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 exact allotments for the 2025-26 school year were not yet available as of Aug. 27, when this publication went to press, but the amounts were expected to be similar to last year. The city budget, passed on June 30, includes $20 million for Teacher’s Choice, the same level of funding as last year.

The Teacher’s Choice allotments for the previous school year were $235 for teachers; $105 for school psychologists and social workers, school counselors, reading coaches and single shepherds; $90 for occupational and physical therapists and school nurses; $80 for lab specialists; and $60 for paraprofessionals and school secretaries.

The program reimburses educators for the purchase of educational materials that have not been provided by the DOE, including general classroom supplies, library books, magazines, musical instruments, science materials, basic athletic supplies, educational learning aids, and art and drawing materials. Educators cannot use program funds to pay for class trips or buy furniture, gifts for students or equipment that requires special wiring or installation.

The period during which purchases must be made to be eligible for reimbursement began on Aug. 1, 2025, and ends in mid-January.

Participants must save receipts as proof of purchase and submit them along with a DOE statement of purpose/accountability form by the January deadline. If not, the DOE will take back the money.

Anyone who does not wish to participate in the program must file a request for nonparticipation (opt-out) form.

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

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