New Teacher Question and Answers

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.

What is an ‘anniversary date’ and how do I find out what mine is? Why is this date important? What if I don’t know mine?"

Your anniversary date, also called your equated date, is the date you advance to the next step on the salary schedule

Can I apply excess undergraduate credits

If you earned more undergraduate credits than your college required for a bachelor’s degree, you may apply those excess credits toward your first differential or the intermediate differential.

Can I meet my state requirements by taking exams, online courses or classes at out-of-state institutions? How can I be sure the State Education Department will accept these credits?

If you need to eliminate course credit deficiencies for your state certification requirements, you may be able to do so by getting passing grades on exams given by the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) or Excelsior College Examinations.

Do I need a dental rider on my health insurance? Where can I get dental forms, a list of dentists and the reimbursement schedule?

Do I need a dental rider on my health insurance? Where can I get dental forms, a list of dentists and the reimbursement schedule?

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

Performance reviews are intended to help teachers accomplish their educational goals with their students.

Do I have to belong to the union? What is the benefit of joining?

The UFT is a democratic union and no one is forced to join. Nevertheless, an amazing 96 percent of all potential members choose to become UFT members.

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

Through the UFT Welfare Fund, at no cost to you, you can add dental, optical, prescription drug and other supplemental benefits to your basic plan.

What health plan choices do I have? Which one is right for me? How can I change my health plan?

Unlike a growing number of working Americans, UFT members have the security of excellent basic health-care coverage.

What is a salary step? When should I apply? Do I have to apply for each step?

A salary step is an increase in pay that you receive based on your years of teaching experience. You will automatically get pay increases based on steps, except you must apply if you want credit for prior experience.

New Teachers Ask - Archive