New York City Department of Education, New York

Compensation - Fringe Benefits questions

Health and Wellness
What is the maximum portion of the employee's health insurance premium paid by the employer?	only the employee contribution was noted (employees contribute between $27.73 - $332.84 per week, depending on plan selected) Past Policy only the employee contribution was noted (employees contribute between $29.20 - $262.61 per week, depending on plan selected) Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What is the maximum portion of the employee's dependents' health insurance premium paid by the employer?	only the employee contribution was noted (employees contribute between $50.84 - $813.19 per week, depending on plan selected) Past Policy only the employee contribution was noted (employees contribute between $53.49 - $641.95 per week, depending on plan selected) Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents Past Policy issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Does the employer specify a dollar cap for the portion of the premium they cover? If so, what is the cap?	no, district provides a chart listing employee contributions
Pensions/Retirement
Are there incentives for a teacher to take early retirement?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
By what date must a teacher give notification that he/she intends to resign or retire?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Does the district offer an incentive to the teacher who notifies the district before the deadline that he/she intends to resign/retire at the end of the school year?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Is there a penalty for a teacher who fails to notify the district that he/she intends to resign/retire by the district's deadline?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes termination pay on a basis of 50% of up to 200 sick leave days p. 122, Art. 16.A.17.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 121, Art. 16.A.11.
Tuition Reimbursement
Is tuition reimbursement offered to teachers?	Yes for teachers on special study sabbaticals to achieve certification p. 124, Art. 16.C. Past Policy Yes , for teachers working towards a bilingual certificate or for those on sabbatical TR3 Contract - October 13, 2007 - October 31, 2009: p. 97, Art. 16.C.7. Past Policy Yes , for teachers working towards a bilingual certificate or for those on sabbatical District website: http://on.nyc.gov/1oLYnRK Past Policy Yes Tuition Reimbursement is only available for teachers on sabbatical leave and those who working at the City's neediest schools. p. 97, Art. 16 C 7
Can a teacher receive financial support to cover National Board certification fees?	issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Calendar questions

School Year
STUDENTS: How many days are students in school?	180 for elementary; 178 for secondary Past Policy 178 for elementary & D75 programs; 177 for non-D75 secondary Past Policy elementary & D75 secondary: 180; non-D75 secondary: 178 Students in non-D75 high schools have two less instructional days; teachers in these schools have two additional work days without students. Past Policy elementary: 183; secondary: 181 Past Policy elementary: 181; secondary: 180 Past Policy elementary: 180; secondary: 178 Even though the state minimum is 180, secondary schools still meet this requirement because conference and Regents days count towards the minimum (and there are two days where secondary students are not in attendance due to conference and/or Regents days). Past Policy 184 High school students recieve one less instructional day for a total of 183. 2011-2012 School Year Calendar Past Policy 182 High school students receive one less instructional day for a total of 181. 2010-2011 School Year Calendar Past Policy 182 Elementary students attend school for 182 days, high school students attend school 181 days. 2009-2010 School Year Calendar Past Policy 182 2008-2009 School Year Calendar
STUDENTS: How many hours, minimum, are students scheduled to be in school each year?	Issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
TEACHERS: How many days are teachers in school?	185 Past Policy 183 Past Policy 183 Past Policy 187 Past Policy 185 Past Policy 184 Past Policy 187 2011-2012 School Year Calendar Past Policy 185 2010-2011 School Year Calendar Past Policy 185 2009-2010 School Year Calendar Past Policy 185 2008-2009 School Year Calendar
TEACHERS: How many days is the teacher required to be on-site without students? (including half or partial days)	7 Past Policy elementary & middle: 5.5 (except for Kindergarten in non-district 75 which is 6); secondary & D75 programs: 5.5 (except for secondary schools that are non-D75 which is 6.5) Past Policy elementary & middle: 4.5 (except for Kindergarten in non-district 75 which is 5); secondary: 3.5 (except for secondary schools that are non-D75 which is 4.5) Past Policy elementary: 4.5; secondary: 6.5 Past Policy elementary: 4.5; secondary: 5.5 p. 5, Sec. 5 Past Policy elementary: 4.5; secondary: 6.5 Past Policy elementary: 3.5; secondary: 5.5 2011-2012 School Year Calendar Past Policy 3 Secondary teachers receive one additional non-student work day for a total of 4. 2010-2011 School Year Calendar Past Policy 3 2009-2010 School Year Calendar Past Policy 3 2008-2009 School Year Calendar
School Day
How long is the school day for elementary students?	issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the school day for secondary students?	issue not addressed in the scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the scheduled workday for teachers? (total time scheduled on-site, including lunch)	6 hours, 20 minutes On professional development days, the school day shall be 6 hours and 50 minutes. p. 16, Art. 6.A.1 & p. 17, Art. 6.A.1.f.
How much time is the teacher required to be on-site beyond the length of the student day? (This does not include time for meetings)	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Preparation Time
How much planning time does an elementary teacher receive?	5 periods per week p. 28, Art. 6.4.B.a & p. 33, Art. 7.C.4.b.(1).
How much planning time does a secondary teacher receive?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How much teacher planning time is designated for collaborative planning?	teachers at all levels must select a professional or administrative activity; "common planning time" is listed as a professional activity option. p. 25, Art. 7.A.6.a.(6); p. 31, Art. 7.B.8.a.(6); p. 35, Art. 7.C.4.g.(1).(f).

