A series reported by Gotham Schools and the Hechinger Report offers context and analysis of the United Federation of Teachers, as its leaders face their own re-election prospects and the race for a new mayor. Hear our interview with one of the editors of the series.

Mayor Bloomberg took his arguments against short-term teacher evaluation deals on the road, telling Albany lawmakers that other school districts were willing to make one- or two-year deals because “everybody else is just interested in getting the money and committing what I would call fraud.” He expected New York City principals to eliminate teachers and other staff positions if more state money is withheld.

The failure of the city and the teachers’ union to reach a deal Thursday on a teacher evaluation plan drew criticism from stakeholders and observers nearly across the ideological and political spectrum.

The teachers’ union and the city walked away from a deal they both say was essentially hammered out. As a result, city schools face more budget cuts.

With time running out, the Bloomberg administration and the teachers union have cleared their schedules to continue negotiations on getting a teacher evaluation deal in place by the state’s deadline of next Thursday.

New York City’s teachers’ pension fund will put $1 billion towards financing construction and repair projects for city roads, bridges, and homes, President Bill Clinton among others announced the unusual arrangement on Thursday.

According to the annual survey of class size conducted by the teachers’ union, there were 670 schools with overcrowded general education classes in the city in the first weeks of school, up from 660 last year. The number of overcrowded special education classes more than doubled.

Education is always a political issue in New York City. The public schools are run by the mayor, and the city has a strong and powerful teachers union. There are also a few other well-organized groups that are pushing for different education reforms. We’ve made a guide to who’s who in schoolyard politics.

A former teacher argues for a “comprehensive” evaluation system that would give educators real feedback on their work based on several factors, including students’ test scores, classroom observations and peer reviews.

A former advisor to Mayor Bloomberg warned against demonizing teachers in the battle for teacher evaluation systems, better work conditions, and job security. She also cautioned teachers not to dig in their heels against all changes. And the comments came rolling in.