Applied Research & Evaluation

United Federation of Teachers: Membership Surveys

With more than 140,000 members, the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) is the sole bargaining agent for most New York City’s public school teachers, classroom paraprofessionals, school secretaries, attendance teachers, guidance counselors, and many other education professionals as well as more than 30,000 retired members. Metis has had a longstanding relationship with the UFT, having conducted numerous evaluations and survey research projects as well as program-development activities.

In addition to its ongoing evaluation work, Metis conducts a periodic UFT membership survey. The survey enables UFT’s leadership to learn systematically how its members feel about such issues as class size, safety and discipline, supplies and materials, and priorities for contract negotiation demands.

During the 2006–2007 school year, Metis analyzed more than 27,000 survey returns from the teachers, paraprofessionals, school secretaries and others represented by the UFT. The results were used in contract negotiations with the NYC Department of Education.