Chapter Leader UpdateApril 8, 2025

Class size funding decisions released today

We reached another milestone today in our effort to lower class sizes in schools across the city. The DOE has notified principals whether their school is receiving state funding to reduce class sizes in the 2025–26 school year. Some 750 schools are receiving some or all of the money for which they applied. If your school receives this funding, your principal must use it to hire additional staff to reduce class sizes. These class size funds are in addition to all the other funding your school normally receives. Be aware that your principal can still withdraw and return this funding, so it’s important that you keep the pressure on them to stay on track and put in the effort to recruit the teachers your school needs to reduce class sizes. We will hold a UFT information session after the spring break so watch for the meeting invitation.

UFT paraprofessionals demanded RESPECT at April 2 rally

Chants of "Para power!" and "Para strong all day long!" could be heard from blocks away as more than 1,600 paraprofessionals and fellow UFT members came together from across the city on April 2 to call on the New York City Council to pass legislation to give paraprofessionals an annual "RESPECT check" of $10,000. "It is time to fix this injustice," UFT President Michael Mulgrew told the spirited crowd that snaked up Broadway from the tip of City Hall Park to City Hall. "Enough is enough. We are done. Our voice will be heard." The City Hall rally capped the union's citywide Day of Action on April 2, which was national Paraprofessional Appreciation Day. Thousands of UFT members wore blue to work in solidarity with their paraprofessional colleagues. Also that day, school chapters across the city organized ways to recognize their paraprofessionals. More than 82,000 people have signed the UFT's online petition for the "RESPECT check" legislation, and the union ran a new TV ad from April 1 to 7 calling on the City Council to support paraprofessionals by passing the bill.

Come to the UFT Academic High School Awards on April 25

All academic high school members are invited to celebrate the exceptional work of their colleagues at our annual Academic High School Awards on Friday, April 25. This year's theme is "The Time of Our Lives," and festive, prom-like attire is encouraged. We'll celebrate our award recipients and enjoy a reception with dinner and music. The party starts at 4 p.m. in Shanker Hall at UFT headquarters. The union will recognize educators for individual and chapter/school academic excellence and union activism. This year's awards also pay tribute to exceptional UFT members who ensure solid collaboration and academic excellence in their high school communities. Award categories include Team High School, Excellence in Education, Community Champion and Outstanding Union Activist. Post this event flyer on the UFT bulletin board at your high school and plan to attend with your colleagues.

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Celebrating NYC at our Spring Education Conference on May 17

Bring your New York City pride for a day of camaraderie, professional development and inspiration at this year's Spring Education Conference. All the workshops at this year's event are inspired by the rich history, culture and educational opportunities of New York City. You'll also enjoy a morning town hall, an exhibit fair showcasing the talents of CTE high school students, a gala luncheon and a performance by New York City public school teacher Charlie Romo of "American Idol." We'll gather at the New York Hilton Midtown on Saturday, May 17, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Members can take advantage of the early bird special rate of $40 if they buy tickets before April 17. Participants can earn two CTLE hours by attending two of the four workshops. There is an additional cost of $30 per CTLE hour for teachers and $15 per CTLE hour for paraprofessionals and other UFT members who attend workshops for credit. Consider attending our premier education event of the year with a group of members from your school chapter.

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Save the date for Fix Tier 6 actions in every borough on May 6

Tuesday, May 6, will be a UFT Day of Action to call on state lawmakers to fix Tier 6. Our focus  this year is on lowering the minimum retirement age for Tier 6 members to age 55 after 30 years of service. Our Day of Action is part of a NYSUT-led series of Fix Tier 6 actions across the state on the sixth of every month. Each UFT borough office is finalizing its plans for the day. Please ask your members to mark their calendars. You'll be hearing more from your district rep and your borough's political action coordinator soon. Let's stand in solidarity with NYSUT and other public employee unions in this push to improve Tier 6 pension benefits!