More than one-third of schools across the country do not have a full-time on-site nurse as students face higher rates of chronic illness, an unprecedented youth mental health crisis and the waning COVID-19 epidemic amid a national nursing shortage.


As it has for more than 35 years, the Teacher’s Choice program will again reimburse UFT-represented educators for some of their out-of-pocket expenses for supplemental instructional supplies and materials of their choice.


For school nurses, who are one to a school building, the best part of the School Nurses Appreciation Dinner, held this year on May 10 at UFT headquarters in Manhattan, is often mingling with colleagues.

Thanks to the union’s advocacy, UFT-represented educators will be reimbursed for some out-of-pocket expenses through Teacher’s Choice at the same levels as the previous school year. Teachers will once again receive about $250.

The UFT recognizes our outstanding school-related professionals and pays tribute to them for their important contributions to the New York City school system and to the United Federation of Teachers.

"You have all gone above and beyond the call of duty," UFT President Michael Mulgrew said at the UFT's annual Teacher Union Day on Nov. 7 that honored the courage and hard work of members during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.