Class Size questions

Class Size Restrictions
What are the class size restrictions?	PK: 18; K: 25; 1-5: 32; 6: 32 if in elementary school bldg; 33 if in regular middle school bldg (30 in Title I schools); 7-8: 33 (30 in Title I schools); 9-12: 34 p. 45, Art. 7.M.
What happens when the class size limit is exceeded?	Other teacher may file a grievance; principal must put in writing the reason for exceeding the limit p. 17, Art. 6.A.2 & p. 46, Art. 7.M.3.d.

Compensation - Salary questions

Structure of the Salary Schedule
What type of salary schedule is in use?	Traditional salary schedule (step and lane) p. 1 (pdf).
What is the average percent increase in pay earned for each additional year of experience?	2.8% p. 1 (pdf).
Teachers in most districts earn a raise for each additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors. What is that average annual adjustment? (reported as a percentage of change from the previous year)	3.5% p. 1 (pdf). p. 1. Past Policy 3.0% In 2014-2015, multiple salary schedules were in use. As such, the salary was analyzed using a weighted approach. In 2015-2016, NCTQ's approach to salary analysis changed, and only a single schedule is coded each year. Because the schedule effective May 1, 2015, was in use for the majority of the year, that is the schedule that we analyzed. Past Policy 1.5% Past Policy 0% Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary as reported by the district in January 2014 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 0% Past Policy 0% Past Policy 0% 2009-2010 Salary Schedule, 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 0% 2008-2009 Salary Schedule, 2009-2010 Salary Schedule Past Policy 5% 2007-2008 Salary Schedule, 2008-2009 Salary Schedule
What is the average total change in salary accounting for both earning an additional year of experience and an annual adjustment for cost of living and other factors? (reported as the percentage of change from the previous year)	6.4% p. 1 (pdf). p. 1. Past Policy 5.9% In 2014-2015, multiple salary schedules were in use. As such, the salary was analyzed using a weighted approach. In 2015-2016, NCTQ's approach to salary analysis changed, and only a single schedule is coded each year. Because the schedule effective May 1, 2015, was in use for the majority of the year, that is the schedule that we analyzed. Past Policy 4.4% Past Policy 3.0% Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary as reported by the district in January 2014 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 2.98% Past Policy 3.0% Past Policy 3.0% 2009-2010 Salary Schedule, 2010-2011 Salary Schedule
What is the average difference between the master's and bachelor's salary?	$6,412 p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $6,196 Past Policy $6,014 Past Policy 5,895 Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary as reported by the district in January 2014 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 5,895 Past Policy 5,895 Past Policy 5,895 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 5,895 2009-2010 Salary Schedule
How many lanes (or columns) based on advanced degrees or credit attainment are on the teacher's salary schedule?	7: BA, BA+30, BA+60, MA or BA+30 with 36 credits in specialization, BA+60 with MA or 36 credits in specialization, Work experience for trade licenses or BA+60 for other stipulated licenses, BA+MA+30 p. 1 (pdf).
In what year of service will a teacher with a bachelor's and/or master's degree reach the maximum salary (assuming no step freezes)?	22 p. 1 (pdf).
Annual Salary
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a bachelor's degree?	$51,650 p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $49,908 Past Policy $48,445 Past Policy 45,530 Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary as reported by the district in January 2014 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 45,530 Past Policy 45,530 Past Policy 45,530 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 45,530 2009-2010 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience?	