New Teacher Question and Answers

At a New Teacher Orientation I attended, I heard something about the union’s political action. What does the union do and how can I get involved?

The UFT takes an active interest in government policies that affect public education and the economic lives of working families. That’s why the union engages in political action about such things as budget priorities, school safety, pension benefits, tenure laws — and much more.

I understand that the UFT contract expires on Oct. 31. How do we get a new contract?

To get a new contract, the UFT, as the certified bargaining agent representing teachers, paras and other employees in New York City schools, negotiates with the city and the Department of Education.

Where can I find good ideas for lesson plans?

Whether you are a brand-new teacher or have a few years under your belt, chances are that one of the challenges you face — especially at the start of the school year — is planning effective lessons. How can you meet this challenge?

What does it mean if I am excessed?

There are times when a school may need to reduce the size of its faculty because it has experienced a drop in student enrollment, it loses funding or it is being phased out. In these situations, some teachers may be “excessed.”

I may have to move out of New York. What happens to my pension?

Before you take time out for these or other reasons that may not qualify for an official leave of absence, be sure to call your UFT borough office and ask to speak to a consultant.

As an appointed teacher, am I automatically in the pension system or do I have to apply

If you see such a deduction on your pay stub, you are already contributing to your pension. But that doesn’t mean you are enrolled.

What does it mean if I am excessed?

There are times when a school may need to reduce the size of its faculty because it has experienced a drop in student enrollment, it loses funding or it is being phased out. In these situations, some teachers may be “excessed.”

What is in my file? Am I allowed to see it?

You have the right to examine your official file and should do so once a year to learn what’s in it and to have any old or inappropriate materials removed.

I have state certification in English 7-12. NYC has appointed me as a high school English teacher. Currently, I am teaching math in a middle school.

It could affect your career. You can only be appointed in an area that matches your state certificate. The most vulnerable to excessing are those whose teaching assignments do not match the division level of their licenses. Consult your chapter leader or call your UFT borough office if you may be vulnerable to excessing.

Can I transfer to another school if I don’t like my placement?

Yes, you have the right to apply for a transfer to another school regardless of the reason. If you are interested in switching from your current school to another school, you have the opportunity to participate in this year’s “open market” transfer plan, which begins in April.

In order to receive a step increase, must I apply for it or is it automatic?

Salary step increases are paid automatically through the years as you move up each step of the salary schedule.

Can I meet my state requirements by taking exams, online courses, or classes at out-of-state institutions?

You may be able to meet some state requirements by taking exams, online courses or classes at out-of-state institutions.

With the economy so bad, am I in danger of losing my job?

The current UFT contract protects teachers from layoff. A layoff can only occur if the city declares a financial emergency. That’s a big deal for our newest members, who ordinarily are the most vulnerable during an economic downturn.

What should I do if students get into a fight?

There are no hard and fast rules. However, your school’s safety plan (required by the UFT contract and state law) should say something about how to secure help in a variety of emergencies, including student fights: whom to contact, who is in charge.

I was so excited about the UFT’s involvement in the recent election. I worked the phone banks and was thrilled when Obama won. Is there anything happening now that the election is over?

Election time is just one opportunity to do your part. Now the UFT, together with our NYSUT and AFT affiliates, needs you for the ongoing work of political action at city, state and national government levels.

I am feeling so frustrated by my 7th-graders

There are no easy answers or quick fixes, but that doesn’t mean the situation is hopeless.

What are the rules and procedures for observations? How many? When? With or without notice?

Observations and evaluations fall under the general category of performance review, which is cited in Article 8J of the UFT contract. Performance reviews are intended to help teachers accomplish their educational goals with their students.

I can’t get my students to follow my classroom procedures

I’ve told them what to do and handed out copies of the rules and procedures. But the kids just don’t do things the way they should. What can I do?

How can I tell if I'm a UFT member?

You have to sign up to become a UFT member -- and you may have done so already. You can check by looking at the deduction codes on your pay stub.

What is the Welfare Fund? Do I need it if I have health plan coverage?

What does it mean if I am excessed?

There are times when a school may need to reduce the size of its faculty because it has experienced a drop in student enrollment, it loses funding or it is being phased out.

What is a D-rating? Is there anything I can do if I get one?

If you work for 21 days or longer, state regulations authorize your principal to rate you at the end of the school year.

What is discontinuance? What are my rights if I get one?

A “discontinuance” refers to a written notification to probationary teachers or other members indicating that they have at least 30 days until their employment will be terminated.

Can I get an extra year of mentoring? Where can I go to get extra help after my first year of teaching?

It is ironic, to say the least, that while everyone wants teachers to do an excellent job, the system is unwilling to invest as it should in the professional support that teachers want.

What is excessing? Will my probation or tenure be affected if I am excessed?

Excessing generally occurs at the end of the school year when a school finds that it has more teachers — or other staff — in a particular license area than it needs for the next school year.

If I worked as a para before becoming a teacher, can I get salary credit for my previous work? Do my years of service apply for pension or can I buy back those years? Also, does my anniversary date change?

There is no provision for teachers to receive salary credit for work as a paraprofessional.

What is tenure and how do I know when I get it? If I change my teaching assignment and license from kindergarten to 4th grade, will that affect my tenure?

Tenure is an important safeguard of academic freedom that protects teachers from being fired for the personal or political objectives of a supervisor or due to outside pressure.

New Teachers Ask - Archive