Category Archive
What does it mean if I am excessed?Jun 05, 2008
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.
Q:What is a D-rating? Is there anything I can do if I get one?May 22, 2008
If you work for 21 days or longer, state regulations authorize your principal to rate you at the end of the school year.
Q:What is discontinuance? What are my rights if I get one?May 08, 2008
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.
Q:What is excessing? Will my probation or tenureApr 10, 2008
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.
Q: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?Mar 13, 2008
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.
Q: What constitutes the three years of teaching for the professional certificate? How is the one year of mentoring verified?Feb 28, 2008
The New York State Education Department (SED) accepts classroom teaching experience in a variety of situations to fulfill its three-year requirement.
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?Feb 14, 2008
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 creditsJan 31, 2008
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.
What if I am not assigned to teach in my credential area? Could that affect my credential? What should I do?Dec 06, 2007
Both New York State education law and the federal No Child Left Behind law call for assigning teachers in their area of certification.
Do I need a dental rider on my health insurance? Where can I get dental forms, a list of dentists and the reimbursement schedule?Nov 15, 2007
No, you do not need a dental rider. You receive dental, as well as optical, prescription drug and other supplemental health benefits through the UFT Welfare Fund, saving you a bundle.
What are the rules and procedures for observations? How many? When? With or without notice?Nov 01, 2007
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?Oct 18, 2007
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?Oct 04, 2007
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?Sep 20, 2007
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?Sep 06, 2007
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.
What is tenure and how do I get it? Will changing schools affect that?Jun 07, 2007
Here's much of what you need to know about tenure, a status that appointed pedagogues achieve after completing a probationary period with satisfactory service.
What does it mean if I am excessed?May 24, 2007
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 differential? When should I apply?Apr 26, 2007
Chancellor Joel Klein on April 16 unveiled more details about the school support organizations that will replace the 10 regions that he is eliminating in his most recent shake-up of the city school system.
Where can I find out if I qualify for housing assistance?Apr 12, 2007
The best place to begin finding out if you qualify for housing assistance is by attending one of the free Home-buying Opportunities Seminars run by ACORN Housing.
I heard that if I work for five years I can get a pension. Is that true and how much will my pension be?Mar 29, 2007
You can become vested — that is, eligible to eventually collect a deferred pension — after as few as just five years of credited service.
What should I do if I am summoned to the principal’s office for a chat? What should I do if something negative happens?Mar 15, 2007
If your principal asks to meet with you, the first thing you should do is to ask what the “chat” or meeting is about and if the meeting could lead to disciplinary action.
Nurturing notesMar 01, 2007
You can sing Gregorian chants with Gregory Durant — or any other kind of music for that matter.
Real questions from real teachers- March 1, 07Mar 01, 2007
Do I have to sign up for the pension plan? What’s the difference between TRS and TDA? Why should I join the TDA Program?
What does it mean to be appointed? How does my appointment affect excessing?Feb 01, 2007
Here's everything you need to know about what being appointed to teach in a New York City public school.
Am I entitled to a duty-free lunch?Jan 18, 2007
All teachers have the right to a duty-free lunch period every day. You should get no assigned work during this time, including meeting with a coach.
What should I do if students get into a fight?Dec 07, 2006
Teachers have a responsibility to maintain their students’ safety and are obligated to try to stop fights or other misbehavior. But the union strongly recommends that you do not put yourself in harm’s way.
What if my principal does not assign me to my credential area? Could that affect my credential? What should I do?Nov 16, 2006
State and federal laws call for assigning teachers in their area of certification. The Department of Education has been pressing principals to adhere to these rules.
What are the rules and procedures for observations?Nov 02, 2006
Here's everything you need to know about observations and evaluations, which are intended to help teachers accomplish their educational goals with their students.
Q:What is a D rating? Is there anything I can do if I got a D rating?Sep 07, 2006
This weekly column features real questions from real teachers.
