Fix Tier 6
Save the Date! On Sunday, March 8, 2026, NYSUT is planning a statewide labor rally in Albany that you won’t want to miss! We’re inviting all of labor – educators, public employees, unions, and allies from across the state – to stand together and demand dignity and equity for Tier 6 members. This is our moment to make our voices heard, loud and clear. NYSUT will offer buses from our regional offices to help get us there. More details to come!
State Budget
The enacted budget includes long advocated for changes to BOCES CTE funding and Special Services Aid. Over three years, the BOCES salary cap will increase from $30,000 to $60,000, Special Services Aid will rise, and ninth grade will be included. This will allow BOCES and programs within the Big Five school districts to expand vital CTE programs and create more opportunities for students to gain in-demand skills: NYSUT Marks Big Wins in 2025-26 Enacted State Budget
Federal Education Funding
NYSUT President Melinda Person issued a statement of support for the State Education Department declining to sign on to a federal certification placing conditions on federal funding: NYSUT Statement on SED's Stand Against Federal Anti-Inclusion Certification Requirement
"Our students deserve better than this cruel legislation that prioritizes tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy over investments in education, healthcare and the future of our communities. NYSUT will always defend educators, students and public schools with everything we have." NYSUT Condemns 'Big Betrayal' in Federal Reconciliation Bill
NYSUT has joined a coalition of school districts, parents, teachers’ unions, and nonprofit organizations in a lawsuit against the federal administration for withholding nearly $6 billion in education funding that Congress directed to support students for the 2025–2026 school year: NYSUT joins coalition suing over billions in blocked federal funding
UPDATE: NYSUT President Melinda Person released the following statement in response to reports that the Trump administration plans to release the almost $6 billion in funding to public schools that it has withheld for nearly a month. The decision follows a lawsuit NYSUT joined alongside a national coalition of school districts, parents, teachers’ unions, and nonprofit organizations demanding the release of the funding: NYSUT joins lawsuit against federal government over withheld education funding | NCPR News
Distraction-Free NYS Schools
With technology continually changing the landscape of education and presenting unprecedented challenges, New York State United Teachers is calling on the governor and Legislature to provide consistent, statewide restrictions on cellphone use during the school day: NYSUT to New York state: It’s time for distraction-free schools
UPDATE: In May 2025, after a year-long push by NYSUT, New York became the largest state to enact a comprehensive bell-to-bell cellphone policy for K-12 schools. The law prohibits students from using non-school issued internet-enabled devices on school grounds during the entire instructional day and applies to all school districts, charter schools, and BOCES across the state. The deadline for adopting a legally compliant policy was August 1, 2025. Policies will go into effect for the upcoming 2025-26 school year: New York ushers in distraction-free school year
Goodbye APPR, Hello STEPS
This Fact Sheet provides a summary of the changes for teachers in the 2024 APPR reform law signed by the Governor on June 28, 2024, and the corresponding regulations approved by the Board of Regents on March 11, 2025: Factsheet