As it has for almost all of the past 37 years, the Teacher’s Choice program will again reimburse UFT-represented educators for some of their out-of-pocket expenses for supplemental instructional supplies and materials of their choice.

The precise allotments for the 2023–24 school year were not yet available as of Aug. 30, when this publication went to press, but they are expected to be about the same as the previous school year. The city budget passed in late June contained $20 million for the program, the same level of funding as the previous two years.

Here are last school year’s Teacher’s Choice allotments: teachers ($250), school psychologists ($110), school social workers ($110), school counselors ($110), universal literacy coaches ($110), single shepherds ($110), occupational and physical therapists ($95), school nurses ($95), lab specialists ($85) and school secretaries ($60).

The money will appear in paychecks in late November or early December.

The purchasing period began on Aug. 1, 2023, and continues through mid-January.

The money can be used for general classroom supplies, library books and magazines, musical instruments, science materials, athletic supplies and more. Some prohibited expenses are furniture, trips, gifts for students or any equipment that requires special wiring or installation.

Participants must save and submit receipts as proof of purchase to the school principal or designee, along with the DOE’s statement of purpose/accountability form. The DOE will take back the money from those who don’t submit the form with valid receipts.

Educators who do not wish to take part in the program must file a request for nonparticipation (opt-out) form.

The New York City Council created the Teacher’s Choice program in 1986 after intense lobbying by the UFT.

For updates, check the Teacher's Choice section of the UFT website.