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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.

I am a paraprofessional working in a pre-K center/classroom. What responsibilities do I have to assist students with toileting/diapering/going to the bathroom?

Paraprofessionals are responsible for providing hands-on assistance to remove student clothing, change soiled diapers, clean students' bodies after toileting, and assisting students with getting dressed and putting on a clean set of clothes/underwear if necessary. 

Students who have shown the ability to use the bathroom independently should be encouraged to do so. However, line of sight supervision of students must be maintained during toileting and handwashing. Paraprofessionals are responsible for offering step-by-step guidance during these routines. 

It is strongly recommended that two adults always be present when assisting students with toileting and diapering. Classroom volunteers may not assist children in the bathroom or change children's diapers or clothes. 

See the 3K and pre-K toileting and diapering handbook

What is the current per-session rate?

Current per-session rates for different positions, as well as coverage and training rates, can be found here

Does the UFT provide any tutoring/homework help for students?

The UFT operates the Dial-A-Teacher program, which is a free, after-school homework help/tutoring service for K-12 students in New York City public schools. It is staffed by experienced classroom teachers who can provide help in all subject areas. 

The program is now fully online. For help, you can go to:  https://tutor.dialateacher.org/ or you can call in to the Dial-A-Teacher hotline at (212) 777-3380. The program operates from 4pm-7pm, Mondays through Thursdays, on days when school is in session. Students or their parents are welcome to contact the center. 

Many of the teachers are bilingual, so Dial-A-Teacher is able to assist parents and students in 10 languages, including Armenian, Bengali, Chinese, English, French, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Tagalog.

For more information about the program, go to: https://dialateacher.org/.

What is the Dial-A-Teacher program?

The UFT's Dial-a-Teacher program is a free, homework help/tutoring line for K-12 students attending New York City public schools. The program operates from 4pm-7pm, Monday through Thursday, on days when school is in session. 

The program is now fully online. You can access help here: https://tutor.dialateacher.org/ or you can call in to the hotline at (212) 777-3380. 

Students or their parents can contact Dial-A-Teacher, which is staffed by classroom teachers who are experienced in all subject areas.

Help is available in 10 languages: English, Spanish, French, Chinese, Bengali, Russian, Armenian, Korean, Tagalog, and Haitian-Creole. 

For more information, go to: https://dialateacher.org/.

I don't understand the payroll codes used on my pay stub. How can I make sure my pay rate is correct?

Here is a chart with payroll codes used by the DOE: 

Differentials:
MA – C1 NA – C1 with PD
PA – C2
QA – C2 with ID
RA – C2 with PD
SA – C2 with ID
TA – C6
UA – C6 with PD

Longevity Codes:
A or B – under 5 years
V or W – 5 years but less than 10 years
C or D – 10 years but less than 13 years
G or H – 13 years but less than 15 years
E or F – 15 years but less than 18 years and PD
I or J – 18 years but less than 20 years
K or L – 20 years but less than 22 years
M or N – 22 years or more

How can I verify my pay information, pay stub, payroll deductions?

Pay stubs with deduction information can be found by logging in to the DOE Payroll Portal: https://payrollportal.nycboe.net.

Can you explain the categories of salary differentials so I know which one I qualify for?

See this helpful chart »

Anyone seeking to qualify for any differential should consult DOE circulars and regulations to make sure any courses you take are acceptable for accreditation before enrolling. 

What is LearnUFT and how can it help me earn CTLE credits?

As a state-approved provider of Continuing Teacher and Leader Education (CTLE) hours, the UFT's LearnUFT program offers professional learning opportunities specifically designed to meet our members’ needs.

State regulations now require all teachers who hold professional certificates and paraprofessionals who hold Level III teaching assistant certificates to collect and track 100 professional development hours (known as CTLE hours) by a state-approved provider in five-year cycles. 

LearnUFT courses are designed by teachers and taught by teachers and we solicit input from our members to craft new offering. Courses high quality and engaging, and are designed to model the instructional strategies being covered. 

For more information and to see current CTLE credit-bearing classes, visit the UFT website.

What are the responsibilities of a School Leadership Team (SLT)?

School Leadership Teams meet at least once a month during the school year at a time convenient for the parent members of the team. SLTs establish many of their own bylaws and procedures, so each school may have different policies in place for the election and selection of members, meeting times, filling vacancies, number of members, etc. 

An SLT is responsible for developing the school’s Comprehensive Educational Plan (CEP) and ensuring that it is aligned with the school-based budget. SLTs also provide an annual assessment to the community district or high school superintendent of the principal’s record of developing an effective shared decision-making relationship with the SLT members during the year.

Who serves on a School Leadership Team (SLT)? How do members get chosen/selected?

School Leadership Teams are established in each school. The principal, chapter leader, and Parents Association (PTA) president must serve on the committee. SLTs must include other parents and staff (pedagogic and/or non-pedagogic) from the school. SLTs also may include students (a minimum of two students is required in high schools) and representatives of Community Based Organizations (CBOs).

Parent and staff members must be elected; other members may be selected. Every SLT develops their own bylaws to decide their method of election and selection of members, which happens on a yearly basis.