The winter holiday season can be a challenging time for some people, for many different reasons. Support is available if you need it. The UFT offers confidential, 24/7 assistance through our Member Assistance Program. Members can access all MAP resources here: https://bit.ly/42D1y9s

"Teaching, I’ve learned, is less about control and more about community. It’s about showing up, again and again, even when it’s hard, especially when it’s hard." Mr. Jordan, a second-year elementary teacher in Brooklyn, reflects on small wins in this New Teacher Diaries: https://bit.ly/4pSx0Kt

Thousands of paraprofessionals mobilized throughout 2025 to fight for the $10,000 annual "RESPECT check," only to have City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams block it. The UFT will redouble its efforts in the new year. Read: https://www.uft.org/news/opinion/editorials/our-fight-isnt-over

The Trump administration's mass deportation agenda has triggered anxiety and absenteeism in New York City public schools. Yet despite the bleakness of the situation, educators remain committed to protecting their students and advocating for them. Read: https://bit.ly/3MUpnV3

UFT members at the six sites that make up District 31 Pre-K Centers on Staten Island are no longer staying silent in the face of mistreatment from their principal, thanks to Chapter Leader Amy Craine. Read: https://bit.ly/3MFErWF

Happy holidays from the UFT! Only a few more days until winter break and some time off.

A calmer pace. More individualized attention. Fewer distractions. Those are among the greatest benefits teachers say they’re seeing in their classrooms this year as the state class size law enters its third year of implementation.
Read: https://bit.ly/3MOHuvx

About 300 UFT members from schools across the city attended one of the union's immigration workshops in October and November. The sessions walked members through the steps to establish school-based committees to support and defend immigrant families.
Read: https://bit.ly/4qfink4

Since Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)’s inception, federal reporting has helped identify inequities across race, disability category and geography. Those insights have shaped funding and driven reforms that move schools closer to inclusion.

"Lowering the retirement age won’t be easy, but the coming year provides a window of opportunity. With affordability becoming the No. 1 issue in the city, the state and nationally, we see a path forward." - UFT President Michael Mulgrew Read the column: https://bit.ly/48XJoRT

UFT members and their parent allies sent nearly 9,000 emails and flooded Speaker Adrienne Adams’ socials in Nov. and Dec. urging a vote on the RESPECT check bill. Adams continues to block the bill. Read about how the fight will continue in the new year: https://bit.ly/3Y0HbjQ

Dorothy "Dorrie" Moller, a devoted paraprofessional who loved her work and was loved in return by the medically fragile students she served at PS 37 on Staten Island, died on Sept. 2 at the age of 67. Read about her life and legacy: https://ufthonors.uft.org/moller/

It's a blessing the Perez Blanco family was able to leave 26 Federal Plaza, free and intact as a family. We joined @uft.org members, faith leaders, and advocates to offer support to this family, who are seeking asylum. Today, thankfully, these parents were not separated from their three children.

Happy First Night of Hanukkah! May this season bring warmth, peace and light. 🕎

UFT Honors Danielle Lehtinen, a longtime art and music teacher and chapter leader at PS 58 in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. She was a committed arts educator and dedicated union activist who promoted a culture of respect for educators and students. Read: https://ufthonors.uft.org/lehtinen/

This week the labor movement had a big win: legislators in Utah voted overwhelmingly to repeal a law that prevented public employees from unionizing. Sending solidarity to our fellow educators in Utah Read more here: https://bit.ly/48KXMNd

Bernardo Sanchez, a patient and loving paraprofessional and UFT paraprofessional representative at P94@P276, a District 75 program in Manhattan, died on Nov. 1. He was 77. Read about the exemplary educator and colleague's life and legacy: https://ufthonors.uft.org/sanchez/

Thee UFT has compiled resources on the rights of immigrants, the current threat of deportation and how we as educators can support our immigrant students and their families. NYC public schools have extra city and state protections, regardless of federal policy. Read more: https://bit.ly/4iLJpgp

The deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 10 for UFT members who are currently enrolled in the Board of Education Retirement System to (optionally) request a transfer into the Teachers’ Retirement System, under a new state law signed by Gov. Hochul. Learn more: https://bit.ly/49YBytz

An injustice to one is an injustice to all. District 21's motto — “It’s not about me, it’s about we” — reflects who we are as unionists. Through this action, we demonstrated that we will continue to stand as a united front. Educators will not tolerate disrespect in the workplace.

TOMORROW, Saturday, Dec. 6 is the day! Join us for a Fixing Tier 6 in '26 Virtual Kickoff! Hear the plan, get activated and make Albany listen — because educators deserve to thrive, not just survive. Check your email for the registration link! #FixTier6

At a press conference ahead of today's City Council meeting, Speaker Adrienne Adams talked about needing dignity, opportunity and safety for all New Yorkers, especially pay equity for women and people of color.

It's not a cure-all, but early research found that cell phone bans improve teachers' stress levels. 💆🏽‍♀️😌 How has the phone ban helped you and your school? Read more: https://bit.ly/4iDCp5b

Research shows that students who participate in social-emotional learning programs do better in school — both academically and socially. Read more and find tools to foster these important skills here: https://bit.ly/4o6ebSj

SAVE THE DATE and register now! Join us on Saturday, Dec. 6 on Zoom for a Fixing Tier 6 in '26 Virtual Kickoff! Hear the plan, get activated and make Albany listen — because educators deserve to thrive, not just survive. Watch your email for the registration link! #FixTier6

On Dec. 2, we celebrate National Special Education Day to remember the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the nation’s first federal special education law.

