Leigh Anderson
New York Teacher Senior Editor/Reporter
New teachers join UFT’s ranks
About 1,500 new teachers became proud new members of the UFT at the opening day of the Department of Education’s annual New Teacher Week.
Spring Education Conference
UFT President Michael Mulgrew celebrated educators' resolve and hard work in the face of challenges as more than 1,000 UFT members turned out for the union's Spring Education Conference, which featured a town hall on literacy and a keynote speech by First Lady Jill Biden.
Good old-fashioned fun
The UFT welcomed its newest members this spring with a series of events, from bowling and arcades to nature walks and paint and sips, geared to build community, connection and camaraderie.
Speaking her students’ language
Candy Jorge, a Spanish teacher at Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School in Manhattan, came to the United States from her native Dominican Republic at the age of 17 with nothing. Now the 9th-grade team leader develops and implements curriculum infused with texts rooted in Latino culture to model success for her primarily Dominican students.
Prep now for an easier September
As much as you might want to toss all your materials in a box and sprint out the door on the last day of school, consider doing your future self a favor by strategically preparing for September in June, thoughtfully packing up your classroom and finding ways to continue to build your skills over the summer.
Sending 'happy mail'
A 4th-grader teacher in the Bronx sends "happy mail" to let her students know that their hard work and effort is noticed and appreciated.
Albert Shanker College Scholarship Awards
The UFT awarded scholarships to 189 public high school and graduate students as part of the annual Albert Shanker College Scholarship Awards Celebration and Reception. The students, many of whom began their high school careers online during the pandemic, were praised for their commitment to education despite the tumult of the last four years.
Provider Appreciation Awards Ceremony
More than 500 providers and guests gathered on May 10 to celebrate the role that family child care providers play in not only caring for and preparing children for school but also in stabilizing families and, by extension, the city’s economy.
Nurse Recognition Day
The Federation of Nurses/UFT honored 21 nurses for their patient advocacy and activism in the face of a health care landscape that puts profits before patients during its annual Nurse Recognition Day awards dinner.
Better Speech and Hearing Month Celebration
The city's speech teachers and their students were honored at the UFT's Better Speeh and Hearing Celebration, where a wide variety of therapies that speech teachers provide were highlighted.