United Community Schools basked in recognition on Sunday, Nov. 7, at the UFT’s annual Teacher Union Day. The Ely Trachtenberg Award was bestowed upon five of our initiative’s union chapter leaders for building strong chapters through activism, communication and unity. Recipients were Saisha Braithwaite, Brooklyn Landmark Elementary School; Jeanette Cano-Lawson, PS 48X; Fred Cassara, PS 14X; Iris Diaz, PS 19Q; and Anthony Zalak , PS 196K.

Our UFT partner who supports our mental wellness initiatives, Tina Puccio, director of the union’s Member Assistance program, was also honored with the Jules Kolodny Award, which is given to an individual who has shown outstanding leadership and commitment to the trade union movement with years of leadership yet to be fulfilled.