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Leigh Anderson

New York Teacher Senior Editor/Reporter

Enough is Enough

‘Enough is enough’

The UFT Paraprofessionals Chapter launched a new RESPECT campaign at its Nov. 21 paraprofessional representatives meeting to demand that the Department of Education pay paraprofessionals more, value their work and uphold their rights.

Solar Panels

Solar panels on city schools get green light

The UFT celebrates passage by the City Council of a bill mandating rooftop solar panels for all public buildings, including public schools. UFT Vice President for Middle Schools Richard Mantell says the legislation will result in healthier environments for educators and students.

Eyeglasses and contact lenses

As a member of the UFT Welfare Fund, you and your eligible dependents can obtain optical services annually. Learn all you need to know about your optical benefit.

Joint Pain

Relief for joint pain

UFT Welfare Fund members, both in-service and retired, and their families now have special access to Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) thanks to a new partnership between the UFT Welfare Fund and the hospital.
Scaffolding students dreams

‘Scaffolding students’ dreams’

Will Dulin, a third-year teacher at Pathways to Graduation in Jamaica, Queens, takes pains to truly see his CTE students, helping them to forge pathways to educational success even when they can't quite envision them themselves.
Money

Union wins more money for subs

After the UFT’s dogged advocacy, about 90 long-term substitute teachers received the higher pay and medical benefits they deserved before the end of the school year. In the 2024-25 school year, the UFT plans to keep up the fight to quickly secure Q-status for eligible long-term substitute teachers.

Asian couple with small child smiling with hands up

Introducing UFT Childcare Connection

This summer, the union launched Childcare Connection, a benefit to help UFT members find out if they qualify for free or reduced-cost child care as well as to find home-based child care providers near their home or work.

Generic Teacher Center conference professional development

Union membership has its privileges

Membership in the UFT means never having to figure it out all alone, with union support and resources across the spectrum of financial, physical and mental wellness. Here is a list of resources available to UFT members.
Creating a ladder of learning

Creating a ladder of learning

New special education teacher Emily Hang Duong, who teaches math and science at IS 234 in Brooklyn, motivates her students by never letting them forget that they have every opportunity to grow. 

Inside my classroom

Request a selfie

Kindergarten teacher Samantha Shekian created a “request a selfie” station to give students the chance to request a photo of themselves and the work of which they are proud. Then she sends the photo to their parents.