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Turning hallways into happy places
Queens middle school teacher Laeticia Charles offers a sense of emotional connection and safety to the students she teaches in her second year at MS 137, elevating her students' academics in the process.
Getting into character
Middle school teachers Cristina Cappiello and Arielle Schwartz showcase an inventive way to teach the classic novel "The Giver" in their classroom at MS 245 in Manhattan.
Clinicians Appreciation Day
Nearly 1,300 attendees gathered online and at UFT headquarters for the 20th annual UFT Clinicians Appreciation Day for a mix of professional development, networking and for the first time, an awards ceremony honoring the School Psychologist and...
Optional drug rider reimbursement up to $900
Beginning in March, UFT retirees can expect a partial reimbursement from the UFT Welfare Fund -- for as much as $900 for some retirees -- for the cost of an optional prescription drug rider.
SHIP 2026 premium notices
SHIP 2026 premium notices were sent in early January to retirees who did not elect to pay premiums via automatic pension deduction.
Required minimum distributions
UFT retirees who are turning 73 in 2026 and have a tax-deferred annuity (TDA) account have to begin making annual withdrawals from their TDA (called a required minimum distribution or RMD).
Retirees rally for unionists
The RTC's Labor Solidarity Project offers retirees an outlet to practice their union activism, proudly standing with striking nurses and with other causes.
1099 tax forms
The Teachers’ Retirement System issues 1099 tax forms each January to people who received distributions from TRS in the previous year.
Save money with SHIP
UFT retirees who are members of the Retired Teachers Chapter can join the Supplemental Health Insurance Program (SHIP) during their first year of retirement and recoup hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars for out-of-pocket medical expenses...
Feeding the soul in retirement
Elizabeth Tremberger, a retired Bronx science teacher, was looking for a way to serve her community after retirement. She found it in a local food pantry, where she orders and hands out food to those in need.
Leading from the front
RTC Chapter Leader Bennett Fischer hails the power of unionists like those of the UFT to preserve democracy and stand up to tyranny in the wake of the killings of laborers Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis.
CTE Awards 2026
The UFT celebrated the future-forward focus of career and technical educators at the 2026 Career and Technical Education Awards. Held inside Shanker Hall at union headquarters, the UFT’s Career and Technical Education Division and the CTE industry gave out about 80 awards to union members and community partners and recognized educators who have brought CTE into their classrooms.
RESPECT campaign update
In the few weeks since the new City Council members were sworn in, we’ve hit the ground running. Our paraprofessionals have met with at least 45 members of the City Council so far, and more appointments have been scheduled.
Resolution to endorse Thomas M. Brown for re-election to the NYC Teachers’ Retirement Board
The United Federation of Teachers endorses Thomas M. Brown for election as a Teacher-Member of the Teachers’ Retirement Board of the City of New York for a three-year term beginning in 2026.
Do any UFT members qualify for a tax credit for overtime pay?
The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) sets nationwide rules for minimum wage, overtime pay and recordkeeping for most public and private workers. Employees covered by the FLSA may qualify for a new IRS-approved tax credit. Among UFT-represented...
Testimony of Michael Mulgrew on mayoral control
UFT President Michael Mulgrew submitted testimony before the New York City Council Committee on Education's oversight hearing on mayoral control.
UFT VNS Health nurses win 12% increase in new 2-year pact
Federation of Nurses/UFT members, who are registered professional nurses with VNS Health, overwhelmingly approved a new 2-year contract that provides a 12% compounded salary increase over the course of the agreement, preserves healthcare benefits and...
UFT Middle Schools Conference 2026
Nearly 70 middle school educators gathered for the UFT Middle Schools Conference at union headquarters to enjoy a day of professional development, camaraderie and solidarity. They attended workshops and discussions about pensions, program preference sheets, disruptive students, building union solidarity and more.
African Heritage Awards Dinner 2026
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.
UFT Irish American Heritage Committee celebration 2026
About 50 members gathered at UFT headquarters for the annual UFT Irish American Heritage Committee celebration, where attendees enjoyed an awards ceremony, speeches, music and networking.
NYC educators turn up the heat for pension reform on Friday, 2/6
This Friday, 2/6, thousands of New York City public school educators are turning up the heat for pension reform by sharing their personal stories about why it's needed.
Contact information
See phone numbers and email addresses you can use to get more information about the NYCE PPO, other EmblemHealth plans and general health care questions.
Prior authorizations
The links below lead to NYCE PPO plan information about prior authorizations.
Prescription drugs
The links on this page lead to information about prescription drug benefits for EmblemHealth plans.
Mental/behavioral care
The links below lead to NYCE PPO plan information about mental and behavioral health care.
Doctors & hospitals
The links below lead to NYCE PPO plan information about doctors and hospitals .
General links
The links below lead to general resources regarding city health care and the NYCE PPO plan.
Health Care Quick Links
Get quick links to city health care information.
Nurture yourself
Whether it’s the winter doldrums, the news of the day or the hectic pace of work, there are many reasons you may be feeling overwhelmed. And while it may sound counterintuitive, slowing down and taking the time to nurture yourself can help you...
Testimony of Karen Alford on payments to early childhood care and education providers
UFT Vice President Karen Alford submitted testimony before the New York City Council Committee on Education on a bill about payments to early childhood care and education providers.
Paraprofessional RESPECT campaign is going strong
In the few short weeks since new City Council members were sworn in, we’ve hit the ground running. Our paraprofessionals have had meetings with at least 12 members of the city council so far and more appointments have been scheduled.
Testimony of Michael Mulgrew regarding the proposed state budget
UFT President Michael Mulgrew submitted testimony before the 2026 Joint Legislative Budget Committee regarding the governor’s proposed executive budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Nov. & Dec. 2025 posts
Posts from the Nov. and Dec. 2025 editions of Principal's Digest pertaining to students with disabilities.
Managing stress with somatic therapy
Our bodies respond to stress with a fight-or-flight response that may be disproportionate to the situation we’re encountering. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Lisa Siclari, a licensed mental health counselor, shares some simple somatic techniques that support emotional regulation, stress relief and overall well-being. Bring your body into the conversation with techniques that can be easily integrated into your daily routines at work and at home.
Resolution to stand in solidarity with AFGE Local 3911 and support the memorial vigil for Alex Pretti
The UFT Executive Board will inform members of the vigil for Alex Pretti so they may attend as a show of support for Mr. Pretti, his family, the AFGE and all people opposed to the violent conduct of ICE.
Remote learning day on Jan. 26 due to snow
The mayor has made the decision that K-8 schools will pivot to remote instruction on Monday, Jan. 26. Stay warm, stay safe.