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Hand signals to facilitate discussion
Natalie Sidarous, a 4th-grade ELA teacher at PS 1 on Staten Island, uses this chart of hand signals as a strategy for encouraging all students to participate and be heard in class discussions.
Providing ‘fatherly’ guidance
Jermaine Coley's warm, hands-on approach has made the second-year school counselor a respected and beloved figure at PS 284 in Brownsville, Brooklyn.
New Member Social Events 2025
The UFT organized social events in each borough this year where the union’s newest members made connections, learned more about the UFT and built community. New members took part in bowling, painting, a scavenger hunt and immersive team-building games across the city.
Your health benefits as a new educator
The city of New York's health plan and the UFT Welfare Fund-provided supplemental health benefits are among a UFT member's most valuable assets. Learn about what both plans provide so that you and your eligible dependents can access these benefits...
Brooklyn teacher dresses up like historical figures
During Black History Month and Women's History Month, this 2nd-grade teacher dresses up each day as a historical figure and teaches her students about that person.
How I overcame a ‘frightful’ day
A new high school teacher shares her inner thoughts about the day teaching Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" sparked fear in her heart -- until she switched things up and helped her ELA students make modern connections to the old text.
Clinicians Appreciation Day
About a thousand members of the union's Social Workers and Psychologists Chapter gathered online and another 380 in person for a day of professional development, networking and bonding on Jan. 27.
Manhattan new member event
More than two dozen new members from Manhattan schools turned out for some food, fun and fellowship on Jan. 24 at the UFT's new member event at a Manhattan bowling lounge.
Working with related service providers
For the new classroom teacher, the sheer volume of related service providers in a school can be a little bewildering. But it’s important to get to know these colleagues and the services they provide to students with disabilities.
Building an ofrenda
High school Spanish teacher Dianne-marie Cotto of World Journalism Preparatory in Queens has her class create an elaborate ofrenda (or altar to the dead) to help them better connect to the Mexican celebration El Dia de los Muertos.