On this first episode of UFT On Air, we'll talk with new teachers about their expectations for the new year. Then we'll sit down with Michael Mulgrew to get an update on the para RESPECT check legislation and look ahead at our upcoming contract negotiations. From there, we'll reflect on the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks and what came after, with teachers who were there. We'll also talk about effective communication, why it matters and how to do it better, and we'll meet a UFT retiree who's now doing stand-up comedy.

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Copyright music licensed through PremiumBeat by Shutterstock – All Rights Reserved (https://www.premiumbeat.com/)

Track 1: No Stopping Now – Harrison Amer
Track 2: Trailblazers – Marc Walloch
Track 3: Shake It Off – Harrison Amer
Track 4: Rocky Mountain Blues – Marc Walloch

We welcome you to the first episode of UFT On Air: The New York Teacher Podcast, featuring conversations, stories and news from across the UFT.

In this inaugural episode, correspondent Hannah Brown talks with some of our newest educators as they begin their careers. You can also read her full story in the September issue of the New York Teacher:
https://www.uft.org/news/news-stories/news-stories/new-teachers-swell-ufts-ranks

Communications Director Trisha Arnold sits down with UFT President Michael Mulgrew for an update on the paraprofessional RESPECT check legislation and a look ahead to upcoming contract negotiations. Read Michael's latest column here:
https://www.uft.org/news/opinion/presidents-perspective/gearing-fight-new-contract

As we mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, reporter Sandy Scragg shares her own 9/11 story and speaks with educators Daniel Fielding and Seth Gilman about their memories of that day and its aftermath. Her full story can be found here:
https://www.uft.org/news/feature-stories/911-uft-remembers-25-years-later

Daniel also tells us that the World Trade Center Health Registry (https://www.nyc.gov/site/911health/about/wtc-health-registry.page) and the Victims Compensation Fund (https://www.vcf.gov/) are looking to reach people who were students in the lower Manhattan area at the time of 9/11. Please click the organization links above to learn more.

Correspondent Carly Sorensen talks with folks from the UFT's Member Assistance Program about effective communication and how educators can make sure they are heard and understood by their students and colleagues. Her conversation is an extension of our latest well-being column:
https://www.uft.org/news/you-should-know/your-well-being/good-talk

The MAP team also talks about effective communication (and a whole lot more!) on their Brewing Wellness podcast:
https://www.uft.org/news/podcasts/brewing-wellness

And New York Teacher Deputy Editor Cara Matthews introduces us to retired 2nd-grade teacher Helaine Witt, who is drawing on decades of classroom stories as she takes on an entirely new second act: stand-up comedy. Read Cara's profile of Witt:
https://www.uft.org/news/retired-teachers-chapter-news/rtc-second-act/living-and-laughing-out-loud

These stories and a whole lot more are in the September 2026 issue of the New York Teacher, the UFT's award-winning newspaper, which is mailed to union members. You can also read it online:
https://www.uft.org/news/new-york-teacher-online

Please subscribe to UFT On Air: The New York Teacher Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and share the show with your UFT colleagues!

UFT On Air is brought to you by the United Federation of Teachers.

– Produced by Brian Gibbons
– Reporting by the UFT Communications Department staff
– For the latest UFT news and information, please visit uft.org