Click the PLUS sign in the bottom right corner.

Write your school name, your borough, and feel free to add what Fixing Tier 6 means to you or your members.

Teacher and Chapter Leader

I’ve been in this teacher game way too long, 38 years. But I ‘ve chosen to be here. I’m tier four and could have left 5 years ago. However, my younger colleagues and friends, who are tier six, Don’t have the option to get out at age 55. They should have the opportunity and the option to get out at a younger age . They should have the option to leave at 55 and not be penalized. They should not have to worry that they’re going to lose more than half of their pension if they do.

Fixing Tier Six would mean that a majority of my members could earn a full pension, and enjoy their well-earned retirement after 30 years of public service.

Tier 4 members were helped by their predecessors to be able to retire at 55. I retired at 64 - my choice. I wrote and presented a resolution to the Retiree Chapter who overwhelmingly (94%) voted to help Fix Tier 6. We are with you for the long game!  Let’s do this!

Marissa

I.S. 7 Elias Bernstein

Let’s do this !!!!

As a Tier 4 member, I understand how important fighting for change was in enhancing Tier 4 retirement benefits.

Now it is time to do the same for Union members in Tier 6 and we are together tackling one of the biggest changes that need to be made...I will work alongside union siblings in Tier 6 to make sure we get the state on board to put changes into place. Tier 6 needs the dignity of a true profession, the security of a strong retirement after a career in the field...and a career should be marked at 30 years service, (as early as 55, not 63 years of age.)...And if there ever is a buyout, the career years should go even lower!

Starting at age 27. To have me work until 62 is absurd ! My husband is FDNY and began after me with the city. He’s been on for 8 years and will be done way before me! If tier 6 isn’t fixed, this will definitely negatively impact our marriage! I want to retire with my man! I have so much trust in Mandami to help us FIX TIER 6!!!!🙏🏾✊🏾💪🏾

Debbie Fiallo 27Q100

As a UFT Pension Consultant, I see every day how Tier 6 has created unnecessary hardship for New York’s educators. Tier 6 members are required to work longer, contribute more of their pay for their entire careers, and receive less secure benefits than their Tier 4 colleagues—despite doing the same job. That imbalance hurts recruitment, retention, and the long-term stability of our profession.

Fixing Tier 6 is not just about fairness; it’s about protecting the future of public education in New York State. When educators feel financially secure, they stay in the classroom and continue serving our students and communities. Updating this law would bring Tier 6 closer to Tier 4 standards, restore equity, and ensure that teaching remains a sustainable career for the next generation

I want Tier 6 members to hear this clearly: you are not asking for too much. You are asking for fairness.

You deserve the same dignity, security, and respect as every educator who came before you.

I may not be Tier 6, but I’m standing with you…..and I’m committed to fighting until Tier 6 is fixed!!!! 💙

09x361

Fixing tier 6 ensures that we have a choice on how we spend the next chapter of our lives!

Abby M, Chapter Leader, 24Q455

💪💙

In order to attract and keep new teachers it is imperative that we fix tier 6. I can't imagine having to start a career as a new teacher knowing that I'd have to work 40+ years when everyone who came before me had the benefit of working a significantly less amount in order to receive a full pension. I am a tier 4 member and I believe we have to make things equitable for our newer younger colleagues. Our kids deserve to have teachers who are happy and energetic and who have not been drained from a ridiculously long career. Let's make this change happen!

-Karen Marder

Hillcrest HS

UFT Delegate

I support the UFT Fix Tier 6 campaign because Tier 6 must give teachers the same chance I have: to retire with dignity and a real quality of life. After 30 years of service I will be able to retire in two years at 55 — and that security matters. Teachers pour their blood, sweat, and tears into this profession for decades. We deserve to finish our careers knowing we can enjoy the rest of our lives.

Tier 6 needs to be fixed so every educator can access fair retirement options, predictable benefits, and the peace of mind to plan for the future. Give Tier 6 teachers the same opportunity to retire early and live well — because our work matters and so do our lives after the classroom.

While I am fortunate to be in Tier 4, I see the injustice faced by my colleagues in Tier 6. A system that tells them they can’t retire until they’re 63. This is a slap in the face to every teacher who has poured their heart into the classroom.

Teaching is a demanding career. All teachers deserve to retire with dignity, not be forced to work until they are exhausted. My Tier 6 colleagues deserve to retire at 55.

Fixing Tier 6 is a moral imperative. It’s about respecting the educators who build this nation. It’s time to let teachers retire at 55. Fix it now!

Special Education Teacher

Fix Tier 6

Under Tier 6, that goal becomes increasingly unrealistic. Based on the current rules, I will be required to work until approximately age 68 to avoid pension penalties. This effectively delays retirement beyond the point where many people can fully enjoy the benefits of a lifetime of work. A retirement that begins when health and energy are already declining is not a true reward for public service.

