The city Department of Education has released this year’s allotments for the Teacher’s Choice program, which reimburses eligible UFT members for some of the supplemental instructional supplies they purchase out of pocket. The city provided the same level of funding for the program in its budget this year as last, but because the DOE hired nearly 4,000 additional new teachers to lower class size this fall, the per-member allotment of Teacher’s Choice changed slightly.

The purchasing period began on Aug. 1 and continues through Friday, Jan. 9. Items purchased must be appropriate for educational use in the classroom or for other professional assignments. The Teacher’s Choice stipend is not intended for purchases of basic supplies such as textbooks, paper, microscopes and math manipulatives, which principals are contractually obligated to provide.

You will receive your Teacher’s Choice funds in your last November or first December paycheck. You must submit receipts as proof of purchase along with a DOE Statement of Purpose/Accountability form by Friday, Jan. 16, or the DOE will take back the money. Learn more about the Teacher's Choice program »