Category Archive
How can I tell if I am a member of the union – and is it the UFT or the AFT?Nov 12, 2009
It’s not so surprising that you are not sure about your membership. Many new teachers think that union membership is automatic. Wrong. To become a member of the United Federation of Teachers, you have to sign on — and you may have done so already.
Political action: What does the union do and how can I get involved?Oct 15, 2009
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?Oct 01, 2009
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.
Q: Where can I find good ideas for lesson plans?Sep 17, 2009
As the educator responsible for providing classroom instruction to your students, you are responsible for developing lesson plans but you can determine their format, organization, notation and content.
I may have to move out of New York. What happens to my pension?Jun 04, 2009
Sometimes newer teachers need to take a break in service. Some, like you, need to temporarily relocate away from New York City to accompany a spouse; others decide to try another career path and later decide to return to teaching. 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?May 21, 2009
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?May 07, 2009
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?Apr 23, 2009
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.Apr 02, 2009
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?Mar 19, 2009
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?Mar 05, 2009
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?Feb 19, 2009
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?Jan 22, 2009
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?Dec 11, 2008
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 electionNov 20, 2008
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-gradersNov 06, 2008
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?Oct 23, 2008
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 proceduresOct 09, 2008
Routines give students structure and also make more time available for learning. However, research shows that the best way to get students to follow rules and procedures is if you teach, model, rehearse and reinforce them.
How can I tell if I'm a UFT member?Sep 25, 2008
It’s not so surprising that you are not sure about being a UFT member. Many new teachers think that membership is automatic, but it isn’t.
Q: What is the Welfare Fund?Sep 12, 2008
The UFT Welfare Fund offers an outstanding package of dental, optical, prescription drug and other benefits. These benefits supplement your basic health plan and are available at no extra cost to you.
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.
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.
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.