Reforming Tier 6 is not only about fairness for current educators, it is also about the future of the profession. Creating a more flexible and humane retirement structure, similar to Tier 4, would:

• Allow experienced educators to retire with dignity

• Open opportunities for younger educators to enter the system

• Improve retention and morale

• Create a pension system that works for educators at all stages of life

A retirement system should reward dedication, not penalize those who choose public service later in life. Fixing Tier 6 would strengthen the profession, support generational transition, and ensure that teaching remains a viable and attractive career for everyone.

My hardworking colleagues should get the same benefits that I have gotten as a Tier Four member -- it's essential for retention and showing educators the respect they deserve.

Teacher burn out is a real thing and having teachers work to the age of 63 for a full pension is not a realistic goal in our profession nor is it fair.

Fix Tier 6 to 55/30!

Teacher burn out is a real thing and having teachers work to the age of 63 for a full pension is not a realistic goal in our profession nor is it fair.

Fix Tier 6 to 55/30!

Asking for having insurance after 10 years working especially if the person was subbing for many years befor 2012

My father waited until 70 to retire, only to face Alzheimer’s shortly afterward.

Those experiences shape how I think about time.

Retiring with dignity at 55 isn’t about leaving work early — it’s about having a real opportunity to enjoy the life we spend decades building. We dedicate our healthiest years to public service. We deserve meaningful years afterward to live fully with our families and communities.

Police officers are granted that dignity.

Our work helps build safer, stronger communities long before emergencies happen.

25 years of service. Retirement at 55.

That’s not excessive — it’s humane.

55/25 for Tier 6.

This is about dignity.

This is about balance.

This is about recognizing that time is precious.

I'm a Tier 4 member but, I will continue the fight to change Tier 6 because I stand on the shoulders of ALL THOSE who fought for us to have 55/25.

As a TIER Four member I remember how our union worked hard to Fix Tier 4. Now it is the turn to support Fixing Tier 6.

Everybody should be able to retire at age 55 after a 30 year career. It is fair and it is the right thing to do.

Let's show our union strength in Albany on March 8. Let's Fix Tier six!

Moving Tier 6 to Tier 4 would help recruit and retain qualified professionals, especially teachers, first responders, and public servants who are increasingly leaving the profession due to burnout and financial strain. A fair and predictable retirement system strengthens morale, supports long-term workforce stability, and ensures that public service remains a viable career choice.

Aligning Tier 6 with Tier 4 is not about excess—it is about equity, respect for service, and protecting the future of essential public institutions by ensuring workers can retire with dignity after decades of contribution.

-T Ruggiero

Tom Ragazzi

Academy of Medical Technology

Aligning Tier 6 with Tier 4 is not about excess—it is about equity, respect for service, and protecting the future of essential public institutions by ensuring workers can retire with dignity after decades of contribution.

Fix tier 6 now

I am a young man with health problems. I want to enjoy a retirement after doing thirty years of my services. I want to enjoy a deserved retirement as healthy as possible and retiring at 55 seems more idealistic than 63 which I am not sure if I will be in this world at that age. Can I enjoy the retirement that I earned? Can I have a well deserved retirement after preparing many kids to graduate and go to the real worlds prepared with life skills?

Barbara Reill

Retired Chapter Leader

Teaching is deeply rewarding, but it is also physically and emotionally demanding. I can only hope to be in as good health as my parents are when I turn 63, which is still 31 years away. Under Tier 6, that would mean working in a classroom for as many years as I have already been alive. By that time, my parents will be 94 years old, and I can only hope I would still be able to spend meaningful, present time with them.

Retiring at 55 isn’t about leaving early, it’s about leaving well. Being able to retire at 55 without a reduction would allow me to continue giving my best to my students while I’m working, and still have quality years afterward to enjoy my life and be present for my family. Doing the same job as Tier 4 members but being forced to work eight additional years simply feels unfair.

Retiring to die in or less than the time you worked seems unbearable. Teachers are some of the most valuable yet hardest professions in the world. Why make it harder than it already is by adding a jail sentence of 25-50 years to it?

Tier 6, we stand with you!

Fix Tier Six NOW!

Marie Baker

Chapter Leader

10X368

Fix Tier 6 for current and future educators!

Fixing Tier 6 is important because you can’t build a strong school system on a weak foundation for educators. When teachers feel secure, respected, and fairly compensated, everything in the school ecosystem improves—especially student outcomes. Asking a 23 year old to work for 40 years isn't an effective way of building our ranks it is something that will keep people from joining and go elsewhere. The only ones who suffer will be our students.

• Recruitment and Retention: Current Tier 6 rules make public service less attractive, causing shortages that lead to larger class sizes, fewer substitutes, and higher burnout for existing staff.

• Fairness and Retirement Security: Tier 6 members contribute more (4.5% to 6%) for their entire career, yet receive a significantly reduced pension compared to Tier 4, with harsh penalties for retiring before age 63.

