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. Teachers will once again receive about $250.

As it has for more than 35 years, the Teacher’s Choice program will again reimburse UFT-represented educators for some of their out-of-pocket expenses for supplemental instructional supplies and materials of their choice.


Barbara Zietchick began taking painting lessons and learning about printmaking while she was still a kindergarten teacher on Staten Island in the 1980s. Now, 37 years after her retirement, Zietchick’s lifetime commitment to “change and growth”...

Yes, the Welfare Fund pays 80 percent of reasonable and customary charges when the benefit is not covered by HIP PRIME for in-service members. To file for payment, you need to complete a Welfare Fund anesthesia claim form and attach an itemized paid...

Simply fill out the online form at www.uft.org/text or type the word " UFT" to number 86366. The UFT uses text messages to convey important information and reminders to members. Please note that this is a one-way form of communication and we are...

First, submit your claim to GHI for reimbursement. If GHI reimburses you minus the $100 deductible, in-service members can then submit a completed Welfare Fund GHI DME deductible reimbursement form, along with the GHI explanation of benefits to the...

To apply for salary credit for prior work experience, CTE teachers must fill out the DOE’s credit for prior experience form and email it to SalaryDifferentialApplications [at] schools [dot] nyc [dot] gov (SalaryDifferentialApplications[at]schools[dot]nyc[dot]gov) See more about salary differentials and prior work experience...

In this Valentine's Day season, it is worth remembering that there are various types of love around us all the time, all worthy of celebration. Rather than being dependent on a romantic partner, love is something each of us creates from within, every...

Some of your school staffers may not yet be enrolled as members of the UFT. We have created a new online tool for you to find out at a glance who is and who is not a union member in your school.

Workers’ compensation is insurance paid for by the employer. It covers medical costs associated with an on-the-job injury or illness, and it pays a portion of lost salary if you miss work. Full- or part-time paraprofessionals, occupational and...

No. If it is a bed bug, it is likely that it was unknowingly brought it into the school by someone who encountered it in another place. If you have captured it, you may have already eliminated the problem. Additionally, many suspected bed bugs are...

The UFT’s new contact center is open and can provide support with all your union rights and benefits. Call the following numbers with any questions or for assistance: DOE members, 212-331-6311 DOE functional chapter members, 212-331-6312 UFT Welfare...

What teacher, guidance counselor, social worker or school psychologist hasn’t had to confront a professional disagreement with a supervisor? Professional conciliation provides a mechanism — a professional space — for attaining a win-win solution that...

Throughout the school year, teachers apply for “per-session” activities that are done either before or after school, on the weekend or holidays, or during the summer. If you apply for and are accepted for such an activity, you are paid at the per...

About three-quarters of UFT members participate in the Tax-Deferred Annuity program. Retirees who are 73 or older must withdraw a certain percentage of funds – known as required minimum distributions (RMDs) — from the tax-deferred annuity each year...

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...

The start of a new school year is a good opportunity to review the basics of membership in the Teachers’ Retirement System or the Board of Education Retirement System.

The Union and the Board recognize that strikes and other forms of work stoppages by school secretaries are contrary to law and public policy. The Union and the Board subscribe to the principle that differences shall be resolved by peaceful and...

In general, only minor changes in the IEP should be made without an IEP team meeting. Changes in the student’s program recommendations and changes that require the participation of the school psychologist on the IEP team cannot be made without a...

After four years, our annual Nassau Section “Not Back to School” Luncheon is returning. Please join us on Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023, from noon to 3 p.m. at The Inn at New Hyde Park, 214 Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park, NY 11040.

Medicare B 2023 IRMAA reimbursements are scheduled to be issued by October 2024. Eligible retirees must submit the IRMAA 2023 application along with required supporting documents.

The Teachers’ Retirement System has moved up the timeline to October for when required minimum distributions from tax-deferred annuities will be paid.

Did you know there’s a place to turn for support — both at and away from your work site — when tragedy strikes? It’s the Victim Support Program, co-sponsored by the UFT’s Safety and Health Department and the city Department of Education.