Full Menu Close Menu

Frequently Asked Questions

Search for answers to your frequently asked questions by entering keywords in the search bar or choosing a category from the pull down menu above. 

A list of the most commonly asked questions.

What is the process for the creating the professional activity menu and teacher selection?

The Chapter Leader and the Principal consult on the activities, number of positions, qualifications, and duties and responsibilities for each activity. Teachers should be given a preference sheet with all of that information listed, and they get to choose three of these activities. Teachers should state three preferences in order from that list. Prior to the end of the school year, teachers should be notified in writing by the principal as to their professional activity assignment for the upcoming year. 

Is the Open Market the only way that I can seek a position in another school?

No, it isn’t. You may contact any school by phone, mail or in person whether or not it lists a current transfer on the Open Market website. The UFT/DOE collective-bargaining agreement gives members the right to apply to as many schools as they wish during the Open Market period and to accept a transfer before the period ends. (After that date, your principal must release you.) The Open Market Transfer website is a tool to identify vacancies, but other means of contact are permissible.

See more about Open Market and transfers. 

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 it would cost for a per diem teacher. You must fill out an OP 201 form: http://www.uft.org/files/attachments/op201_0.pdf For more info: http://www.uft.org/our-rights/know-your-rights/religious-observance

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:

My Account
  • The quickest way to change your address is to log in to the UFT website and use our online change of status form. 
  • Log in to the UFT Member Hub
  • Call the UFT at 212-331-6311
  • Mail it to the UFT Membership Department, 52 Broadway NY, NY 10004
  • E-mail it to membership [at] uft [dot] org (membership[at]uft[dot]org)

If calling, mailing or emailing your address change, please include your first and last name, last four digits of your Social Security number, file or EIS number (DOE), current address, telephone number (home and/or cell phone), and personal email address. 

Why should I become a member of the UFT? What is the benefit of joining?

As a member, you have access to valuable benefits and rights to a voice in your professional life that nonmembers don’t have. You can participate in money-saving group insurance plans and low-cost legal and financial service plans and you can get discounts on travel, entertainment and sports events. You’ll also receive a copy of the New York Teacher to stay informed on developments in the city’s public schools that affect you.

Most of all, as a member you have the right to play an important role in your union and its actions and policies. You will be able to vote in union elections and help choose the UFT’s leadership team in your school and citywide. Only members may vote. Every three years you can help elect a chapter leader in your school to be your union representative. The chapter leader has a critical role in enforcing your rights, representing your concerns to the principal and helping you access the services you need. You can even run to be chapter leader yourself, or to represent your school’s members as a delegate to the Delegate Assembly, where decisions about the union’s direction are made.

See more information about new member benefits and learn how to join the UFT. 

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. You have to sign up to become a UFT member, but it’s a very simple process. Your chapter leader can give you a UFT membership form or you can enroll online.

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 size applies): 33 students in non-Title I schools; 30 in Title I schools.

HS: 34 students; 50 in Physical Education/Gym.

I am in the army reserve and have just been told to report for duty. How do I notify the DOE?
Send an email to your principal, cc your payroll secretary and chapter leader and apply for a military leave on SOLAS.
What is the difference between a Family Medical Leave Act (FLMLA) leave and a contractual DOE leave? Do I have to apply for both?
The FMLA applies to all employees who have worked for 12 months or 1,250 hours. The FMLA and UFT-bargained leaves run concurrently, so you only apply for the contractual leave.
Can I take an unpaid leave of absence to take care of a sick family member?
Yes. If eligible, you can apply for up to 12 weeks of unpaid FMLA leave to care for a sick family member with a physician’s statement. If you haven’t already used 3 personal days, you may use them now but you may not use any other CAR days. If you require additional time, you may take up to a year of unpaid leave to care for a sick/injured family member.