Stay active safely with this expert-led talk! Understanding how to prevent injuries is key to long-term health and performance. Join the UFT Welfare Fund for a special session with Dr. Tiana Woolridge to learn how to prevent injuries and boost recovery. Register today: https://bit.ly/3JP6XE4

Paraprofessional Unique Robinson of Murrow HS in Brooklyn acted quickly to advocate for a solution when presented with the need to safely and comfortably meet the toileting needs of her paraplegic student. Read: https://www.uft.org/news/feature-stories/news-stories/change-better

With SNAP benefits currently blocked by the federal government, we've compiled food assistance resources, including maps and search engines to find food banks and distribution sites. Please share so everyone can get the nourishment they need for themselves and their families. https://bit.ly/4p40Xq5

Paraprofessionals are essential workers. So why aren’t we paying them enough to get by in New York City? It’s a disservice to both paraprofessionals and the students they serve. Tell City Council: We need the RESPECT check bill passed now.

National School Psychology Week is an annual observance that highlights the work of school psychologists and the vital role they play in students' academic, social and emotional growth. Thank you, school psychologists, for all you do!

One week out. One big goal: the Nov. 13 Day of Action! On Nov. 13, we’ll make our case to the City Council for the RESPECT check bill — our chance to testify and show why this bill must pass.

Eighty UFT members will receive the $3,000 ratification bonus negotiated in the 2023 DOE-UFT contract after an independent arbitrator ruled in the union’s favor on Sept. 17. Learn more: https://www.uft.org/news/news-stories/news-stories/uft-wins-bonus-pay-arbitration

Swipe to read the words of paraprofessionals demanding what’s fair and long overdue — the RESPECT check bill. Their signs show exactly what’s at stake: keeping up with rising rent, paying for groceries and the right to be respected at work.

Quick, decisive action by Chapter Leader Melissa Wall saved five teachers from being excessed at IS 109 in Queens — and preserved the school’s approved plan to reduce class sizes in its 6th-grade classes. https://www.uft.org/news/member-spotlight/chapter-leader-shoutout/kudos-melissa-wall-109-queens

#NEWS: Congratulations to @marklevinenyc.bsky.social - our next NYC Comptroller! #UFTVotes #UFTEndorsed #NYCLaborVotes

@uftnyc.bsky.social is proud to call @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social our next mayor. We look forward to partnering with him and his team to deliver the change NYC students, educators, and parents deserve. #NYCLaborVotes #NYCMayor

On Election Night, UFT President Michael Mulgrew said in a press statement, "Congratulations, Mayor Mamdani, on your hard-fought victory. The UFT stands ready to help you make New York City more affordable for the people who live and work here."

On Election Night, UFT President Michael Mulgrew said in a press statement, "Congratulations, Mayor Mamdani, on your hard-fought victory. The UFT stands ready to help you make New York City more affordable for the people who live and work here."

Paraprofessional Peter Loizi is calling on his fellow UFT members to come together on Thursday, Nov. 13, for our citywide Day of Action supporting the RESPECT check🤝 Wear blue for paraprofessionals on Nov. 13, also the day of the City Council hearing on the RESPECT check bill. Let’s get it passed!

Help take the chill out of winter for NYC students in need by making a donation to the UFT Middle School Division's annual coat drive. Monetary donations will go toward the purchase of winter gear for NYC public school students living in temporary housing. https://bit.ly/4qAQmV5

If the RESPECT check bill becomes law, every full-time paraprofessional would receive a check for $10,755 in 2025 and $11,154 in 2026. Substitute paraprofessionals would receive a prorated amount based on the number of days worked.

"In my high school Spanish classes, I incorporate cultural topics into the language instruction. My students and I bring in photos or mementos of loved ones we’ve lost and build an ofrenda together as part of our unit on the Mexican celebration El Dia de los Muertos." Read: https://bit.ly/47OvOkw

Paraprofessionals have a starting salary of under $32,000, which is impossible to survive on in NYC. The city’s insistence on pattern bargaining, where all city workers get the same percentage increases, has done major damage to the lowest-paid roles. Tell City Council: pass the RESPECT check bill!

Hundreds of UFT members knocked on doors and called neighbors across the city to campaign for Zohran Mamdani and other UFT-endorsed candidates in the weeks before Election Day. Members, be sure to vote and make your voice heard! Read more: https://bit.ly/3Lmo2pb

This Halloween, there is nothing scarier than our newer members being stuck in an inferior pension tier. 😅 Our work is important. Our pension benefits should reflect that. #FixTier6 NOW!

Halloween festivities are underway at IS 125 in Woodside, Queens! Kudos to these educators and staff for bringing the spooky spirit to school. 🎃 Send us your fa-BOO-lous photos to [email protected] 👻 We can't wait to see and share them!

The state’s new UFT-backed cellphone ban is getting rave reviews from educators who say students are more engaged in class — and rediscovering "old-fashioned" pastimes like reading, playing board games and simply talking to one another. Read: https://bit.ly/49mazI0

Food Bank for NYC is the city’s largest hunger relief organization, with a network of more than 800 soup kitchens, food pantries and campus partners that bring healthy food and fresh produce to nearly every NYC zip code. Find a food pantry or campus pantry near you at foodbanknyc.org.

