Q-and-A on Open Market Transfer Plan

If you want a new opportunity, wish to be closer to home or have been placed in excess, the Open Market Transfer Plan gives you the chance to apply for a position at another school. You can view vacancies citywide and submit online applications via the Department of Education website during the Open Market Transfer period, from April 15 to Aug. 7.

Under the plan, individuals can apply for any and all vacancies for which they are appropriately licensed. This Q-and-A is meant to address the most commonly asked questions about the Open Market Transfer Plan.

Who is covered by the transfer plan?

All pedagogues, including clinicians, guidance counselors and secretaries, as well as paras.

When does the transfer period begin and how can I learn about vacancies?

It begins on April 15. The DOE posts vacancies on the Open Market Transfer website found on the DOE’s Division of Human Resources website. It usually takes a month or so before a significant number of vacancies are posted since many principals wait until after the release of school budgets. As principals create vacancies in their schools’ Galaxy budget system, the vacancies are added to the Open Market Transfer website throughout the transfer period, which ends Aug. 7. When a position has been filled, the listing is removed from the site.

Is there a minimum period of time vacancies are posted?

The DOE has told principals that vacancies should be posted for a meaningful amount of time — at least seven calendar days.

What is the definition of a vacancy under the plan?

A vacancy is a position to which no teacher has been appointed, except where a teacher is filling in for an appointed teacher on a leave of absence. Vacancies are created as a result of growth (new positions due to anticipated enrollment growth or qualification for a new grant), retirements, resignations and transfers out of a school.

Can schools add and delete vacant positions throughout the spring and summer?

Yes. That’s why it’s advisable that anyone interested in securing a transfer should regularly check the vacancy postings. You can also apply to a school that hasn’t posted a vacancy in the event that one becomes available later.

How do I apply?

You can apply online using the Open Market Transfer system. You’ll be asked to complete an online registration form, which involves creating a user ID and password. Once you do this, you’ll be able to electronically apply to any and all vacancies in your current license area. There is room on the online application for a cover letter and resume. You can also apply online to transfer to schools that have not advertised a vacancy. When you submit an application, a confirmation page will appear, which we suggest you print and keep on file. You can also send your resume and cover letter directly to schools that interest you, either by regular mail or hand delivery or fax.

How will schools know that I’ve applied via the Open Market Transfer system?

Each school will have an online mailbox. Applications of candidates interested in transferring to a particular school will be put into that school’s mailbox. Because schools may receive hundreds of applications, we strongly suggest also forwarding your cover letter and resume directly to the school via regular mail, fax or hand delivery.

Once I apply to transfer to an advertised vacancy, what happens next?

Every school is required to form a human resources committee made up of pedagogues and administrators. The committee will decide which candidates it wants to interview and is not required to interview all applicants. The committee’s ultimate responsibility is to make hiring recommendations to the principal. The final decision is the principal’s.

Do I need a release from my current principal to accept a transfer?

While the selection of candidates may be made at any time, transfers secured from April 15 to Aug. 7 do not require a release.

Will my principal know that I’ve applied for a transfer?

Not necessarily. The electronic transfer application system does not include an automatic notification to your current principal. Of course, nothing stops one principal from calling another to get his or her opinion.

Will I be asked to sign anything?

Both the principal offering a position and the employee accepting the offer will be asked to sign a commitment form called Agreement to Accept Open Market Transfer. The document is binding on both parties. That means once the principal signs the form, the offer cannot be withdrawn except if the vacancy is withdrawn for budgetary reasons. In that case, you will have the right to return to your original school and take your rightful place in seniority. By the same token, an employee who has signed can only rescind the transfer after Aug. 7, provided that the former principal approves his or her return to the school and the new principal approves the release.

Can I transfer using the Open Market Transfer Plan if I have received a U-rating?

Yes.

Are there limits to the number of people who can transfer out of a particular school?

No.

What can I do if I believe I was denied a transfer based on my age, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, handicapping condition or union activity?

You should consider filing a grievance citing a violation of Article Two (“Fair Practices”) of the contract, and notify your chapter leader and district representative.

Where can I get help if I’ve been repeatedly unsuccessful in obtaining a transfer or a regular teaching position after being excessed?

Upon request, at the Teacher Hiring Support Center, you can receive individualized assistance from the DOE’s Division of Human Resources and/or the UFT’s Peer Intervention Program on how to maximize your chances of being selected for a transfer.