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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 have an idea for a story for the UFT paper/New York Teacher. Who can I share this with?

Please send an email to Suzanne Popadin, Editor of New York Teacher at New_York_Teacher@uft.org. Please include the best phone number where we will be able to reach you.

A member/colleague has passed away and I would like to get an obituary in the UFT paper/New York Teacher. Who can I notify?

We don't publish obituaries in the UFT paper, but they are published on our UFT Honors web site at https://ufthonors.uft.org.

Please fill out our online form to tell us about the life of a UFT member who has died. 
 

I’m not receiving the New York Teacher/UFT paper. How do I get it sent to me?

Contact the UFT membership department in writing, either by emailing membership@uft.org or by sending a written request to the UFT Membership Department, 52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004.

I no longer wish to receive the UFT paper/New York Teacher. How can I get this to stop being sent to me?

Contact the UFT membership department in writing, either by emailing membership@uft.org, or by sending a written request to the UFT Membership Department, 52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004.

Do UFT Chapter Leaders receive any additional compensation for their work?

UFT Chapter Leaders receive an annual stipend of $6 per member they represent. They also have an opportunity to receive additional funds, based on a points system, if they are more active participants in union matters and meetings. 

Does the UFT offer a service to help members to prepare wills and other legal documents?

NYSUT offers a legal services plan that covers wills and a variety of other services, which UFT members are eligible to join. For more information and how to enroll, visit the NYSUT website at: https://memberbenefits.nysut.org/program-service/legal-and-financial/legal-service-plan

Do I have a right to see my school's budget?

A school's chapter leader and chapter consultation committee has the right to review as well as to provide input into spending decisions. The principal is also required to share school budgetary information with their faculty. To learn more about reading budgets and finding your school's budget online, visit the UFT's budget tutorial online: https://www.uft.org/sites/default/files/attachments/reading-budgets-tutorial.pdf

Where can I find consent forms for media/video filming/recording of students?

You may find the NYCDOE media consent form here: https://infohub.nyced.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/consent_form_revised35.pdf, and one for any materials filmed in conjunction with the UFT: https://www.uft.org/sites/default/files/attachments/uft-consent-form.pdf.

They must be signed by a student's parent or guardian and only apply to videos for non-profit usage (educational, public service, health awareness, etc.). Video taping for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited.

Is it possible to be video taped/recorded as part of my teacher evaluation/rating?

If you would like that option, teachers may choose to be videotaped during their Initial Planning Conference with their evaluator. Videotaping can’t happen without a teacher’s consent on the form that is handed in during the IPC.

What is considered a "non-attendance" day?

There are certain reasons that a member may be absent from work but still be paid, and without being required to use a CAR day, that are called “non-attendance” days. Here are the reasons you may be able to apply for a non-attendance day:

  • appearance for jury duty or jury qualification/selection
  • death of family member
  • funeral of an associate
  • receiving a degree or a graduation ceremony
  • appearance on official business
  • appearance as disinterested witness
  • extraordinary transportation delay
  • legislative hearing
  • military duty
  • quarantine
  • requirement of the school system
  • religious observance
  • school visits and meetings within New York City

View or download the OP-201 form needed to apply for a non-attendance day absence.