Thanks to the union’s advocacy, UFT-represented educators will be reimbursed for some out-of-pocket expenses through Teacher’s Choice at the same levels as the previous school year.

Funding for the City Council program, which was initiated in the late 1990s after lobbying by the UFT, remains at $20 million. It reimburses educators for the purchase of what they deem necessary classroom and school supplies that have not been provided by the city Department of Education.

Teachers will receive $250, which is the amount they received last school year and in the 2019-20 school year. (The program was suspended during the 2020-21 school year because of the pandemic.)

UFT members in other job titles get smaller allotments. School psychologists, social workers, counselors, universal literacy coaches, single shepherds, occupational and physical therapists, school nurses, school secretaries and lab specialists receive varying amounts.

To receive reimbursement through Teacher’s Choice, educators must save and submit receipts as proof of purchase, accompanied by a DOE Statement of Purpose/Accountability form. The DOE will take back the money from those who don’t file that form and submit valid receipts.

Educators will receive the Teacher’s Choice funds in their paychecks in late November or early December.

The purchasing period began on Aug. 1, 2022, and continues through mid-January.

Those who choose not to take part in the program must submit a Request for Nonparticipation (Opt-Out Form).

See the Teacher's Choice section for the latest updates.