Teachers may apply to become teacher leaders

The city Department of Education is accepting applications through Monday, March 7, for teacher leader positions, which provide opportunities for teachers to grow their own professional practices, assume leadership roles in schools and collaborate with colleagues to share their instructional practice, all while remaining in the classroom. Teacher leaders receive an additional stipend ($7,500 for model teachers and $12,500 for peer collaborative teachers) and year-long professional learning, including opportunities to collaborate and network with other teacher leaders in their community. For eligibility requirements and more details about the positions, see the DOE’s Teacher Leadership Application Platform. When you are ready to apply, you can access the application form here. Learn about all the teacher career pathways available to teachers.

At-home test kits for return from midwinter recess

Your school should distribute an at-home rapid test kit to every staff member and student on Friday, Feb. 18. Staff should receive this additional test kit even if they received a test kit earlier in the week. Students and staff should test themselves on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 26, and again on the evening of Sunday, Feb. 27, before returning on Monday. While all staff and students are strongly encouraged to use an at-home test before returning to school on Feb. 28, testing is voluntary. Staff and students are not required to show proof of a negative test result to return.

Tell policy makers what our schools need

Everyone loves telling public school educators what to do, especially those who have never worked in the classroom. Too often, educational policies are made without the input of the people doing the work. But our voices should inform and shape conversations on education policy. That’s why the UFT is gathering policymakers, government officials and school system leaders to be advised by a panel of our members, and we want members to apply to be a part of the discussion. Please apply yourself and encourage your members to apply to be a part of “Listen Up,” a panel of educators who will let top education officials know exactly what we’ve faced and what we need to be successful moving forward. Members’ ideas, insights and expertise may also be featured in our other channels, including the website, the New York Teacher and our social media platforms.

Apply now

Part 3 training for new chapter leaders

Chapter leaders with five or fewer years in the role are invited to attend Part 3 of the union’s training series on March 5 and 6. Due to COVID restrictions, the in-person slots at the Westchester Marriott were limited and they are now full, but new chapter leaders are still welcome to sign up to join the event remotely. They will hear from UFT President Michael Mulgrew and learn about special education issues, how to use social media to organize their chapter and more. New chapter leaders are encouraged to attend all four training sessions, but they can still attend Part 3 even if they missed one or both of the prior sessions. 

Register now