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Harmful paraprofessional shortage
Teacher Robyn Matty speaks to the challenges teachers and students face in the wake of a severe shortage in paraprofessionals.
Worthy of praise
School librarian Jennifer Hermus-Washburn praises Staten Island restaurant owner and New York City public school grad James McBratney.
Paraprofessionals deserve the money
Paraprofessional Diana Judge advocates for City Council passage of the $10,00 "RESPECT check" for paraprofessionals.
All ‘eyes’ for cellphone ban
Teacher Jennifer Drinkwater-Rodriguez gives the state's new UFT-backed cellphone ban a hearty endorsement.
Grateful for LODI coverage
A Manhattan teacher who has been injured on the job expresses appreciation for a recent Q&A on the Issues in the New York Teacher informing members what to do if they suffer a line of dury injury (LODI).
Unplugged and reengaged
The state’s new UFT-backed cellphone ban is getting rave reviews from educators who say students are more engaged in class — and rediscovering “old-fashioned” pastimes like reading, playing board games and simply talking to one another.
Never standing alone
Members throughout the five boroughs wore pink on Oct. 15 in support of breast cancer research and to show solidarity with colleagues fighting the disease.
Weingarten book signing
Warning that democracy and public education in the United States are imperiled, Randi Weingarten discussed her new book — “Why Fascists Fear Teachers: Public Education and the Future of Democracy” — at the event with about 170 union members and...
Manhattan paraprofessionals meet and greet
About 60 paraprofessionals, including members in their first year and veteran paraprofessionals, gathered to network and meet their union representatives at the Manhattan Paraprofessionals Meet and Greet.
Panel on the state of the LGBTQ+ community
The UFT Pride Committee convened its first panel on the state of the LGBTQ+ community, focusing on the challenges facing New Yorkers — including educators — amid the rollback of LGBTQ+ rights under President Donald Trump.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks
Hundreds of UFT members in all five boroughs and on Long Island participated in the Making Strides walks on the last two Sundays in October, raising money for breast cancer research and awareness.
Culture and connection
More than 400 students, parents and community members filled the school yard at United Community School PS 19 in Queens on Sept. 27 for a full day of live music, food, and dance performances in a celebration of Hispanic heritage and health.
Kudos to Melissa Wall, IS 109, Queens
The efforts of Chapter Leader Melissa Wall of IS 109 in Queens Village saved five teachers from being excessed — and preserved the school's already approved plan to reduce class sizes in its 6th-grade classes.
Crafting meaningful homework
Sound homework policy should meaningfully support learning with overwhelming students or teachers. Veteran educators share their strategies for creating homework that’s worthwhile and effective in the age of artificial intelligence
Spreading the dual language of love
Dual-language pre-K teacher Gema Campusano of the District 25 Pre-K Center in Queens has found that bilingual education not only supports students' language development but also builds their confidence and a strong sense of identity.
Student novels displayed on bookcase
Cara Cifferelli, an ELA teacher at John Dewey HS in Brooklyn, encourages her students to write full-length novels in her classroom as part of National Novel Writing Month. The students' work is displayed in a classroom bookcase.
UFT wins bonus pay arbitration
Eighty UFT members will receive the $3,000 ratification bonus negotiated in the 2023 DOE-UFT contract after an independent arbitrator ruled in the union’s favor on Sept. 17. The decision resolves a union-initiated grievance challenging the DOE’s...
All about the NYCE PPO plan
The NYC Employees PPO (NYCE PPO) health care plan will replace the GHI CBP plan for in-service city workers and pre-Medicare retirees on Jan. 1, 2026. The following are answers to members’ most common questions.
Self-funded plan information
The following FAQs address common member questions about the NYC Employees PPO Plan (NYCE PPO) plan.
Halloween for children of federal workers
Our parents used to work for government... can we have a couple of sandwiches instead?
Retirees take action
See some of our recent activism and join us to get involved in the future.
Your Union, Your Well-Being: A Reintroduction to the UFT's Member Assistance Program
Welcome back to The Brewing Wellness Podcast, brought to you by the UFT's Member Assistance Program. We’re kicking off Season 7 with a powerful reminder: You don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone.
This episode is all about reintroducing MAP — what it is, why it exists and how it can support you as an educator and as a whole person. From counseling and support groups to workshops and wellness resources, we’re sharing the many ways MAP is here to walk alongside you.
Get involved
The UFT Retired Teachers Committee has a long history of activism and union involvement. Our current retiree committees are continuing this tradition.
School Counselors Chapter Newsletter - October 2025
Information about a chapter survey, IPRs and student services managers.
Resolution to vote NO on all 2025 ballot proposals
The UFT Executive Board recommends to VOTE NO on all six ballot proposals in the 2025 General Election to protect our communities, preserve local democracy, and ensure that power remains where it belongs—with the people of New York City.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks 2025
Roughly 1,500 UFT members raised more than $198,000 for breast cancer research and patient services in this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks. On two Sundays in October – Oct. 19 and Oct. 26 – members walked in all five boroughs and on Long Island to raise awareness and needed funds.
Brooklyn Parent Conference 2025
More than 100 parents, caretakers, educators and community members gathered at the UFT’s Brooklyn borough office on Oct. 25 for the UFT Brooklyn parent committee’s annual conference. This year’s conference theme was “Organize and Activate,” and attendees took in workshops on school safety, political action, special education and PTA organizing.
Manhattan Parent Conference 2025
More than 100 parents and community members gathered at UFT headquarters on Oct. 25 for the UFT’s annual Manhattan parent conference. Attendees learned about first aid and emergency preparedness, trained to become IEP (Individualized Education Program) parent members and spread the word about the rights of immigrant students and their families.
Transitioning care and next steps
The following FAQs address common member questions about the New York City Employees PPO Plan (NYCE PPO).
Pink Day 2025
UFT members from all five boroughs of New York City wore pink on Oct. 15, 2025, to raise awareness about breast cancer.
Resolution in support of protecting NYC public students from ICE detention
The UFT will use its resources, advocacy and voice to support the return of these students to their schools and continue to work with partners to ensure that New York City remains a sanctuary city.
Resolution to establish a technology professional committee
The UFT will establish a Technology Committee dedicated to supporting members in their ongoing technological professional development and collaborate with New York City Public Schools to ensure that technology professional development opportunities...
Resolution in support of safe, consistent and reliable transportation for students in New York City public schools
The United Federation of Teachers will support legislative efforts to restore employee protection for the workforce transporting New York City's students on school buses and will continue introducing students to unionized careers.
Resolution in opposition to the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education
The United Federation of Teachers will support our national affiliates, the NEA and AFT, in their lawsuits against the illegal actions taken by the administration and mobilize its members to lobby the governor, state legislators and city...
Resolution for "Hands Off Our Schools" campaign
The UFT will initiate coordination, collaboration, member-to-member education and dialogue, and other joint initiatives with AFT and NEA local and national bodies to defeat the attacks of the federal government on public education.