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Frequently Asked Questions

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A list of the most commonly asked questions.

I just registered online for a UFT course and realized I registered for the wrong locations. How do I make the change?

Call the UFT Course Program at 212-475-3737. This process is completed internally. If the location you desire is available, the Registrant Course Transfer will be initiated.

I've completed the online registration process to take a course through the UFT. I registered for 2 courses, but now I want to cancel one course. What do I do? Do I lose my registration fee or can I apply it to a different course?

Call the UFT Course Program at 212-475-3737. Your registration and payment will be verified. Depending on UFT departmental guidelines, it will be determined whether a refund can be issued.

Refunds for "T" courses will only be issued if a course is cancelled.

The UFT Course Program allows members to request in writing to switch from one course/section to another. If there is seat availability, UFT members will be transferred into their requested course.

For "E" courses, you must contact NYSUT directly at 1-800-528-6208.

I am a paraprofessional who was the subject of an investigation and those charges have been found to be unsubstantiated. During the investigation, I was suspended without pay. Now that I have been cleared, am I entitled to back pay?

Yes. If after an investigation, the allegations against the paraprofessional are found to be unsubstantiated, within 30 days the paraprofessional will receive back pay for the amount of time of the suspension without pay.

How do you "buy back time" and purchase prior service credit?

Members can purchase service credit for certain employment they had before being employed by the NYCDOE. For your service to be eligible, the work had to have been rendered while you were in public employment in New York City or New York State. Generally, any New York City or New York State service rendered prior to your membership date may count as pensionable service. 
 

Members should contact TRS as soon as they are appointed to buy back any prior NYC or NYS service. 

How can I find out how many years of credited service I have in the system? Is there a place online where I can see this information?

Members should access their online Annual Benefit Statement from the TRS website at https://trsnyc.org/.  Once a member sets up a TRS account, they can access these items and find a record of their total service history.

Does the UFT offer any help for teachers who wish to pursue National Board Certification?

Teachers who have completed three years of teaching and are striving to further their growth may want to consider working toward National Board Certification — a designation that not only would bring them to the city’s second salary differential, but also would put them among the nation’s most accomplished teachers. This certification is evidence that you have reached a level of excellence in your field based on rigorous standards.
 

The UFT Teacher Center offers a pre-candidacy course to help participants prepare for this rigorous process, as well as ongoing support throughout the program. Learn more about the support offered for UFT members pursuing National Board Certification. 

Does New York State offer loan forgiveness programs for new teachers?

Newly hired teachers and school clinicians in certain shortage areas in select districts may be eligible for the Department of Education Loan Forgiveness Program for their student loans. Your DOE hire date must be between Sept. 3 and Nov. 15 of the current school year. Eligible loans include Perkins and Stafford loans. After six years of satisfactory service, you can be awarded as much as $24,000. Applications for this year are due by Nov. 15, 2019.

For more information, such as subject area eligibility, district restrictions, and other requirements, see the DOE's Loan Forgiveness Handout. Use this online form to apply. If you have any questions, email uftdoeloanforgiveness [at] uft [dot] org (uftdoeloanforgiveness[at]uft[dot]org).

I'm a member of a functional chapter represented by the UFT. Where can I find more information and news about issues specific to my job role?

UFT functional chapter members--such as a school counselor, a social worker or school secretary, for example--can find information tailored to their chapter's specific needs on the UFT website. Around 40 functional chapters have their own sections of the website, which offer important resources, chapter news, contact information for chapter representatives, contract details, and more. To view the full lineup of the UFT's functional chapters, both DOE and non-DOE, go to the Our Chapters section of the UFT website to find your specific chapter. 

I'm a new teacher. Where can I find more information about issues important to new teachers?

Teachers with 0-3 years of experience should check out the New Teacher section of the UFT website. This section contains information about mentoring, certification, licensing, the New Member Handbook, and much more. 

Does the UFT offer any support for those members who are caregivers?

The UFT Member Assistance Program, in collaboration with the UFT's Retiree Social Services, offers caregiver support groups to all UFT members. Participants connect in a safe and confidential space to share experiences, share tips and strategies with other caregivers who are in similar situations. The Health and Cancer Helpline also offers caregiver support. The Helpline works closely with caregivers to alleviate the stress they may be experiencing by providing emotional support, tips for coping, and referrals to caregiving support groups.