The final city budget for the coming fiscal year will contain a 62 percent increase in funding for Teacher’s Choice following a big social media and member-lobbying campaign by the UFT to show City Council members the direct impact that Teacher’s Choice has on classroom learning.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito shook hands on the final budget on the night of June 22, eight days before the July 1 deadline.

With the $9.65 million that the Council is allocating for Teacher’s Choice, which reimburses teachers and other school staff for out-of-pocket spending on classroom supplies, teachers should receive about $125 in the 2015–16 school year, up from $77 this year.

Guidance counselors and others who receive Teacher’s Choice will also receive an increase.

“Teachers convinced our elected officials of the amazing work they are able to accomplish if they have the proper tools,” said UFT President Michael Mulgrew. “We thank all of our members who shared their stories with us and Council members of how they have used Teacher’s Choice funds to fill critical gaps and address their students’ needs.”

Teacher’s Choice was eliminated during the 2011–12 school year because of the recession. Although the UFT was able to restore some funding the following school year, the amount since then has remained a fraction of what it used to be even as the city’s economy has recovered.

The final city budget also contains $475,000 for the UFT’s Community Learning Schools Initiative, up from $250,000 for the current fiscal year.