Learning Curve
Statewide cellphone ban 1 year later
One year after New York State's cellphone ban went into effect, UFT members say it has improved communication, collaboration and group work across city classrooms.
The big lessons of smaller class sizes
Three teachers in Queens — the New York City borough with the most overcrowded classrooms — drive home the benefits of the state's class size law, which mandates smaller numbers of students per class, by sharing their experiences from the front lines.
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 play fosters social skills like sharing, taking turns, and resolving conflicts. Active learning has been shown to boost academic achievement and retention compared to teacher-led instruction.
Partnering with paraprofessionals
When teachers and paraprofessionals are on the same page, the classroom becomes a place of unity and students are the beneficiaries. Teachers across the city discuss the benefits of forging strong, healthy relationships with the paraprofessionals with whom they work.
Harnessing AI to support educators
As AI penetrates public education faster than policy can keep up, educators are being asked to navigate powerful new tools with little guidance. To help fill that void, the AFT has released a framework meant to ensure AI supports teaching and learning rather than undermines it.
Student journalism as ‘participatory civics’
A handful of New York City teachers, as part of the citywide Journalism for All initiative, are leading a revival: bringing back student journalism to public high schools.