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Union pillars honored
The UFT posthumously honored two accomplished members who died this year and presented their families with memorial plaques: Ron Jones, a former vice president for elementary schools, and Richard Miller, a former vice president of middle schools.
A helping hand is just a phone call away
The UFT Welfare Fund Retiree Social Services' Nationwide Telephone Reassurance Program offers support for retirees that is just a phone call away. Retirees can chat for as long as they need about whatever issue they may wish to discuss or may be...
Seeking the spotlight in retirement
Richard Sacher, who retired from teaching in 2005, has made acting and singing his second act.
Mamdani gives us hope
Zohran Mamdani's election is great news for union members and for the UFT. Never before have we had a mayor who is a stronger champion of workers, labor unions and ordinary New Yorkers.
Parent conferences
More than 500 parents, caregivers and community members poured into UFT borough offices this fall for the UFT's annual parent conferences in each borough.
UFT college and career fairs
Some 5,500 high school students across the city explored college and career options at the UFT's two college and career fairs this fall at Brooklyn College and the Borough of Manhattan Community College.
New Retiree Luncheon
Some 265 recent UFT retirees were celebrated for their service, passion and commitment to changing students’ lives during this UFT Welfare Fund annual event.
Psychologists Appreciation Day
Around 500 members networked and gathered resources at the union’s ninth annual Psychologists Appreciation Day on Nov. 7.
UFT Jewish Heritage Committee Awards dinner
History teacher Sari Beth Rosenberg of the HS for Environmental Studies in Manhattan was named Teacher of the Year at the UFT Jewish Heritage Committee’s annual Tikkun Olam Awards Night on Dec. 2
Invitational Golf Outing
About 100 attendees turned out for a round of golf to raise money for the UFT Disaster Relief Fund on Oct. 26 for the union's annual Invitational Golf Outing.
UFT Middle Schools Division’s Anti-Bullying Conference
About 400 middle-schoolers from 39 schools around the city learned strategies to address and combat bullying on Oct. 23 at the UFT Middle School Division's annual Anti-Bullying Conference.
UFT Asian American Heritage Committee’s Moon Festival
More than 150 members, family and friends gathered at the Queens borough office on Oct. 25 in a celebration of togetherness and gratitude at the UFT Asian American Heritage Committee’s first Moon Festival.
Thanksgiving luncheon and winter coat drive
Some 150 students living in temporary housing received coats and other winter gear at the UFT's annual Thanksgiving luncheon and coat drive, organized by the UFT Middle Schools Division.
Federation of Nurses/UFT’s Professional Issues Conference
Some 300 nurses gathered for workshops, a keynote address on neurology and a festive lunch at the Federation of Nurses/UFT's Professional Issues Conference at the New York Grand Central Hotel in Midtown Manhattan on Nov. 21.
‘Demystifying Disability’ workshop
About 25 school staff gathered on Dec. 3 for a "Demystifying Dsability" workshop led by special education teacher David Friedman from PS 69 in Jackson Heights.
Veronica Herrera, college and career counselor
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
New optional rider choices for retirees with GHI Senior Care
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 »
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.
Updated information on EmblemHealth prescriptions for retirees
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.