Search
UFT’s large and diverse ‘family’
Union leaders and representatives from the union’s private, nonprofit and Department of Education functional chapters gathered at union headquarters on Jan. 16 to kick off a new union initiative intended to showcase and amplify the work of members in...
VNS Health nurses OK contract
Federation of Nurses/UFT members who are licensed practical nurses with VNS Health overwhelmingly ratified a contract on Jan. 27 that provides a 7.5% increase in base pay over two years while establishing the employer’s contractual obligation to...
Pension choice for BERS members
More than 20,000 UFT members now have their choice of pension systems after a campaign led by members of the UFT Occupational and Physical Therapists Chapter.
Kudos to Nicole Keaster, IS 5, Queens
Bringing the staff “together” has been the main objective of Nicole Keaster since becoming chapter leader at IS 5 in Queens three years ago. “If you have a strong community of respect, you can do all of the other things,” she said.
Optical benefits look sharper
Union members enrolled in the UFT Welfare Fund and their eligible dependents can now get eyeglasses or contact lenses more frequently, for less money out of pocket and from more optical stores than ever.
April 1 deadline for new child abuse workshop
New York State law was recently amended to require that all DOE employees who are mandated reporters, including all classroom teachers, take additional training in the area of identifying and reporting child abuse and maltreatment/neglect.
Educators can deduct $300 on their taxes
Tax time is approaching and here's what educators should know what deductions they can take on their federal income taxes.
New telehealth benefit
The UFT has created a new telehealth benefit for members who are not eligible for city health insurance. UFT members who are substitute paraprofessionals, per-diem teachers and members of the union’s ADAPT Community Network Chapter can now access...
UFT backs $10K boost for paras
UFT President Michael Mulgrew joined City Council Education Committee Chair Rita Joseph and other Council members outside City Hall on Jan. 30 to announce proposed legislation that would provide a recurring annual payment of $10,000 to full-time...
UFT workshop on supporting undocumented students and families
Days after the Trump administration rescinded a longstanding federal policy that made schools off limits to immigration raids, the UFT held a workshop about how educators can support undocumemented students and their families.
Icing out ICE
What will the next four years under President Donald Trump mean for public education in New York City? UFT President Michael Mulgrew told the Delegate Assembly on Jan. 15 that many parents are fearful of the ramifications.
UFT parental leave
The UFT in 2018 was the first municipal union in New York City to secure paid parental leave for its members. Parents of any gender may be eligible to take UFT parental leave following the birth, adoption or foster care placement of a child under the...
Kindness, the cure that costs nothing
“Be kind, rewind” is a slogan that disappeared with VHS tapes, but it succinctly illustrates the basic elements of kindness: Even a small, seemingly trivial act can make life a little better for someone you don’t know.
An open letter to Mayor Adams
UFT President Michael Mulgrew penned an open letter to Mayor Adams regarding member concerns about the safety of our immigrant students.
Resolution on observations for tenured teachers returning from leave
The UFT will advocate for tenured teachers who receive a “No Rating” due to their leave of absence to have their observation requirements determined based on their most recent full-year rating.
African Heritage Awards Dinner 2025
UFT members celebrated African heritage and honored educators, students and colleagues at the 22nd annual UFT African Heritage Committee Awards Dinner on Feb. 7 at Antun’s in Queens Village.
UFT Power Points
Member participation builds our union’s power. That’s why we launched Union Power Points, a new program that encourages members to participate in the life of the union beyond their particular schools and work sites.
NYC Solves policy updates address our concerns
As a result of our intense negotiations with the DOE over our concerns with the NYC Solves curriculum, the DOE is releasing key policy updates to all middle and high school math teachers and principals. These updates are a step in the right direction...
UFT launches TV ad campaign to highlight NYC public school educators’ support for students in face of challenges
The UFT today launched a television ad campaign recognizing New York City public school educators as they overcome challenges while helping students reach their full potential.
