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Federal workers’ contracts canceled
More than 1 million federal workers may lose their collective bargaining rights after the Trump administration canceled their contracts at the Internal Revenue Service, the Office of Comptroller of the Currency, and the Department of Energy in...
Creating podcasts
Creating classroom podcasts isn’t just trendy, it’s a task that checks many boxes: using real-world skills, applying content knowledge, integrating technology, incorporating student voice, and practicing all four components of English language arts....
School-based options
Spring is the time for school chapter leaders to discuss with their chapter’s members and then with their principal the school-based options they want to create, re-create or allow to sunset for the 2026–27 school year.
Protect play: an essential ingredient in early childhood success
Play fosters a lasting love of learning, and must be protected in early childhood classrooms. Research overwhelmingly reinforces the benefits of play-based instruction. Children who engage in cooperative play generally have higher self-esteem, and...
Dental care
The UFT Welfare Fund offers dental benefits through two programs: the Scheduled Benefit Plan, which provides services through either a designated panel of dentists or a dentist of your choice, and Dentcare, a no-cost dental HMO.
Members push back against principal
Educators at Flushing High School called on the UFT and took a stand when the principal initiated a program that resulted in isolating ELL students. Instead addressing students' learning and language issues, they were isolated in two windowless...
Fix the Foundation
Changes to the state’s Foundation Aid formula shortchanged New York City by $314 million last year and, without reform, will cost city schools more than $400 million next year. The UFT has identified three key areas legislators must fix to give New...
RESPECT check legislation makes headway
At the March Delegate Assembly. UFT President Michael Mulgrew said significant progress had been made toward passage of the RESPECT check bill during a report where he also provided updates on the impact of the state's increased funding for 3K and 2K...
Choice is clear for NY
The national Educational Choice for Children Act, tucked into the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Congress passed last summer, is bad news for public education – and New York must not opt in.
A note of appreciation
A Brooklyn teacher expresses her gratitude for the care and dedication paraprofessionals demonstrate for students daily.
‘Thank you,’ LeRoy Barr
A teacher at Brooklyn's PS 152 lauds recently retired UFT Secretary LeRoy Barr for his mentorship and guidance.
Powering up student success
When students ask John Isaza why he teaches — despite the higher salary he could earn as an electrician — his answer is simple. “I love my job,” he tells them. “When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work.” Isaza, a UFT Career and Technical...
A stroke of genius
Follow along as the 2nd-grade students in Jacqueline Velten and Melissa Hamm’s integrated co-teaching class at PS 54 on Staten Island travel to the Staten Island Museum to experience “Art Now: Watercolor Fun,” one of 20 class trips the museum offers...
Living out her dream
Teacher Jacqueline Armento's development and coordination of the Law Institute at John Bowne HS in Queens earned her recognition at this year’s UFT Career and Technical Education Awards night, where she received a UFT CTE Educators Award.
Stephanie Isidore, FDNY HS, Brooklyn
Chapter Leader Stephanie Isidore of FDNY Captain Vernon A. Richard HS in Brooklyn was an impactful source of comfort and information to her member colleagues in helping them navigate having three different principals over the course of nine months.
Social Workers Appreciation Day
School social workers gathered at UFT headquarters and online on March 6 for a day of professional development and networking to mark the 10th annual Social Workers Appreciation Day.
School Counselors Conference
The invaluable need for human connection in a fast-moving digital world was top of mind as School Counselors Chapter Leader Rosemarie Thompson welcomed about 200 counselors and other related service providers to union headquarters for the 22nd annual...
Paraprofessionals Awards Luncheon
More than 1,000 members and guests turned out to affirm the work of paraprofessionals at the annual Paraprofessional Awards Luncheon. A total of 16 honorees were recognized for their work supporting students across the city, with UFT leaders...
Middle Schools Conference
More than 70 educators gathered at union headquarters for the union’s Middle Schools Conference, gaining professional development and key insights on meeting the challenge of supporting students at a uniquely challenging age.
UFT Labor Seder
The shared themes between Passover and the labor movement took center stage at the UFT Jewish Heritage Committee’s annual Labor Seder at the UFT Brooklyn borough office where attendees shared in the traditional ritual meal.
UFT Irish American Heritage Committee Celebration
UFT members celebrated Irish American culture and contribution to the mosaic that is New York City during a celebration at UFT headquarters on Feb. 5.
Iftar dinner
More than 200 UFT members filled Shanker Hall at union headquarters on February 27 to break the Ramadan fast during the UFT Muslim Educators Committee's third annual Iftar dinner. The event was joined by guests including Mayor Zohran Mamdani and...
HERstory 2026
About 200 members gathered for a day of self-care, reflection and community at the UFT’s annual HERstory Celebration Brunch in honor of Women’s History Month.
The event, organized by UFT Vice President Janella Hinds, was designed to support members'...
Guiding the future of labor
The UFT celebrated the future-forward focus that career and technical educators bring in giving students the tools they need to join tomorrow’s labor force as more than 450 members and guests gathered at union headquarters on Feb. 12 for the union’s...
Future in Focus
Hundreds of students from dozens of high schools across the city learned about union careers and benefits from the New York City unions represented at the UFT Academic High School Division’s ninth annual Future in Focus career fair.
African Heritage Awards Dinner
About 150 UFT members and guests braved frigid temps to celebrate African heritage and honor educators, students and colleagues amid a snowy start to Black History Month at the 23nd annual UFT African Heritage Committee Awards Dinner.
Union pushes for systemic equity
At a March 4 legislative reception in Albany, UFT leaders pressed lawmakers to advance a slate of policies aimed at improving equity across New York’s education system, from Tier 6 retirement benefits to school funding and early childhood care...
Earnings rules governing work after retirement
Whatever the reason a retiree may decide to take a job after retirement, they need to follow specific rules to avoid jeopardizing their pension or Social Security benefits.
Prepare now for summer
Start early and don't be afraid to get creative. Those are words of advice veteran educators are offering to new teachers get tips on how to best prepare now for the end of school year that is fast approaching.
How I found my voice in my ELL students
A Queens elementary school teacher writes of discovering their own voice along with their newcomer students' during the struggles and triumphs of their first year of teaching in this latest entry of New Teacher Diaries.
Welcoming all to dance
Special education dance teacher Megan Mollendorf takes great “steps” to ensure all students can participate.
Resolution on member engagement during 2027 contract negotiations
The UFT will survey all members to identify needs, shape priorities, and set contract demands and the negotiating committee shall be formed promptly, allowing sufficient time for training on collective bargaining.
If I am paid regularly by the DOE via direct deposit, can I still receive a paper check for per session work?
As of May 2026, all DOE employees who receive their regular, recurring paychecks via direct deposit, but who receive paper checks for per session work, will need to enroll in direct deposit for per-session payments. Enrollment must be completed by...
Step into the light
As winter recedes and we embrace this new season, it can feel as though we are emerging from a time of hibernation and stepping out into the light. While the shorter days and colder nights of winter create a perfect setting for reflection and...
Pension fairness can help balance public budgets
UFT President Michael Mulgrew argues that by aligning Tier 6 pension benefits with those of the Tier 4 system, New York State has the opportunity to not only reverse a longtime inequity in public service pensions but also to offer relief to the...
NewYork-Presbyterian tries to shake down New York City for more money
NewYork-Presbyterian is demanding sky-high rates to renew its health contract for New York City employees and pre-Medicare retirees, and is threatening to send 40,000 city workers, retirees, and their families out of network if its demands are not...