"The skyrocketing cost of health care in this country is a national crisis that demands the attention of elected officials at every level of government." Read UFT President Michael Mulgrew's latest column in the New York Teacher: https://bit.ly/48StRom

UFT members, make your plan to vote! 🗳️ Early voting has begun, and Election Day is ONE week away on Tuesday Nov. 4. Get more information about hours and your polling site here: findmypollsite.vote.nyc   Let's make our voices heard.

Do you or someone you know need food assistance? Visit FoodBankNYC.com to find food pantries near you and learn how to access your school’s Campus Pantry.

Pedagogical employees of the city DOE who are injured or made sick on the job are covered by the Line of Duty Injury provision of the DOE-UFT contract — not workers’ compensation. FAQs about Line of Duty Injury benefits and how to apply for them: https://bit.ly/3L9ZuzW

Hundreds of UFT members in all five boroughs and on Long Island participated in the Strides walks on the last two Sundays in October, raising money and awareness. The UFT, along with its state affiliate NYSUT, is traditionally one of the walk’s top fundraisers. Read: https://bit.ly/4oaMTuP

UFT members and staff hit the green on Sunday at our annual Invitational Golf Outing to benefit the UFT Disaster Relief Fund. ⛳ It was a fun day of community building as we raised money to help UFT members and people around the world who are rebuilding their lives in the wake of disaster.

In honor of Dyslexia Awareness Month, Left Behind — the story of Literacy Academy Collective's fight to open NYC’s first public school for students with dyslexia — is streaming free on demand through Nov. 2. Don’t miss this inspiring story of advocacy, community & resilience! https://bit.ly/4qvNY1E

The Trump administration is exploiting federal workers as bargaining chips and imposing unfair burdens on them during the government shutdown. Read "Federal firings unjust," an editorial in the latest issue of the New York Teacher. https://www.uft.org/news/opinion/editorials/federal-firings-unjust

This October, UFT members took part in American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks across New York City, uniting survivors and communities in awareness of this disease in all five boroughs. 🩷

Paraprofessionals, tell us: what would you use the RESPECT check for?

We asked NYC paraprofessionals: What would the RESPECT check help you do? “Buy food and pay for school.” “Help with rent.” “Keep my head above water.” Paraprofessionals need the RESPECT check money — and we need the City Council to pass this bill.

Election Day is almost here — time to make your voice heard. NYC needs leaders who will support working people like us and who will fight for public schools, teachers, and students. That’s why it’s critical that UFT members get out to vote in this election.

UFT-endorsed candidate for mayor @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social knows how important the state's class size law is for both students and educators. He voted for it as an Assembly Member. Now he's pledged to help meet its targets as mayor.

We’re closer than ever to winning the RESPECT check — but we can’t stop now. Here’s how we’ll make it happen: 1. The Nov. 13 committee hearing: UFT President Mulgrew and our paraprofessionals will testify and make the case for why this bill must pass.

Supporting our fellow union members @actorsequity.bsky.social and American Federation of Musicians @local802.bsky.social in their push for a healthier Broadway. Sign the petition to show your solidarity! https://bit.ly/3JlYUOJ

.@pbsnews.org and @propublica.org details how Trump's cuts to education funding are affecting classrooms nationwide. Educators know what this looks like in action. Watch the video here: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-the-trump-administration-is-dramatically-reshaping-education-in-america

More than 154,000 NYC public school students experienced homelessness last year — nearly 1 in 7 students, per @afcnewyork.bsky.social. They call it “tremendous obstacles.” We say it's a call to action: the city must do more so every child can learn, grow and thrive. https://bit.ly/4qcIUzc

Happy Diwali to those who celebrate! 🪔

Highly effective instructional practices require students to demonstrate an understanding of what constitutes high-quality work. But how do we create structures that position students not merely as recipients of evaluation standards, but as the architects of them? https://bit.ly/4n3Md93

Why are UFT educators canvassing fellow members for @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social? "He sees the needs of working people." "His opposition is gonna be bad on schools." Help get out the vote in these final weeks: https://www.uft.org/get-involved/uft-political-action/gotv-2025

Join us virtually or in-person for our Breast Cancer Support and Preparedness: Resources for Today and Tomorrow session on Thursday, Oct. 23 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/479Gitd

Janelle Rudder is a UFT member, teacher in the Bronx, and a New Yorker. She's knocking doors for UFT's endorsed mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani because she knows his policies benefit educators and their students. Help GOTV for Zohran: https://www.uft.org/get-involved/uft-political-action/gotv-2025

On Oct. 15, UFT-endorsed mayoral candidate @zohrankmamdani.bsky.social pledged his support for the RESPECT Check bill. Paraprofessionals, join us at the Paraprofessional Town Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 22 to hear how we’re organizing to make sure the NYC City Council passes this legislation on Nov. 13.

Join your fellow UFT members at this Saturday’s No Kings March. We will be marching with the broader city labor contingent from a new starting location at Duarte Square (6th Avenue and Canal) towards Times Square.

UFT members across New York City wore every shade of pink today for #BreastCancerAwareness. This is just a handful of the educators who participated on Pink Day in support of those who been affected by breast cancer. Looking good everyone!

“If you're a kid in America, regardless of where you live or what your capabilities are, or what year you are in school, you are going to be affected by these cuts." https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2025/10/11/education-department-special-ed-office-layoffs-shutdown/86646104007/#

Teacher recruitment is a crucial investment in our city's future. “Too often educators are taken for granted, public school funds are cut and politicians say it is too hard to try to get more people to become teachers. Zohran Mamdani is taking a new approach," said President Michael Mulgrew.