Funding for Teacher’s Choice received a 62 percent boost this year after 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.

Teachers will receive $122 as a result of the increase. The amounts for all eligible titles are listed on the Department of Education website.

Teacher’s Choice funds, which will be distributed in members’ late November paychecks, can be used for educational purchases made between Aug. 1, 2015, and Jan. 8, 2016 (note that this deadline is earlier than in previous years). As they buy supplies, members should keep in mind that the UFT supports the boycott of Staples, which is taking jobs away from unionized U.S. postal workers as the U.S. Postal Service outsources its work.

Members must save their receipts and submit them, along with a Statement of Purpose/Accountability form, to their principal or payroll secretary by Jan. 15, 2016.

If you receive Teacher’s Choice funds in your paycheck and do not file an accountability form with the required receipts by the Jan. 15, 2016, deadline, you will be obligated to refund the money to the DOE.