The most recent episode of the UFT’s On the Record with Michael Mulgrew delves into two thorny issues for NYC public school educators: the DOE’s high school admission process and its byzantine process for determining school budgets. Episode 3 also includes highlights from the Nov. 8 elections and some memorable moments from Teacher Union Day on Nov. 6.

The latest episode of the UFT podcast “On the Record with Michael Mulgrew” focuses on the city Department of Education’s foot-dragging on the new state law requiring New York City to lower class sizes in its public schools. Mulgrew and education activist Leonie Haimson discuss how educators, parents and community groups need to push the DOE to implement the new law. The clock is ticking for the DOE to plan for September 2023, when the first 20% of New York City public school classrooms must meet the new class-size caps.

Trauma shapes the way students present in the classroom and in their homes. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by licensed mental health professional Ashley Groesbeck. She will highlight the importance of finding out what's going on in your students' lives and share techniques to build body awareness and mindfulness. These and other tools help students — and adults — to build resiliency and increase their capacity for joy and growth.

With the new year fast approaching, it’s a great time to reflect on the past year and think about changes you’d like to make in the months ahead. In this episode of the Classroom Café podcast, we are joined by Donna Resmini, a wellness and fitness coach. She will discuss ways to set yourself up for success, including how to have a magic moment every day, the importance of gratitude and other wellness practices and, most important, how to focus on being present, not perfect.

Do the short winter days leave you feeling down? Join Dr. Gail Brightwell, a licensed school psychologist with the Positive Learning Collaborative, to learn about the impact of seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and how the changing seasons can affect our mental health. In conversation with the UFT Member Assistance Program staff, Dr. Brightwell shares practical strategies and expert advice for managing SAD, as well as self-care tips to prioritize your mental well-being so you can stay balanced through the darker months.

In this episode, we dive in to the fascinating topics of attachment styles and love languages. Join us as licensed clinical social worker Julia Di Giacomo explains how our early relationships shape the way we connect with people as adults, and how understanding your attachment style can transform your relationships. She also breaks down the five love languages, offering practical tips on how to communicate your needs and strengthen your bonds. Tune in for insightful advice on creating healthier, more fulfilling connections.

Thinking of starting — or expanding — your family? UFT President Michael Mulgrew discusses paid parental leave with Greer Hansen-Velazquez, who runs UFT parental leave workshops for the expectant mothers, new fathers and adoptive and foster parents who are all eligible for six weeks of paid time off with their new children thanks to this new benefit that the UFT negotiated with the city in 2018.

March can feel like the longest month of the school year for educators. That’s why we’re taking a moment to revisit our August conversation with Carleton Archer, the vice president of operations at Vibrant Emotional Health, to discuss the UFT’s partnership with Vibrant to launch the union’s 24/7, year-round mental health support line for UFT members at 866-UFT-FOR-U. Tune in as we discuss the importance of this initiative and answer frequently asked questions about the helpline. Plus, exciting news: The helpline is now available via chat and text!

Work and life can both be stressful, but you can acquire practical tools for staying grounded, managing stress and navigating challenging moments with greater ease. In this episode of the Brewing Wellness podcast, Lexi Mulee, a Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) specialist, licensed mental health counselor and owner of Wise Mind Counseling, shares skills specifically tailored to support school professionals’ mental wellness. Join us for part one of a two-part series.