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Frequently Asked Questions

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A list of the most commonly asked questions.

How do I apply for a Professional or Level 3 Teaching Certificate?

Apply through NYSED at: www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/teach/home.html. If you have problems logging in, email tcert [at] nysed [dot] gov (tcert[at]nysed[dot]gov) and type "forgot username/password" on the subject line. 

My teacher certification is expiring. What action should I take? How do I apply for an extension?

If your certification is expiring you need to do the following:

  1. You will need to apply for the appropriate certificate through your Teach account.
  2. You will need to complete an OT 37 Verification of Paid Experience Form and submit to your Human Resource Director.
  3. Send an email to mentorverification [at] schools [dot] nyc [dot] gov (mentorverification[at]schools[dot]nyc[dot]gov) to submit your mentored experience.
  4. Follow up with a certification specialist in your UFT borough office, especially if you have further questions.
If I am arrested, what is the risk of losing my job?

Every case is different. Arrests can have serious consequences. Members should speak to their private attorney and then to a UFT Representative in the Investigations Department.

If arrested, do I have to report it to my principal?

Yes. The principal must be informed immediately in writing about all arrests.

When do I report being arrested?

Immediately.

All arrests, regardless of the issue involved, the location of the arrest, or when it took place MUST be immediately reported in writing to the Office of Personnel Investigations and your Principal. The best way is by e-mail to OPIarrestnotifiction [at] schools [dot] nyc [dot] gov (OPIarrestnotification[at]schools[dot]nyc[dot]gov) and cc your Principal.

How do I report an arrest?

DOE employees must immediately report all arrest to the Office of Personnel Administration and to their supervisor (Principal) in writing. DOE employees should email: OPIArrestNotification [at] schools [dot] nyc [dot] gov (OPIArrestNotification[at]schools[dot]nyc[dot]gov).

How do I find out what my annual salary is and how often we get paid?

Checks for appointed pedagogues and annualized paraprofessionals are issued on a semi-monthly basis, on the 15th and 30th of each month.  

You can verify your current pay by logging in to the DOE Payroll Portal: https://payrollportal.nycboe.net.

For more information about your salary, steps and differentials, you can go to the UFT website at: https://www.uft.org/your-rights/salary.

What are the options for my TDA (tax-deferred annuity) when I retire?

On your QPP retirement application, you must decide how your TDA funds will be distributed. You may receive your TDA funds as an annuity separate from your QPP retirement allowance. You may instead elect TDA Deferral status, and thereby defer distribution of your TDA funds past the initial payability date of your QPP retirement allowance. A third choice is to make a Direct Withdrawal, Direct Rollover, or Direct Transfer of all or part of your TDA funds; if you make a partial withdrawal, you may annuitize or defer your balance. For more information, please see the TDA Options at Retirement brochure.

You should not make a decision without first discussing these options with a UFT pension consultant. 

How does a dependent or spouse claim pension funds if a UFT member passes?

If they are the retiree's pension beneficiary, they can contact the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) and the UFT Pension Department.  

A member's beneficiary (or representative) must first submit a certified or original death certificate to TRS for the member; (s)he must also submit a Claimant's Statement (code DB17). TRS will inform them of additional documentation and forms they may have to file.

For more information, please see the Guide to Death Benefits for Beneficiaries of Retired Members or the Guide to Death Benefits for Beneficiaries of Non-Retired Members.

How much will my pension be when I retire?

It depends upon your years of service, your age of retirement, date of appointment, final average salary, and your pension tier, so it is highly individual. Attend a pension workshop or clinic to learn more. See upcoming events on the UFT website at: https://www.uft.org/your-benefits/pension/pension-clinics

You are entitled to an individual preliminary pension consultation any time before you retire to answer your questions and get an estimate of your pension payments and other benefits. Call your UFT borough office for an appointment.