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Special Education Intervention Teacher (formerly known as IEP teacher)

The Special Education Intervention Teacher is a centrally funded learning specialist. Learn more about this position and the role these educators play for students with disabilities.

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...

I hold Initial Certificates in more than one subject (i.e., Childhood Education, Grades 1-6 and English, Grades 7-12). Must I teach for three years in each subject area to meet the three-year experience requirement for a Professional certificate?

No. An individual who holds more than one classroom teaching certificate may meet the three-year experience requirement with any three years of classroom teaching experience. For instance, a teacher who holds the Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) and...

What feedback will I be receiving after an observation is conducted in my classroom?

Feedback is non-evaluative information about an observation that you should receive within ten days of an observation. The feedback can be via email, written, or face-to-face. Teachers can indicate a preference for the format of their feedback during...

What is tenure?

Having tenure means you may not be disciplined or terminated without due process. As a tenured teacher, you have the right to a hearing before an independent arbitrator regarding any charges brought against you. These due process rights protect you...

Can you tell me more about the role of a UFT delegate?

There are two different types of delegates: Delegate to the delegate assembly – These delegates are elected at their school or work site or can be elected by the members of a functional chapter. Each chapter is entitled to one delegate for each sixty...

What is the SBO process?

Each year, beginning in March, the Consultation Committee should meet to review and discuss the School-Based Options that your school would like to create or restore. After consultation with the principal, the chapter leader should hold a union...

Which professional learning courses count toward the CTLE requirement?

Your CTLE hours must be completed with a state-approved provider. Both the UFT’s LearnUFT program and the UFT Teacher Center are state-approved providers that offer affordable CTLE workshops. P-credits taken through the city Department of Education’s...

Where can I find CTLE credit-granting courses and opportunities?

The UFT frequently offers CTLE workshops to members. Many UFT conferences also include CTLE workshops. You can see the latest opportunities on the UFT website. The AFT’s educational webinars grant CTLE hours for participating. Often professional...

Are paraprofessionals eligible for tuition reimbursement for credits towards a masters degree?

The DOE will reimburse eligible full-time paraprofessionals for the cost of up to 12 credits towards a master’s degree in education. Paras must be in an accredited graduate education program as a fully matriculated student leading to New York State...

Am I able to withdraw my resignation from the DOE and return to active service?

Teachers, school psychologists, guidance counselors, school social workers, librarians, attendance teachers, school secretarial staff and laboratory specialists may be permitted to withdraw a resignation/retirement provided the following conditions...

Are there any illnesses for which time off will not be deducted from my sick bank?

Yes. Measles, mumps and chicken pox are childhood diseases that are not deductible from your sick time. Ask your school secretary or UFT chapter leader for an OP 198 application to submit to your principal. Form: http://www.uft.org/files/attachments...

What is a salary step? How do I apply for one?

A salary step is an increase in salary based on experience. With continuous service you move up a half-step twice a year — although there may be no monetary difference between the “A” and “B” levels within one year. These “steps” occur on your...

Do I need to have an extra copy of my lesson plan readily available for my supervisor?

No, teachers are not required to have a hard copy of their lesson plan for their administration.

Can I take any A+ course I want or do they have to be in my subject area/grade level for credit to be granted?

All A+ courses are aligned with the Chancellor's priorities and meet high-quality standards. Teachers may take any A+ class they wish.

Can my principal require that my lesson plan be in a specific format?

No, the format and organization, including which elements are to be included, and whether to write the plan digitally or on paper, are up to the teacher’s discretion.

Who supervises preschool children during their lunch?

The Pre-K Center Handbook recommends that the school programmer stagger the teachers’ and paras’ lunches so that one of them can be present during lunch.

Do UFT paraprofessionals have to pay when they go on school trips?

The answer is NO! If the school wants you to accompany a teacher and a class on a school trip, then the school is responsible for your transportation, admission fees and expenses to be incurred as a result of the excursion.

Can staff members request a reevaluation for special education services?

A student’s teacher or related service provider may make a referral for a reevaluation. Additional information about reevaluations can be found in the Reevaluation section of the DOE’s Special Education Standard Operating Procedures Manual.

How long are the first two workdays of the new school year?

For teachers and paraprofessionals, the first two workdays before students return are both 6 hours and 50 minutes long. For other titles, Tuesday follows regular work hours and Wednesday is six hours and 50 minutes.

I work for a charter school. Will I get a pension?

Not necessarily. Charter schools each decide what retirement benefits they will offer. They do not automatically provide pension coverage through the New York City Teachers’ Retirement System. However, they may opt to do so.

What if I have not received all my observation results for the Fall Window -- can I still be observed in the Spring?

It depends. They cannot observe you until you have received the required Fall observations. This means that if there were more than the required number, but you have not yet received the results for the additional observations, they can observe you.

How do I apply for a career & technical education (CTE) salary differential?

CTE teachers can now apply for salary differentials through the DOE's salary application system (DOE login required). Learn more about how to qualify for CTE differentials and areas of specialization. »

As an F-Status worker, how much will I make and what is the required minimum before being eligible for benefits?

F-status salary is 1/200th of the gross annual salary up to step 4A, including differentials, that the member would make as a regularly appointed teacher. Health benefits are earned if the F-status worker is scheduled to work a minimum of 1/2 of...

Who will be conducting observations of my teaching performance? How many people can be present?

Only administrators may conduct observations for evaluative purposes. No more than one evaluator and two school-based observers should be present during your observations. The superintendent and deputy superintendent are considered school-based for...

What are Measures of Student Learning (MOSL)?

Measures of Student Learning (MOSL) is one of the two components of your rating (the other is your observations). MOSLs are based on assessments given in your class and/or throughout the school. MOSLs provide insight into student progress in a...

What is a professional activity?

Professional activities are professional or administrative assignments that are part of a teacher’s program, in middle schools, high schools, and 8 period elementary schools. The activities are chosen from the contractual menu of professional...

How much is the UFT Welfare Fund disability benefit?

As of Nov. 1, 2024, teachers and other pedagogues approved for this benefit receive $575 a week for up to 52 weeks, while paraprofessionals and other groups in the same salary range receive $475 per week for up to 52 weeks. Learn more about...

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...

How do I submit my SHIP application to the UFT?

You can download the SHIP application from the UFT website and mail it along with payment listed on the form to: SHIP, 52 Broadway, 17th fl., New York, NY 10004

What seniority is used for excessing decisions? Citywide seniority or school building seniority?

Your citywide seniority is used—the amount of time you have been working for the DOE. That is compared to the citywide seniority of the other teachers in your school who have the same license as you. In an excessing situation, the least senior person...

Has the New York State Education Department made any changes to science teaching certification requirements?

Yes, to help alleviate persistent statewide shortage areas in the sciences, which include biology, chemistry, earth science, and physics, NYSED has revised the content core requirement from 30 credits to 18 credits for anyone already holding a...

What are the class size limits for my grade?

Pre-Kindergarten: 18 students with a teacher and a paraprofessional Kindergarten: 25 students Grades 1-6 in elementary schools: 32 students by contract JHS/MS (all grades 4 – 8 or 5 – 9, if are located in a middle school, then middle school class...

What is the difference between a formal and an informal observation?

Formal observations are those that last a full period, are scheduled by mutual agreement between you and your evaluator, and involve individual pre- and post-observation conferences with your evaluator. Informal observations last a minimum of 15...

How do I know if the UFT has received my SHIP application?

We strive to have all applications processed as soon after the date of retirement as possible, but due to a high volume of applicants, please allow for up to one week's processing time. You will receive a welcome packet once your SHIP enrollment is...