Why I Joined Unity: My Journey as a Union Activist

As a passionate union activist, my path in the UFT has been one of learning, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our educators and students. Below, I share why I left MORE and...

As a passionate union activist, my path in the UFT has been one of learning, resilience, and unwavering commitment to our educators and students. Below, I share why I left MORE and proudly joined the Unity Caucus. A decision that has reaffirmed my belief in the power of a strong, results-driven union.

I am a special education teacher, union member, and progressive activist with over 18 years of experience as a District 75 teacher. For the past four years, I have worked with the UFT Teacher Center while continuing to teach summer school at my former school. Deeply committed to public education, I have advocated fiercely for students and actively opposed charter schools, such as those led by Eva Moskowitz, which sparked my activism. In 2017, I was honored with a #PublicSchoolProud award for my role as a "voice for the voiceless," recognized for joining fellow education activists and Senator Robert Jackson in a 150-mile walk to fight for the school funding owed to our public schools.

As a union activist, my journey with the UFT has been one of growth, reflection, and dedication to our educators and students. Years ago, I joined the Movement of Rank and File Educators (MORE) as a newcomer to union organizing, eager to learn and contribute. I volunteered at countless UFT events and rallies, becoming a recognizable face in our union community. I poured my heart into advocating for our members and building solidarity.

However, my time with MORE took a disheartening turn. Good people, dedicated activists, were pushed out of the organization, and I saw a lack of loyalty to its members. I could no longer remain loyal to a group that didn’t reflect the values I hold dear. This experience forced me to reevaluate where I could best serve our union.

Over the years, I was approached by Unity Caucus members who recognized my passion for unionism and invited me to join them. After the turmoil in MORE, I took a close look at Unity and decided to join. I filled out a membership form, NOT a loyalty oath, as certain people continually claim. Since that moment, I’ve never doubted my choice. Joining Unity was the right decision, and every day, I’m reminded why.

Unity is a caucus that delivers results. I’ve met countless incredible people, strong unionists who are fiercely committed to fighting for our members’ rights and improving our schools. Unity doesn’t just make promises; they do the work. For example, Unity has been a driving force in advocating for fixing Tier 6, pushing for pension reform to ensure newer educators have a secure retirement, including supporting legislation to address inequities in the pension system. They’ve also championed smaller class sizes, securing a historic 2022 state law to reduce class sizes in NYC public schools, which is already being phased in to improve learning conditions for students and working conditions for educators. Additionally, Unity expanded the United Community Schools program, serving 20,000 students in under-resourced neighborhoods with vital services like healthcare and after-school programs. A decade ago, my D75 school became the very first D75 to join this incredible program, and I’m proud to say they’re still flourishing today! (Thank you Karen Alford!)

These achievements, among others, show Unity’s unwavering commitment to professional unionism, social justice, and member empowerment. This is the caucus I want to be in. A caucus that fights for fair pensions, smaller classes, and a stronger union for all. This is the caucus that will win, because Unity does the work that matters.

I’m proud to stand with Unity, and I’m excited for the victories we’ll achieve together!