The Greatest Love of All: UFT Manhattan Parent Conference 2026

Register here for the UFT's annual Manhattan fall parent conference! Parents, caregivers and community members from all boroughs are welcome.

The theme of this year's conference is "the greatest love of all," referring to the love of parents, caregivers and educators for the children in their care. Let's work together to cultivate safe, inclusive learning environments that value every child, and let's gather to celebrate the powerful partnership between home and school. If we embrace our shared responsibility, there is no limit to what our children can achieve.

Keynote Speaker Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels will be speaking in the morning. As always, we'll have speakers, a resource fair, raffles, breakfast and lunch, entertainment, surprises and workshops on topics of interest to public school parents and caregivers. Children may not attend the conference.

Workshops

Sticks and Stones: Understanding Implicit Bias

This is an all-day training that meets during both sessions. Selecting this training excludes you from all other workshops, including the CPR, First Aid and AED Certification Training. UFT members will earn three hours of CTLE credit upon completion.

This interactive training provides participants with strategies to recognize bias, strengthen relationships and promote more inclusive and equitable school communities.

CPR, First Aid and AED Certification Training

This is an all-day training that meets during both sessions. Selecting this training excludes you from all other workshops, including Sticks and Stones.

Responsibilities of the School Leadership Team and School Budgets

Morning and afternoon sessions available.

This informative workshop will explain the responsibilities of school leadership team members, how school budgets are developed and allocated and the important role parents have in school-based decision-making.

Health and Safety: Building Safer, Healthier Schools

Morning and afternoon sessions available.

This workshop will provide parents with an overview of NYC Public Schools health and safety practices, the school safety plan process and the important role of school safety committees.

Strengthening Your PTA: From Parent Organization to Strategic Partner

Morning and afternoon sessions available.

Learn practical strategies to strengthen your PTA’s structure, increase parent engagement, building meaningful partnerships with school leadership and creating sustainable fundraising and outreach efforts.

Title I: Empowering Parents, Strengthening Partnerships

Morning and afternoon sessions available.

This interactive session led by a Title I parent will help families understand their rights, learn how to access available resources and discover ways to become active partners in their child’s education.

Financial Empowerment for Families

Morning and afternoon sessions available.

Whether you're just starting the conversation about money or looking to strengthen your family's financial expertise, this session will provide valuable resources and actionable tips for every stage.

Self-Direction: Empowering Families Through Choice

Morning and afternoon sessions available.

Navigating services for a loved one with a developmental disability can feel overwhelming. This interactive workshop will introduce parents and caregivers to the benefits of self-directed services and how they provide greater flexibility and control over the supports their loved ones receive.

A Parent’s Guide to Government, Civic Power & Getting Things Done

Afternoon session available.

Participants will learn practical ways to advocate, testify, attend public meetings, contact elected officials, organize with other parents and make their voices heard on issues affecting their children and communities.

Navigating the College Admission Process

Morning and afternoon sessions available.

This workshop will guide parents and caregivers through the college admission process, including researching colleges, understanding admission requirements, completing applications, meeting deadlines, and exploring financial aid and scholarship opportunities.