UFT Teachers Assigned

As we celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, it is crucial to recognize the diverse roles within the teaching profession that contribute to student success.

Today, we honor the members of the UFT Teacher Assigned Chapter.

These educators serve in specialized capacities across the Department of Education—as instructional leads, professional development facilitators, program managers, and advisors. Their pedagogical expertise is applied system-wide to support classroom teachers, develop innovative curricula, and manage essential educational initiatives.

We thank our Teacher Assigned members for their commitment to professional excellence and their vital contribution to the machinery of public education in New York City.

NYC Mayor's Office TEACH NYC New York City Public Schools UFT - United Federation of Teachers

Happy Retirement, Leroy Barr. Thank you for your immense service with the UFT - United Federation of Teachers.

In November, as he accepted the Charles Cogen Award at Teacher Union Day, United Federation of Teachers Secretary LeRoy Barr reminded the 1,700 unionists in attendance: “In this union, we don’t rise by standing above one another, we rise by lifting each other shoulder to shoulder in solidarity and purpose.”

Now that he has retired from his role, those words feel less like a quote and more like a summation of a career.

LeRoy has always embodied solidarity in action. As President Michael Mulgrew said, “LeRoy is the epitome of someone who has always put the union and its members first. He understands the importance of being stronger together and he lives that truth every single day.”

Beginning his teaching career in 1992 at PS 154 in Harlem, LeRoy quickly learned that strength comes from collaboration. As a young 5th-grade teacher, he sought out veteran educators, sitting in their classrooms to learn how to balance discipline with connection.

That willingness to listen, learn and grow alongside others would become his leadership trademark.

When PS 154 entered the Chancellor’s District, LeRoy stepped up as chapter leader. The dramatic rise in student achievement that followed was no accident: it was the result of his belief that educators working together can transform schools. His ability to unite a school community caught the attention of then-UFT President Sandra Feldman and Staff Director Tom Pappas, launching his broader service to the union.

From grievance department staffer to Manhattan borough office special representative, from staff director to assistant secretary in 2013 and ultimately secretary in 2019, LeRoy continued to build trust with members, stopping at nothing to provide educators with the support they needed and becoming a steadfast example of a true unionist.

He has always honored those who built the foundation before him, including George Altomare and Abe Levine, and expressed deep gratitude to mentors and colleagues including Randi Weingarten, Carmen Alvarez, David Sherman, Ron Jones and Vice President Anne Goldman. That humility and respect for union history have helped strengthen bonds across generations of members.

As former VP of Special Education, Carmen Alvarez, said so simply and powerfully: “He cares about the leadership and the members — he truly does. That’s why he’s been successful.”

LeRoy’s appreciation for unions was instilled early on by his parents — his mother, a public school teacher, and his father, a police officer — and he carried that respect into every chapter meeting, every borough office, every negotiation and every union gathering.

As with all great educators, he was not just a leader but someone to everyone. A steady presence, a unifier, a listener, a mentor.

Congratulations, LeRoy, for more than three decades of dedication to students, educators and the labor movement. Thank you for reminding us that solidarity forever is a daily mission rather than a slogan.

Enjoy your well-earned retirement. Your union family rises stronger because you helped us stand shoulder to shoulder.

Members: How has LeRoy impacted your life as a unionist? Share your stories in the comments.

With over 42 years of proven leadership, Tom Brown has helped us grow our pensions and retire with peace of mind.

That’s why time and time again, UFT members chose Tom Brown as a trustee for the Teachers’ Retirement System.

To learn more, visit: https://bit.ly/3MMpiDi

❄️ Snow Storm Preparedness To-Do's ❄️

With winter storms approaching, now is the time to prepare. Please charge devices, stock 3–5 days of food and medications, protect pipes from freezing, and gather warm blankets and flashlights. Check on neighbors—especially elderly family members—and limit travel during the storm. Stay informed through weather alerts and local utility updates.

Let’s keep our families and school community safe and warm. Check out the safety checklist below. 💙

Blizzard Readiness: The Essentials

(Quick Checklist)

Before the Storm (24–48 hrs)

Charge devices, power banks, and lanterns; unplug sensitive electronics.

Fill gas tanks; keep some cash on hand.

Pick up prescriptions and essential meds early.

Download entertainment, maps, and emergency info for offline use.

Set fridge/freezer colder; freeze water bottles as backup ice packs.

Identify one warm room to stay in if power goes out.

Know where your breaker box, water shut-off, and local warming centers are.

Stock a basic first-aid kit and battery radio/weather app.

Photograph the property for insurance purposes.

Protect Pipes & Water

Drip faucets, open sink cabinets, and disconnect garden hoses.

Cover outdoor faucets and know how to shut water off quickly.

Fill tubs, jugs, or buckets with water for flushing and washing.

Food & Heat

Have 3–5 days of no-cook food + a manual can opener.

Gather blankets, warm layers, flashlights, and extra batteries.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Use fireplaces and heaters safely.

Vehicles

Keep emergency supplies in the car (blanket, snacks, water, charger).

Top off fluids, replace wipers, and park away from tree limbs.

During the Storm

Check on neighbors—especially seniors—by phone if possible.

Report outages to utility companies (call 911 only for emergencies).

For emergencies, check local hospitals, churches, and public buildings.

A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful Chapter Leader, Naomi Ruth Filemon-Rodriguez, for hosting such a beautiful New Year celebration. Beyond the event itself, we are so grateful for the warmth and dedication she brings to the UFT Teachers Assigned chapter. Thank you, Naomi, for making us feel like a true community. -Queens Office.

Check your emails!! Links went out today! UFT - United Federation of Teachers - Elementary Schools Division

Our 500-member UFT Negotiating Committee, with the support of members through our contract campaign, kept the pressure on the city to meet our demands with NO givebacks. The work of our Contract Action Teams in leading members to mobilize around the fight for a fair contract throughout this school year gave us strength during bargaining that led us to this day. We are proud of the contract we were able to negotiate.

Our key wins:
✅ Annual raises of 3%, 3%, 3%, 3.25% and 3.5%
✅ The new top teacher salary rises by the end of the proposed contract to $151,271, including the bonus
✅ Ratification bonus of $3,000
✅ Annual bonuses for all titles in perpetuity, beginning with $400 on May 5, 2024; $700 on May 1, 2025; $1,000 on May 1, 2026; and $1,035 on May 1, 2027.

UFT members will make the final decision on ratifying the contract through balloting in schools and by mail.

See www.uft.org/contract2023 for the details.

Have you signed the petition to reduce class sizes yet?
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