new teacher q & a
Can I transfer to another school if I don’t like my placement? When can I transfer and what are the options and procedures?
Mar 19, 2009 12:04 PM
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.
Under this plan:
- Schools will list all projected vacancies for next fall, based on their expected growth in student enrollment, retirements and resignations.
- All teachers have the right to apply to transfer to any position for which they meet the licensing and other qualifications. There are no seniority or service requirements; the current school cannot impose cap limitations; and no principal’s release is needed before Aug. 7.
- All schools will select the staff to fill their vacancies based on their pool of applicants and their selection criteria.
The Department of Education will post all anticipated vacancies on its Web site (www.schools.nyc.gov) by April 15. To apply for a vacancy in any license you may hold, complete an online application form. Check the site regularly since new vacancies may appear. Also, you may apply to transfer to a school that has no posted vacancies in the event that one develops later.
See Q&A Open Market Transfers or you can contact your UFT borough office.
In the meantime, you can begin your research on schools you may consider for transfer. Start by clicking on the Grapevine link under Resources for Members on the UFT Web site’s home page. This link will enable you to access the bulletin board of comments about schools by educators who work in those schools. Their comments may help you determine if the administration is supportive, how the parking is, whether the school is safe — and can help you make an informed decision before transferring.