On Nov. 29, we marked the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the landmark federal law that required public schools to provide an "appropriate education" to all students with disabilities.

Today is Dec. 1 - World AIDS Day. The day is commemorated each year to bring people together worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV. We have compiled teaching resources for educators to inspire young people to action, education and elimination of HIV/AIDS: https://bit.ly/48wPf0w

🛍️ #CyberMonday alert! 🛍️ Browse the UFT Swag Shop for a wide range of union gear, apparel and accessories — including new borough-specific items. Secure your swag in time for the holiday season before it’s gone!

🛍️ 🎁 Black Friday is on at the UFT Swag Shop! Browse now for sales on a wide range of union apparel and accessories. Get free shipping on orders over $99, free stickers with every purchase, and check out new borough themed gear. Enjoy all the deals through Dec. 8. Shop now: https://bit.ly/3XjTFmg

The Trump administration has announced a plan that changes what constitutes a professional degree, leaving out nursing degrees. This will have a snowball effect. (1/2)

In recent years, just 27% of city high schools have had a school newspaper. But some NYC educators are leading a revival and bringing student journalism back to public schools. 📰 Read more here: https://bit.ly/49531JB

Malala Yousafzai surprised Brooklyn Landmark Elementary School's second-graders this fall by serving as the school's "celebrity substitute" on the YouTube show of the same name, helping launch a major makeover of the school's library and technology room. Read: https://bit.ly/47XA1T6

The agenda for the Civil Service and Labor Committee vote has been posted, the same day as the City Council’s Nov. 25 stated meeting, and it does NOT include the RESPECT check bill. #RESPECTforParaprofessionals (1/3)

ICYMI, here is a quick breakdown on the Trump administration's order to move funding and services from the DOE to other federal departments:

Amber Carlin-Mishkin doesn’t just teach science — she teaches her students to think like scientists. Through a new partnership with the Gowanus Canal Conservancy, the teacher at PS 118 Brooklyn helps her students view their own neighborhood as an ecosystem. Read more: https://bit.ly/4otQvZ5

The Trump admin’s latest plan to dismantle the DOE includes splitting services across multiple federal departments and diverting funds away from schools that depend on them. The UFT joins the AFT and our allies in opposing this move, which will undermine public schools and hurt kids nationwide.

The UFT Albert Shanker College Scholarship application is now open. Encourage your graduating students to apply today: https://bit.ly/4eNe89q 🎓

Thank you to all the school-related professionals who support our students and teachers each and every day!

The Teachers' Retirement System will introduce a Roth option in addition to its Tax-Deferred Annuity Program starting in 2026. In-service TRS members can log in to the secure section of the TRS website to open a Roth account. Note: you cannot start contributing to your Roth account until Jan. 2026.

We are nearing the end of the nomination period for the 2026 Flag Award for Teaching Excellence. Nominate an extraordinary teacher by Nov. 30 for their chance to win the $25,000 grand prize! https://flagaward.org/nominate-your-teacher

Christi Angel, president of the Citywide Council for District 75 schools and parent, delivered a powerful testimony at City Hall on Nov. 13. Read her full remarks below.

Have you visited the UFT Member Hub yet? It's your online source for the resources you need on your benefits, professional committees, NYC Childcare Navigator and much more. Log in to find essential information: https://bit.ly/3LDqyHT

"Nature journaling is a practice I’ve started with my 2nd-graders that not only boosts students’ attention and sense of well-being and joy, but also strengthens their scientific, mathematical and critical-thinking skills." 🪻🔍 Read: https://bit.ly/43yaP33

Anthony Barnes, the UFT’s Assistant Secretary for the Paraprofessional Chapter, delivered a powerful testimony at City Hall on Nov. 13. Read his full remarks below.

"We're here today asking for the legislators to do what's right." — Christi Angel, parent and president of Citywide Council on District 75 speaking to the urgent need to vote the paraprofessional RESPECT check bill out of committee. #RESPECTforParaprofessionals

Our biggest appreciation goes out to New York City Council Member @cndelarosa.bsky.social, chair of the Council Labor Committee and original co-sponsor of the paraprofessional RESPECT check bill, for calling the public hearing today. #RESPECTforParaprofessionals #ParaPOWER

New York City Council Member Julie Menin has backed the paraprofessional RESPECT check bill from the very beginning. Thank you, Council Member Menin, for your support as we fight for the money and respect paraprofessionals deserve. The time is NOW! #RESPECTforParaprofessionals

“Who would take care of my students? Who would be there for them?” Paraprofessionals and school support professionals in NYC do this work because they want to see students thrive. The time is now to pay them fairly for their work. @uft.org

Paraprofessionals like Tanya don’t just help kids read. They help students with special needs learn life skills. They counsel and empower our students to take care of themselves and grow. These workers are the backbone of our schools and they deserve to be paid for that work. @uft.org