCE PPO plan to take effect

News
The city's new health care plan can be implemented as planned, starting Jan. 1, 2026, for 750,000 city employees, pre-Medicare retirees and their families, according to a Dec. 1 ruling by a New York State Supreme Court Justice.

Resolution calling for a “Fix Tier 6 in ‘26” campaign

Resolution UFT Resolutions
The United Federation of Teachers will roll-out a “Fix Tier 6 in ‘26” campaign with action in January, February and March, both in schools and through social media, and build to a massive rally in Albany, NY, on March 8, 2026.

Resolution for targeted support for new Career and Technical Education (CTE) educators

Resolution UFT Resolutions
The UFT, NYSUT, and AFT will work collaboratively with educational policymakers, school administrations, and industry partners to develop and implement support programs, thereby strengthening the overall quality and effectiveness of Career and...

UFT statement on judge's health care decision

News Press Releases
The city's new health care program can be implemented as planned, starting January 1, 2026, for 750,000 city employees, pre-Medicare retirees and their families, according to a ruling by New York State Supreme Court Justice Lyle Frank.

Finding magic in the holidays

News You Should Know
Many of us carry memories of the holidays from childhood, remembering the joy and wonder we felt when we were young. But if adult responsibilities have changed how you feel about the holidays and the main thing you now feel is stress, there are ways...

Sept. & Oct. 2025 posts

Posts from the Sept. and Oct. 2025 editions of Principal's Digest pertaining to students with disabilities.

July & Aug. 2025 posts

Posts from the July and August 2025 editions of Principal's Digest pertaining to students with disabilities.

Medical arbitration

Medical arbitration is the process by which a pedagogue appeals a decision made by the DOE medical office. Members may be eligible for medical arbitration once they have been denied a Line of Duty Injury (LODI) for at least 20 consecutive days.

Manage Stress

New optional rider choices for retirees with GHI Senior Care

News Retired Teachers Chapter News
Retirees with GHI Senior Care may now choose to purchase the 365‑day hospitalization rider separately from the prescription drug rider — you no longer have to buy both together. Learn more »

Wellbeing Apps

Help Jamaica recover from Hurricane Melissa

The United Federation of Teachers (UFT) has launched a disaster relief drive to provide essential supplies and show our solidarity with the people of Jamaica in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

Virtual Resources

Updated information on EmblemHealth prescriptions for retirees

News Retired Teachers Chapter News
EmblemHealth is changing its pharmacy benefit manager from Express Scripts to Prime Therapeutics for all its health plans, including GHI Senior Care, HIP VIP, HIP HMO or the NYCE PPO plan as of Jan. 1, 2026. Read the latest updates.

Help support student dignity and well-being at Escuela Elemental, Dr. Julio J. Henna

Donate to the UFT Disaster Relief Fund to help provide a shower and clothing closet to aid students struggling with economic and social hardships at Escuela Elemental, Dr. Julio J. Henna, a Title I school in Puerto Rico.

Understanding Bullying in Our Schools

Podcast Brewing Wellness

Bullying: To overcome it, we have to understand it. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Carol Morrison, a licensed clinical social worker and director of New Directions Clinic, explores how bullying impacts not only students, but educators, school staff and entire school communities. Unpack what bullying looks like in 2025 and how its dynamics shape the emotional climate of our schools. Learn how educators can respond in grounded, sustainable ways and where to find support.

Queens Parent Conference 2025

Photo gallery

Parents, caregivers, educators and community members convened at the UFT Queens borough office on Nov. 22 for the borough’s annual parent conference. The roughly 70 attendees learned about mental health, emergency preparedness, personal finances and more, while connecting with each other and taking time for themselves.

Thanksgiving Luncheon and Winter Coat Drive 2025

Photo gallery

About 150 students living in temporary housing enjoyed a day of crafts, games, face-painting and fun at UFT headquarters on Nov. 22 to celebrate Thanksgiving and receive new winter gear courtesy of UFT members’ generosity. Headed by the UFT’s Middle Schools Division, the event provided each student with a new winter coat, a pair of gloves or mittens, a scarf and a hat to keep them warm in the coming winter months.

Federation of Nurses/UFT Professional Issues Conference 2025

Photo gallery

About 300 nurses convened at a midtown hotel for a day of professional development, including a keynote address on neurology, during the federation’s annual Professional Issues Conference.

UFT United Community Schools food pantries 2025

Photo gallery

Food pantries run by schools in the UFT’s United Community Schools network are lifelines for hundreds of needy families across New York City. The need was especially felt in late fall as a federal government shutdown delayed SNAP benefits for many and a surge in ICE detentions made immigrant populations wary.

What resources does the Member Assistance Program recommend that can help my family member who is affected by my addiction?

FAQ
There are a number of community resources that can help those who are being affected by their loved one’s struggle with addiction. Traditional supports include Al-Anon for families impacted by another person’s alcoholism, Nar-Anon for families...

What support can the Member Assistance Program provide to help with my life after my treatment ends?

FAQ
Life is what happens after treatment, therefore aftercare is extremely important! Effective aftercare means attending support groups, having a sponsor and being in consistent therapy. Remember, addiction is a disease that requires attention. If you...

If I am struggling with addiction, am I able to apply for a leave and take time off to seek treatment?

FAQ
Addiction is a disease of the brain and as such requires medical attention. If you decide to go to inpatient rehab, it is your responsibility to contact your payroll secretary and principal prior to your admission and inform them that you will be...

Where can I find a support group for dealing with addiction for myself or my loved one?

FAQ
If you need a more immediate resource with specific times and days for a group, you may look at the New York Inter-Group schedule. SMART Recovery is also a great source of support for those who do not align with a traditional 12-step model. The...

I’m a UFT member and have made the decision to go into treatment. What happens next?

FAQ
The Member Assistance Program can help you understand the next steps. Everyone’s journey towards recovery looks different and it can feel overwhelming to navigate it. You don’t have to do it alone. Reach out to MAP at 212-701-9620, or email...

I am struggling with addiction. How much does treatment cost?

FAQ
While this varies with your insurance, usually if you go to an in-network facility, your insurance covers treatment and you will be responsible for a modest co-payment. Contact your insurance company to understand what your out-of-pocket...

Does the Member Assistance Program recommend locations where should I go for treatment if I am struggling with addiction?

FAQ
Depending on the history of your use, it can be therapeutic to take a break from your everyday environment and go somewhere where you can focus on understanding the nature of your addiction and learn new coping strategies to deal with cravings and...

As someone struggling with addiction, what should I know about detox?

FAQ
Drug detoxification, or detox, is sometimes the first step in a comprehensive rehabilitation program, depending on what substances you are using. Detox can prevent unpleasant or fatal consequences that can arise from sudden cessation of use. It is...

As someone struggling with addiction, what should I know about the difference between “rehab” and outpatient treatment for addiction?

FAQ
Rehabilitation services (or “rehab”) are meant to help a patient reset some of the patterns that have led to the cycle of the addiction process. Rehab is where you stay at a facility for a set amount of time (up to 28 days, but can be shorter or...

I’m a UFT member and have made the decision to go into treatment. What does treatment look like?

FAQ
Treatment varies depending on the addictive behavior being displayed. Recommendations for treatment are based on a thorough evaluation of the relationship you have with the substance(s)/behaviors you are engaging in. More intense treatment could...