The new academic year marks the start of the statewide bell-to-bell ban on cellphones and any other internet-enabled electronic communication devices in schools. The UFT successfully fought for the restriction to help students focus.

In a sign that the pandemic has drawn fully to a close, the city Department of Education’s special COVID-19 leave policy ends this school year. Absenses related to COVID-19 will be charged to members' sick bank.

UFT Chapter Leader Keesha Hopkins successfully led the charge that saved her school, the Brooklyn Academy of Science and Environment, from being merged with another high school co-located in the same building.

A new middle school teacher in the Bronx learns that her fellow teachers are willing to guide and support her when she broke down in tears in the staff lounge after an overwhelming day.


UFT member and parent volunteers handed out about 250 backpacks filled with school supplies to famiiies during Harlem Week festivities on Aug. 18.

More than 1,000 families received backpacks and other school supplies at the union's fourth annual back-to-school supplies giveaway and barbecue on Aug. 7 at PS 21 on Staten Island.

This summer, the AFT and the UFT announced a $23 million partnership with Microsoft, Open AI and Anthropic to forge a first-of-its-kind teacher institute for artificial intelligence: the National Academy for AI Instruction. 


Research shows a positive impact on students when teachers and families are able to work together effectively. Here are UFT Teacher Center tips and strategies to establish a solid relationship between home and school.

Pre-K teacher Melysa Solomon of Manhattan's PS 343 has come up with an innovative way to provide students with their snacks throughout the day.

The United Federation of Teachers represents nearly 200,000 members, including a diverse group of some 78,000 teachers and 26,000 paraprofessionals as well as school counselors, school nurses, social workers and psychologists, occupational and...

A Line of Duty Injury leave must be requested via the DOE’s Self-Service Online Leave of Absence System (SOLAS). The dates of your leave should include only the actual days you are out, so you should request Line of Duty Injury status from the day of...

In some cases, the superintendent or the DOE’s Medical Bureau will deny a Line of Duty Injury status, and it may be necessary to file a grievance or file for medical arbitration, depending on the reason for the denial. Members who have a pending...

Under Line of Duty Injury, pedagogues may apply for important benefits, including paid time off from work to recover and reimbursement of medical expenses. If you are injured in the line of duty, your health plan covers your medical care. You can...

You must notify your administration within 24 business hours of any accident or injury on school grounds or while on school business. Complete the DOE’s Comprehensive Injury Report and return it to your principal. Inform your chapter leader as soon...

School nurse is swamped with cases of 'cellphone withdrawal'!

A retired New York City public school teacher responds to a New York Teacher article about one of her former students.

We are going on year five using the Yondr-and-collect method at my middle school in the Bronx with about 350 children. We had small challenges in the first couple of years until we ironed out our system.

A school social worker shares their experience with using Yondr pouches to collect cellphones.

UFT in-service and retiree members comment on everything from the need for the DOE to promptly reimburse occupational and physical therapists to the benefit of school cellphone bans.

A new state law took effect on Sept. 1, 2025 that establishes maximum allowable temperatures in classrooms and support service spaces like offices, libraries, gyms and cafeterias (except kitchen areas used for food preparation). All schools must now...

It is the practice in many schools to prepare a draft of the IEP or sections of the IEP before the IEP team meeting. Learn more »

The goal of this section is to provide easy access to resources that educators and families frequently use to find information related to special education issues.

See DOE resources that will help you implement special education programs and services »

See this list of key DOE special education guidance for students with disabilities organized by topic.

Learn what to do if your child is not receiving appropriate special education services.

See a wide range of specialized programs and services related to special education in New York City public schools.

Learn more about designing your child's IEP and playing an active role in IEP meetings at school .

See these additional DOE and NYSED resources regarding special education in New York City public schools.

The Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) and the city today reached a tentative agreement with EmblemHealth/United Healthcare on a proposed health care plan for 750,000 city employees, pre-Medicare retirees, and their families.

See our comprehensive guide for parents and families of children receiving special education services.

Read the latest special education guidance, policies and protocols for the 2025-26 school year .

The Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) and the city have reached a tentative agreement with EmblemHealth/UnitedHealthcare on a new health care plan for in‑service and pre-Medicare New York City employees.

This September, a new ban on cellphones and other internet-enabled communication devices will be in place when we return to school. See our FAQ below to learn how the policy will be implemented on school grounds this fall.

The following FAQs address common member questions about the NYC Employees PPO Plan (NYCE PPO) plan.

The following FAQs address common member questions about the NYC Employees PPO Plan (NYCE PPO) plan.