For Your Information
No more ‘COVID days’
In a sign that the pandemic has drawn fully to a close, the city Department of Education’s special COVID-19 leave policy ends this school year. Absenses related to COVID-19 will be charged to members' sick bank.
Switching schools
The Department of Education’s Open Market Transfer System gives UFT members the opportunity to transfer to a different school.
Extra day added to the winter break
Thanks to the UFT’s advocacy, the Department of Education is extending next school year’s winter break to include Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. All students and staff will now report back on Monday, Jan. 5.
Increased death benefit provides more protection for families
The UFT Welfare Fund has increased the dollar amount of its death benefit for UFT members who die while still working for the DOE or the city to a flat payment of $50,000 regardless of age.
Union’s big tent
More than 5,500 UFT members are employed by organizations other than the Department of Education. They are members of the union’s private and nonprofit chapters. Meet the leaders of those chapters.
April 1 deadline for new child abuse workshop
New York State law was recently amended to require that all DOE employees who are mandated reporters, including all classroom teachers, take additional training in the area of identifying and reporting child abuse and maltreatment/neglect.