Let me introduce myself. I’m MaryJo Ginese, the union’s new vice president for special education.

When UFT President Michael Mulgrew introduced Carmen Alvarez, the winner of the Charles Cogen Award at Teacher Union Day, he praised her passion for advocating for special needs children during her 28 years as the UFT vice president for special education.

Two longtime UFT legends stepped down as officers of the union and their replacements were voted in by the Executive Board on Sept. 24. Mel Aaronson, who served as treasurer of the union since 1998, will be replaced by pension trustee Debra Penny, while Mary Jo Ginese, until recently the leader of the Supervisors of Nurses and Therapists Chapter, will take over for Carmen Alvarez, who has been the vice president for special education since 1990. 


The UFT began the first fact-finding hearing for a new contract on May 6. The dispute pivots largely on the question of pattern bargaining. The UFT’s position is that its members are entitled to the same raises as other city workers have received. The DOE counters that it can't afford it.