new teacher q & a

I may have to move out of New York because my husband got transferred. What should I do in case I want to come back in the future? What happens to my pension?

Jun 4, 2009 5:20 PM

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.

You raise important questions, but the answers will depend on many variables: whether or not you have tenure; what your certification and licensing status is; how many years you have contributed to your pension plan; and so on. An individual consultation with experts at your UFT borough office will help you find the best way to protect your job and pension status in case you later decide to return.

If it turns out that you have to resign, keep in mind that the DOE requires pedagogical employees to give notice at least 30 calendar days in advance. That means if your resignation becomes effective Sept. 3, the first day of school this year, you must submit a letter of resignation by Aug. 3. If you resign without giving timely notice, your personnel file will be flagged for review should you wish to return to teaching in the future.