• Economic Stability for Members: Reforming Tier 6 could increase lifetime earnings for public servants by approximately

  $100,000

• Impact on Education Quality: By reducing staff turnover, a improved pension plan helps retain experienced educators, which directly benefits students. 

ALL HANDS ON DECK, UFT! No matter your political affiliation or caucus. We MUST stand united on this issue. 💪🏻💪🏼💪🏽💪🏾💪🏿

"FIX 6 in '26 NO TRICKS"

"Happier Teachers -> Happier Students"

"I'd be financially able to teach my ENTIRE career!"

"We'd recruit more teachers"

"The speed limit for teachers: 55"

"You don't want TEACHER SHORTAGES, TEACHER BURNOUT, a COLLAPSED EDUCATION SYSTEM"

Fix Tier 6 so "I can AFFORD to stay in the profession!"

"I RETIRE @ 55 not 63"

"When we act COLLECTIVELY we can create CHANGE"

Lucy 07X065

-Ms. Green (PS 28)

Tier 6 workers are the stabilizing force that keeps Nee York City running every single day. We staff schools,hospitals, transit systems,sanitation routes, public safety agencies and every service the city depends on. Yet many of us can no longer afford to live in the communities we serve. Tier 6 makes that worse. It forces teachers in particular to pay more, work longer and retire later-just a few years away from the grave.

As an NYC DOE substitute teacher and a graduate student working towards my TESOL certification, I'm investing my time, energy, and money into becoming a long-term educator in this city.

We are building our futures around a system that we hope will support us one day. Tier 6 makes that future feel uncertain and discouraging. Educators dedicate their lives to serving students - we shouldn't have to worry about whether retirement will be there for us after decades of service.

Fix tier 6 so future educators can teach with stability, dignity, and hope.

P.S. 06M028

Retiring at age 55, isn’t just about the end of a career, it’s about a healthy cycle of renewal. I’m fighting for Tier 6 pension reform to ensure our classrooms stay energized and led by those best equipped for the future.

Wearing BLUE today for the future of our profession! 💙

P Johnson

28Q505

SS Teacher & Chaper Leader

I love teaching middle school, but in this Information Era, technology moves quickly. 20 years from now, my students will need educators who speak the new language of that world as fluently as they do today.

Retiring at 55 isn't just about the end of a career; it’s about a healthy cycle of renewal in our schools. I’m fighting for Tier 6 Pension Reform to ensure our classrooms stay energized and led by those best equipped for the future. Our students deserve no less.

Wearing BLUE today for the future of our profession! 💙

PS28475 West 155^th Street 

New York, NY 10032

212 690-3014 

Ps 058x District 9

Laura Silberman

09X457

UFT Chapter Leader

there should be no tiers,

Just service for 20 years!

As a school social worker, I strongly support fixing Tier 6. Every day, I see how hard educators work to support students emotionally, academically, and personally—often putting others before themselves. New teachers already face so much pressure, stress, and burnout, and worrying about financial security only adds to that burden.

When teachers feel unsupported, it affects their well-being and the stability our students need. If we truly care about retaining passionate educators and creating strong school communities, we must do better. Fixing Tier 6 is about valuing our educators and giving them the respect, security, and support they deserve.

Teacher retention is at an all-time low. Our young, energetic and enthusiastic teachers are leaving in droves for better / fairer work. Let's help them get what they deserve so they can do the same for our students in return!

Forty more years of this job just does not seem like an option for me. Teaching is amazing, but it's also incredibly draining. Teachers sacrifice so much.

I know many other young teachers feel like I do: fixing Tier 6, will result in a SIGNIFICANT increase in the amount of young teachers who stay in the profession.

Let's go!!!!

Marta M. PS 180

We need to fix tier 6 so that we too have a responsible timeframe in order to receive our pension. We work hard! We should be valued like every other profession!

A special thank you goes out to our Tier 4 members for all of the support! You exemplify solidarity! #GOUFT #FIXTIER6

Here are six key reasons:

1. Higher paycheck deductions — Tier 6 members contribute more of their salary for their entire career.

2. Lower pension benefits — The formula used for Tier 6 results in smaller pensions than earlier tiers.

3. Later retirement age — Full benefits aren’t available until age 63, which pushes educators to work longer.

4. Harder to attract new teachers — Paying more and getting less makes the profession less appealing to new hires.

5. Unfair differences between coworkers — Teachers doing the same job can end up with very different retirements.

6. Created during a budget crisis — Tier 6 was designed in an emergency, not for long‑term fairness or stability.

Others did it for us, now we have to do it for them. Solidarity across tiers!

Yvette Silver, MS 821

If Tier 6 is not addressed, many Tier 6 members will leave the profession or have no choice but to work for 30-40 years regardless of age. Make it 55 then keep working on it! DON'T STOP AT 55!!