Testimony of Michael Mulgrew on the DOE's provision of special education services
UFT President Michael Mulgrew submitted testimony before the New York City Council Education Committee’s oversight hearing on the DOE's provision of special education services.
UFT urges legislation to put more money in pockets of school paraprofessionals
United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew and New York City paraprofessionals joined City Council Education Committee Chair Rita Joseph and other council members as Joseph announced proposed legislation designed to reduce the income gap...
City Council legislation FAQ
We are calling on members of the New York City Council to pass legislation to give every UFT-represented paraprofessional an annual recurring payment of approximately $10,000. Get answers to your questions about this proposed legislation.
Testimony of Michael Mulgrew on the governor's proposed 2025-26 budget
UFT President Michael Mulgrew delivered testimony before the state Joint Legislative Budget Committee on the proposed 2025-26 executive budget.
Clinicians Appreciation Day 2025
About a thousand members of the UFT’s Social Workers and Psychologists Chapter gathered online on Jan. 27 with another 380 members in person for a day of professional development, networking and bonding in what was the chapter’s most-attended Clinicians Appreciation Day event.
Attachment Styles & Love Languages
In this episode, we dive in to the fascinating topics of attachment styles and love languages. Join us as licensed clinical social worker Julia Di Giacomo explains how our early relationships shape the way we connect with people as adults, and how understanding your attachment style can transform your relationships. She also breaks down the five love languages, offering practical tips on how to communicate your needs and strengthen your bonds. Tune in for insightful advice on creating healthier, more fulfilling connections.
Arbitrator: NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn unjustly fired UFT nurses
Arbitrator James A. Brown rejected NYU Langone Hospital-Brooklyn's claims that nine nurses were at fault when a woman gave birth in a hallway outside the hospital's Labor and Delivery Unit.
Resolution to support additional time for special education teachers and related service providers to work on IEPs
The UFT will continue to fight for additional time during the school day for special education teachers and related service providers to work on IEPs to ensure that students with disabilities receive the best possible educational experience.
Resolution to ensure equitable funding and resource allocation for Career and Technical Education programs
The UFT calls upon the DOE and NYSED to establish dedicated funding streams for CTE programs at the federal and state levels.
Resolution in support of teacher voice in the use of P-12 curricula
The UFT will continue to support and defend a teacher's right to adapt the curriculum to benefit their students and to use teacher-created assessments based on their own knowledge of students’ work.
Governor Hochul proposes $110 million to strengthen child care / La gobernadora Hochul propone $110 millones para fortalecer el cuidado infantil
Read about an important proposal that impacts child care providers. / Lea sobre una propuesta importante que afecta a los proveedores de cuidado infantil.
Immigrant student and family resources
These resources provide information on the rights of immigrants, the threat of deportation and how educators can support our immigrant students and their families.
Join our chapter
Joining together with our fellow union members will bring increased wages, fairer regulations, better working conditions and the dignity and respect we deserve. Use our online enrollment form to become a member today.
Good habits for financial freedom
If you decided to save more money this year, you’ve made the most popular New Year's resolution. For good reason: Minimizing financial stress is good for its own sake, and for your mental and physical well-being too.
FAQ on BERS to TRS transfers
In December 2024, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law a bill that allowed UFT members who are enrolled in the Board of Education Retirement System (BERS) to transfer into the Teachers’ Retirement System if they wish. Read our FAQ and view important...
Seasonal Affective Disorder: How to Identify and Cope With It
Do the short winter days leave you feeling down? Join Dr. Gail Brightwell, a licensed school psychologist with the Positive Learning Collaborative, to learn about the impact of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and how the changing seasons can affect our mental health. In conversation with the UFT Member Assistance Program staff, Dr. Brightwell shares practical strategies and expert advice for managing SAD, as well as self-care tips to prioritize your mental well-being so you can stay balanced through the darker months.
STEM training offers hope for communities across the country
AFT President Randi Weingarten and UFT President Michael Mulgrew explain how careers related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—STEM—are well paid and in demand, including in areas around the country that have suffered from de...