Your prep period can only be taken away in an emergency, such as a coverage for a teacher absence. You can lose multiple preps over the course of a semester due to an emergency need, but you will be paid for all lost preps at the current contractual rate of pay except one per term. So, you must do one emergency coverage per semester without being compensated, but you will be paid for all future coverages during the same semester. 

To learn more about the policies regarding prep periods and coverages, visit the UFT website: https://www.uft.org/your-rights/know-your-rights/class-coverage.

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 we will not be notified. Reporting incidents helps the union keep their finger on the pulse of your school. You can use the union's online incident report to file one.

All incidents must be reported as per Chancellor's Regulations.  All incidents should be reported to an administrator and then be reported onto the DOE's Online Occurrence Reporting System (OORS).

You should report any online bullying to both your administrator and the UFT via a Safety report. You can file a UFT incident report online at: https://www.uft.org/your-rights/safety-health/incident-reporting/uft-incident-report. 

The DOE-UFT contract offers you protection and strong support if you have been assaulted while on duty. As well as notifying your principal within 24 hours, you should notify the UFT Health and Safety Department by filing an online safety/discipline report. You should also file a police report at the nearest precinct as soon as possible.

The DOE may waive its normal $1,500 limit on unreimbursed medical expenses on a case-by-case basis for those who are assaulted while on duty in an unprovoked attack by a student, parent or stranger. The OP 505 form is used to request reimbursement as a result of an assault.

The UFT’s Victim Support Program provides mental health support and practical assistance for UFT members who are victims of workplace violence. The program offers victim outreach, psychological counseling and crisis intervention. All services are free and confidential. Call the Victim Support Program at 212‑598‑6853.

All schools are trained every September on General Response Protocols (GRP). In addition, consult with your chapter leader about the school's safety plan.

You can find more information about those protocols and school safety plans in the UFT's School Safety Manual: https://www.uft.org/sites/default/files/attachments/school-safety-info-manual.pdf. 

Yes, the union's Member Assistance Program (MAP) has trained professional counselors who can guide you through the problems that can put your health and job in jeopardy. Our services are free, confidential, professional and supportive.

As a UFT member, you may receive short-term individual counseling a trained licensed mental health professional through MAP. MAP also offers referrals to outside mental health services that accept your insurance plan. 

Please call MAP at 212-701-9620 to set up an appointment. You can also contact us via email at mapinfo [at] uft [dot] org (subject: Referral%20request) (mapinfo[at]uft[dot]org). 

In case of an emergency, please call 911. If you need help after hours, please call 1-800-LIFENET, a 24-hour city mental health hotline. 

Per Chancellor’s Regulation A-414, every school/campus must establish a School Safety Committee. The committee shall be comprised of the following individuals: the Principal, UFT Chapter Leader, the Custodial Engineer, In-house School Safety Agent, local law enforcement officials, Parent Association President,  Dietician/designee of food services for the site, community members, local ambulance or other emergency response agencies, representative of the student body (when appropriate), and any other persons deemed appropriate by the Principal.

Alert your schools Administrator and School Safety Agent right away and also contact your UFT borough office: 
 
Bronx: 718-379-6200
Brooklyn: 718-852-4900
Manhattan: 212-598-6800
Queens: 718-275-4400
Staten Is: 718-605-1400

Instructions to "shelter-in" for a drill or actual emergency means to seek safety within the building one already occupies, rather than to evacuate.

Students are trained to: 

• Remain inside of the building
• Conduct business as usual
• Respond to specific staff instructions

Teachers are trained to: 

• Increase situational awareness
• Conduct business as usual

The shelter-in directive will remain in effect until hearing an "all clear" message followed by specific instructions. 

All schools are trained every September on these General Response Protocols (GRP). You can review the protocols in the UFT's School Safety Manual: https://www.uft.org/sites/default/files/attachments/school-safety-info-manual.pdf.

It is a part of your school safety plan, which you are allowed to read. Ask your Chapter Leader to access your School Safety Plan.