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Frequently Asked Questions

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A list of the most commonly asked questions.

How do I sign up for a phone appointment to speak to someone about the Student Debt Relief program?

Once you attend an information session, you will receive an email that allows you to register. To sign up for an information session, go to: http://www.uft.org/our-benefits/student-debt-relief-program

Can I get an in-person phone consultation about the Student Debt Relief program?

Yes. You can email StudentDebtRelief [at] uft [dot] org (StudentDebtRelief[at]uft[dot]org) and make that request.

What is the Peer Intervention Program (PIP)?

The UFT’s Partners in Progress: Peer Intervention Program (PIP) allows you to receive confidential one-on-one help from highly experienced, specially selected colleagues who will create individualized professional development plans with you to emphasize your strengths and improve your shortcomings.

With the PIP, you can take charge of your own professional standards, address instructional issues and turn your career around. Or, after working with your intervenor for several months you decide your career is not fulfilling, with the help of a PIP career counselor, you can discover one that is. This can be either within the education field or a completely different career path.

How can I request help from the Peer Intervention Program (PIP)?

You can apply by using our online form. 

PIP is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located at 50 Broadway, 15th Floor, NY, NY, 10004. Summer hours are from 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday. If you have any questions, please call us at (212) 844-0600 or email us at pip [at] uft [dot] org (pip[at]uft[dot]org).

Who should apply to the Peer Intervention Program (PIP)?

Tenured teachers who are having trouble because of supervisors’ evaluations, formal warnings, or Ineffective/U ratings should apply. PIP also works with teachers who have not been rated as Ineffective or U-rated who are seeking to take charge of their professional craft. In any case, the program is voluntary and the ultimate decision to apply is a personal one. The only requirements are that the educator is teaching in a full time program with regular continuous classes and is committed to pursuing a high level of professional growth.

I am struggling with my classroom/classroom management/lesson planning this year. What services do you have to help me?

Reach out to the Partners in Progress: Peer Intervention Program (PIP) at the UFT. PIP allows you to receive confidential, non-evaluative one-on-one help from highly experienced, specially selected colleagues who will create individualized professional development plans with you to emphasize your strengths and improve your shortcomings.

Who is eligible for lump-sump payments?

All active and continuously employed UFT-represented DOE employees who worked between Nov. 1, 2009 and April 30, 2018 without a separation from service, other than retirement, are eligible.

Are new employees eligible for lump-sum payments?

Employees hired after April 30, 2018 are not eligible for lump-sum payments.

Do union dues come out of lump-sum payments?

Yes.

Do retirees receive lump-sum retroactive payments?

Yes. Those who worked during the contract period and retired prior to June 30, 2014 received one lump-sum payment for all monies owed in February 2015. (date changes are for consistency throughout document)

Those who retired effective July 1, 2014 or later receive payments on the same basic schedule as active employees.