Rebuilding and strengthening the bonds of our school community, classroom by classroom, will be one of the most important tasks we take on in September.

There is a new level of investment in public schools and it didn't happen by accident. It's a reminder that at every level, elections matter. Your voice matters. When we pull together, we can shift public policy in meaningful ways. That's our power as a union.

The change in leadership in Washington, which has brought us a president who supports public education and honors teachers, is a solid foundation for the enormous work we must do as we continue to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis it has created.

As the pandemic brings economic devastation to our communities, UFT members are helping to bring hope. The union is working with community partners to deliver food and address the other needs of our children and their families

Looking through the lenses of education policy and labor issues, the best candidate for president is Joe Biden — someone who is focused on our dignity, pay, benefits and the workplace protections we deserve.

This new school year is shaping up to be unlike any other. We face serious challenges on multiple fronts at the same time: We must protect our safety and health. We must teach and support our students in the best way we know. And we must fend off the threat of layoffs.