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...

An evaluator cannot demand that a teacher provide a hard copy of the day’s lesson plan on the spot. When observing a lesson, a supervisor has the right to see the plan of the lesson being taught. The supervisor may take a photo of the plan or ask...

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...

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...

Paraprofessionals can apply for a leave of absence using SOLAS (Self-Service Online Leave Application System). It is an online system where employees may easily apply for a leave of absence from their computers or smartphones. Eligible leaves include...

Paraprofessionals who have been arrested will no longer be automatically suspended without pay, under the DOE’s updated policy, to resolve the UFT’s union-initiated grievance that challenged the unfairness of automatic suspensions. Paraprofessionals...

Educational paraprofessionals who work in activities other than their regular assignments are paid a per session rate for the hours worked. Per session is a positive payment that is issued along with regular payments. Because per session is a...

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.

In accordance with recent amendments to NYSED regulations, IEP teams must make certain considerations before determining that a student requires an IEP-assigned paraprofessional, and the student’s IEP must reflect those considerations in the relevant...

Paraprofessionals shall be retained in their school or work site in accordance with their seniority. If excessing occurs because of lack of work, the least senior employee will be excessed from the school or site. Unless a principal denies the...

To become a full-time paraprofessional for the New York City Department of Education (DOE), you must first become a substitute paraprofessional, and serve at least 25 days in that role. You must also have the New York State Teaching Assistant...

No. A principal cannot mandate meetings or administrative duties during your prep period. If you’re directed to do things like these on your prep, you should follow the directive to avoid being insubordinate. Then, you should speak to the Chapter...

The unavailability of a teacher to cover a class (i.e., a substitute teacher) constitutes an emergency.

Yes. Teachers can be assigned to cover one class in the fall and one class in the spring without compensation. In an emergency, teachers may be assigned a coverage during their prep, as per contractual rotation, and be compensated at the coverage...

A preparation period is used for unassigned work, i.e. lesson planning, grading, and preparing for classes.

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

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.

No, your principal may suggest that elements be included but they cannot be required.

An administrator may ask for a copy of your lesson plan as part of the observation cycle. Lesson Plans may not be collected in a mechanical or routinized manner.

Yes, having a lesson plan is a professional responsibility.

SBOs sunset at the end of every school, with one exception. The only SBOs that do not sunset every year are changes between seven and eight periods in elementary schools. Any modification to the contract must be voted on every school year, except as...

A school-based option is a modification of the UFT/DOE contract that has been approved by the UFT staff, principal, UFT District Rep, Superintendent, UFT President, and the Chancellor in order to improve education in the school. It provides schools...

If you would like to do a professional activity that is not on the contractual list, you can propose it to your principal, whose approval is required before you undertake the activity. Also, the 2018 Contract made it possible for chapters to use the...

You should receive one of the three professional activities you expressed preference for. If you do not receive one of the activities, you are entitled to choose another three. If there are not enough volunteers for a particular activity, it can be...

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...

The UFT cannot give legal advice in these matters. It is strongly suggested that if you have been arrested, seek the services of a qualified attorney that specializes in these matters. The UFT does not make recommendations on any attorney.

An ACD is an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal. If you receive this from the court, immediately bring an original copy to OPI. If you have been suspended or re-assigned, OPI will make a decision on a case by case basis if you can return to...

Chancellor’s Regulation C-105 requires that employees with a final disposition delivery an original copy to the Office of Personnel Investigations within 3 days. It is strongly recommended that this be hand delivered to OPI and to get a receipt upon...

A Desk Appearance Ticket is an order by the police to appear in criminal court to respond to an accusation that you have committed an offense. A DAT is considered an arrest and must be reported, as all arrests should be to both OPI and your principal...

Decision about re-assignment and suspensions with and without pay depend on the reason for the arrest, = various collective bargaining agreements and Chancellor’s regulations. Members should contact the UFT for specific information related to their...

If a member was arrested at school or for a school related issue, the UFT will provide a criminal defense attorney up to and including arraignment.

Yes! All arrests, regardless of the issue involved, the location of the arrest, or when it took place MUST be immediately reported in writing to the Office of Personnel Investigations and your principal. The best way is by writing an email to...

Employees must report to 100 Gold Street when summoned. You are being re-assigned to an administrative location pending the outcome of an investigation, arrest, or 3020a Charges. There is no need for representation at this office. You will not be...

Yes! When called by the Department of Education, all third party and potential witnesses must appear and be cooperative. Remember that all DOE employees are mandated reporters. Members should have a discussion with the UFT Staff Representative...

Yes! If allegations are substantiated, an employee has a right to read the report. All adults who were interviewed will have their names disclosed.

No. Unsubstantiated allegations should not appear in a member's file. Members should review their file at regular intervals. If there is material in the file that should not be included, members should contact their Chapter Leader immediately for...