Teacher's Choice back, but reduced

The Department of Education on Oct. 19 released the amount of Teacher’s Choice funds that educators will receive this year.

The program, which was not funded for the 2011–12 school year due to budget cuts, was restored for the current year, but the amount budgeted was less than in previous years.

To be eligible, employees must be actively employed as of Nov. 1, 2012. Program participants with direct deposit will receive their award in their bank accounts on a non-pay day. Employees who have not signed up for direct deposit by Nov. 1, 2012, will receive their award on a debit card. The specific distribution dates for direct deposit and debit cards will be announced on the DOE website as soon as they are available.

All program participants will be required to submit their receipts as proof of purchase. These receipts must accompany your Statement of Purpose/Accountability form. Once this form is available, it will be made available on the DOE Teacher’s Choice website.

In order to qualify, purchases could have been made as early as Aug. 15, 2012, but must be made no later than April 3, 2013.