new teacher articles

Paycheck problems? Tell the UFT

Aug 7, 2008 11:01 AM

Do new teachers experience serious delays and foul-ups in getting paid correctly? You bet. But these problems are fewer than they used to be. That’s because the UFT won passage of a state law that requires the city to pay you in a timely fashion or owe you 6 percent interest on any late payments. That law cleared a huge backlog of applications for salary enhancements and has almost eliminated the DOE’s foot-dragging.

So don’t assume that delays and errors are normal. There are steps you can take and, if necessary, ways to fight the system — and the UFT is there to help you do just that.

Here are some common situations new teachers face and what you can do:

You are not getting paid at all. First, make sure you have a file number. Without one, you will not be placed on payroll. Then, check with your school secretary if you are on payroll. It generally takes one pay period (about two weeks) to get a newly hired teacher on the payroll. If you need an emergency check before a regular check arrives, see your chapter leader for instructions.

You are not getting paid for a differential or prior service. Remember that you must apply for these salary enhancements and should do so within six months of qualifying for each differential. So check that you have submitted the appropriate applications and all required documentation. If your application is in, it will take a bit of time to see the increase in your paycheck, but the increase should not take inordinately long to get. And, if your application was filed within six months of qualifying, you will receive any money owed you retroactive to your date of eligibility.

As a newly hired teacher, you should complete the DOE’s online salary step application when you start working. This is especially important if you are claiming salary credit for prior teaching-related work experience outside the New York City public schools. This application establishes your correct starting work date, salary step and earnings.

If you subbed or taught under another license in the New York City public schools, you must submit a hard copy of the DOE’s Application for Salary Step Placement within six months of your new teaching position. Make a copy for your records of this and any other forms you submit to the city’s Department of Education.

You think your paycheck is wrong. If you think your paycheck is incorrect for any reason, see your school payroll secretary and report the problem to your chapter leader. For further help, call your UFT borough office and ask to speak to a salary representative.