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What is the SHIP health insurance program for retired teachers?
The Supplemental Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is a unique package of benefits developed by the Retired Teachers Chapter of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT-RTC) exclusively for its members. It provides a supplement to coverage available...
If I need to get screened for cancer, do I need to use my sick time/CAR days? If I need to leave work for a cancer screening, is it paid or unpaid time?
Leaving work for the purpose of cancer screening for up to four hours per year is considered paid leave and you do not have to use your sick time. This time is allowable for all types of cancer screenings. Accommodations shall be made for employees...
How do I apply for a sabbatical and how much will I be paid?
You can apply for a sabbatical by logging onto the DOE's Self Online Leave Application System (SOLAS). SOLAS is available at https://apps.schools.nyc/solas . If you are a teacher with 7 years of service, you could be eligible for a six-month...
Am I eligible for a study sabbatical?
Most appointed pedagogues (lab specialists, school counselors, secretaries, social workers and psychologists and teachers) are eligible for a one year study sabbatical after 14 years of service. In addition, middle school, junior high or high school...
What transit programs/commuter benefits can I take part in as a UFT member/city employee?
If you travel to work by public transportation, you can save money by taking part in the City of New York Commuter Benefits Program, which covers New York City and the tri-state area. This city benefit enables UFT members to pay for allowable...
When will I get a decision on my case/grievance?
Upon receiving the grievance, the principal must arrange a grievance conference with you and your chapter leader. If the matter is not resolved at the conference, the principal must issue a written decision within five school days of receiving the...
Why should I file a safety report? Should I file incident reports at both school and with the union if something happens at my school?
You should file reports both at school and with the union. It is important to file safety/incident reports with the union because it lets us know what is taking place inside of your building. If you do not report incidents to the union, most likely...
What happens if my principal denies my grievance?
If the principal denies your grievance, the union has 15 school days to file a Step 2 chancellor’s level grievance. The union must investigate the denial, but it can appeal to the chancellor’s representative at Step 2. Only the union may appeal or...
When should I get my professional activity preference sheet from my administrator for the following school year?
High School—60 days before the end of the term Middle School—Before May 1 Elementary School—Early in the Spring
What’s the difference between a letter in my personnel file and a counseling memo?
A counseling memo is designed to advise you of a rule or policy. It cannot include or threaten disciplinary action, as a letter in the file can. Counseling memos can be used as part of a disciplinary process only to show that you were notified of the...