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Can staff members request that a child be initially evaluated for special education services?
A teacher, or other professional staff member, may request that a child be evaluated by completing the Request for Referral form (in SESIS). After receiving the request, the principal must take one of two actions within 10 school days: (1) request...
When will my classroom observations take place? What are the “windows”/time frame for evaluation?
Administrators can observe teachers for evaluative purposes at any time after the Initial Planning Conference and then through the first Friday in June. In addition, half the required minimum number of observations must take place in the fall term...
What is the OEO?
OEO is the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Management. OEO is the internal DOE office that investigates allegations of sexual harassment and all forms of discrimination. Members are entitled to be represented by a fellow employee or by a...
How can I request help from the Peer Intervention Program (PIP)?
You can apply by using our online form. PIP is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located at 50 Broadway, 15th Floor, NY, NY, 10004. Summer hours are from 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday. If you have any questions...
How can I fulfill DASA training requirements?
You must complete six hours of coursework from a provider approved by the New York State Education Department. You can find a list of approved providers at the NYSED website. The UFT is an approved provider and offers this course; see the UFT Courses...
How many days notice do I have to give if I’m planning to resign?
We recommend you first contact your UFT borough office and speak with a UFT representative before you resign. DOE pedagogue employees who plan to resign must give at least 30 calendar days’ notice, according to Chancellor's Regulations. According to...
What is the process I need to take to resign from the DOE?
If you are considering resigning from the DOE, we strongly suggest contacting the union at 212-331-6311 to speak with a representative about your options. Resignation Provide an official letter (as a PDF or Word doc attachment) with your effective...
What happens if I do not give 30 calendar days’ notice for my resignation?
According to the Department of Education, employees who resign without providing notice will be given a problem code in their personnel file that will flag them for review should they wish to return to teaching. Chapter leaders have reported some...
Do I maintain my tenure after resigning?
Only if you return to teaching within five years of the effective date of resignation and apply to withdraw the resignation using the Application for Withdrawal of Resignation form on the Department of Education website. The application must be...
Do I need to re-enroll in the TDA Program each year?
No. Your contributions automatically continue into the next year. However, you may change your contribution rate on the Teachers' Retirement System website at www.trsnyc.org or by filing a hardcopy TDA Contribution Rate Change Form. BERS members may...
Can I change my pension tier?
You may qualify for a different tier if you switched tiers during a tier change period, or if you transferred your membership to TRS from another eligible retirement system. In addition, you can apply for reinstatement to your previous status if you...
My spouse and I participate in a Medicare Part D drug plan. If either or both of us hit the catastrophic portion of this coverage, can we submit a claim for reimbursement to the UFT Welfare Fund?
Yes, you and your spouse are both eligible for reimbursement of your catastrophic co-payments under your Medicare Part D coverage. Each of you individually has to reach the annual catastrophic limit; your totals cannot be combined. Claims must be...
How does the mail order program work for prescription medications?
Maintenance medications (those taken regularly over an extended period) cannot be filled in monthly quantities after they have been filled three (3) times (original prescription plus two (2) refills), regardless of the number of refills indicated on...
Can my dependent purchase coverage after his/her COBRA expires?
When a dependent child's COBRA coverage expires, he or she may be eligible to purchase Age 29 Young Adult Coverage. As long as both the member and dependent maintain their eligibility. This benefit will continue until the end of the month of the...
How does a beneficiary file a death claim with the Welfare Fund?
A family member or beneficiary must submit a Welfare Fund Death Benefit Notification Form (available by calling the Fund’s Death Benefit Unit) along with a certified or original death certificate to the Welfare Fund. After verification of the...
What is Workers’ Compensation and who is eligible for Workers’ Comp benefits?
Workers’ Compensation is a form of insurance, paid for in advance by your employer, which entitles you to full medical coverage and part of your salary for job-related injuries and illnesses. You are entitled to Workers’ Compensation no matter whose...
What is Jarema credit? How may I apply for it?
You may receive credit to reduce your probationary time if you worked as a regular substitute or as an appointed teacher in the same license area and same division (i.e., elementary, junior high, high school) in which you are subsequently approved...
What is traveling tenure?
Traveling tenure may reduce your probationary period. If you received tenure from the DOE in one license area and elect to take an appointment in a new license area, your probationary period will be reduced by one year. If you are eligible, contact...
Can teachers take time off for religious observance for important holidays in their faith?
Yes. You may use your three personal business days for religious observance. These will be deducted from your CAR (sick bank) or you may take a pay deduction for each day that you do not report to work. The deducted amount will equal the amount that...
How do I let the UFT know that my address has changed?
It is essential to keep your personal information up to date to ensure the receipt of the New York Teacher, information about UFT activities and Welfare Fund health benefits. There are several ways you can update your address: The quickest way to...
Do I have to join the union? Is membership automatic?
The answer to both these questions is no. The UFT is a democratic union and no one is forced to join. Nevertheless, an amazing 96 percent of all potential members choose to become UFT members. Nor is membership automatic, a frequent misconception...
When can I file a grievance?
In most cases, a grievance must be filed within 30 school days from the time you have knowledge of the act or condition that violates the contract. However, in certain types of grievances, the time limits are shorter. For example, all reorganization...
If a close family member dies, can I take time off to attend the funeral?
You may take off up to four days for the purposes of bereavement, at any point in the three months after the date of death of a covered family member. Form OP 201 is required.