$56,857 The salary is noted here is the average of half steps 6A and 6B plus a $1,088 longevity bonus. p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $54,939 The salary is noted here is the average of half steps 6A and 6B plus a $1051 longevity bonus. Past Policy $53,329 (average of half steps 6A & 6B plus a $1020 longevity bonus) Past Policy 52,278 (average of half steps 6A & 6B plus $1000 longevity bonus) Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary as reported by the district in January 2014 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 51,278 (average of half steps 6A & 6B); teachers also receive a $1000 5-year longevity bonus Past Policy 51,278 (average of Steps 6A & 6B) Teachers also receive a $1000 5-year longevity bonus. Past Policy 51,278 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 51,278 2009-2010 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a bachelor's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$95,989 p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $92,752 Past Policy $90,033 Past Policy 88,259 Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary as reported by the district in January 2014 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 88,259 Past Policy 88,259 Past Policy 88,259 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 88,259 2009-2010 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a fully certified, first year teacher with a master's degree?	$58,062 p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $56,104 Past Policy $54,459 Past Policy 51,425 Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary as reported by the district in January 2014 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 51,425 Past Policy 51,425 Past Policy 51,425 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 51,425 2009-2010 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree and 5 years of experience?	$63,269 The salary is noted here is the average of half steps 6A and 6B plus a $1,088 longevity bonus. p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $61,135 The salary is noted here is the average of half steps 6A and 6B plus a $1051 longevity bonus. Past Policy $59,343 (average of half steps 6A & 6B plus a $1020 longevity bonus) Past Policy 58,173 (average of half steps 6A & 6B plus a $1000 longevity bonus) Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary as reported by the district in January 2014 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 57,173 (average of half steps 6A & 6B); teachers also receive a $1000 5-year longevity bonus Past Policy 57,173 (average of Steps 6A & 6B) Teachers also receive a $1000 5-year longevity bonus. Past Policy 57,173 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 57,173 2009-2010 Salary Schedule
What is the annual salary for a teacher with a master's degree on the highest step of the salary schedule?	$102,401 p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $98,948 Past Policy $96,047 Past Policy 94,154 Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary as reported by the district in January 2014 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 94,154 Past Policy 94,154 Past Policy 94,154 2010-2011 Salary Schedule Past Policy 94,154 2009-2010 Salary Schedule
What is the maximum annual salary available to teachers? What are the education requirements for this salary? In what year of service will a teacher receive this salary?	$108,811; MA+30; 22 p. 1 (pdf). Past Policy $105,142; MA+30; 22 Past Policy $102,060; MA+30; 22 Past Policy 100,049; MA+30; 22 Answer reflects 2013-2014 salary as reported by the district in January 2014 (a new CBA with an updated 2013-2014 salary schedule was released later in the 2013-2014 school year). Past Policy 100,049; MA+30; 22 Past Policy 100,049; MA+30; 22 Past Policy 100,049; MA+30; 22
Performance Pay
Is annual salary increase tied to evaluation rating?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
If an annual salary increase is tied to evaluation rating, how do annual salary increases work?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Aside from annual salary increases, are other aspects of a teacher’s pay based on evaluation rating?	yes, teachers rated as effective or highly effective can apply to be Teacher Ambassadors or Model Teachers and earn an additional $7,500 annually or can apply to be Master Teachers and earn an additional $20,000 annually; teachers in high need schools who are rated as developing, effective or highly effective will receive a salary differential pp. 98 & 99, V.A.4 & 9; p. 99, V.B.2; p. 74, Art. 8.O.
Do teachers earn performance pay for factors other than evaluation ratings?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Other Differentiated Pay
Can a teacher earn additional pay by working in a school classified as "high-needs"?	yes, teachers rated as developing, effective or highly effective and who work in designated hard-to-staff schools are eligible for additional pay (amount determined annually by Chancellor) p. 74, Art. 8.O.
Can a teacher earn additional pay by teaching subjects deemed 'hard to staff'?	yes, experienced teachers in middle and high school level math and science, and special education at all levels, earn a $5,000 housing stipend plus $400 per month; teachers of special education (hired prior to 9/8/1978) receive an additional unspecified salary stipend Teachers must commit to teach in New York City for a minimum of three years to receive the housing stipend. p. 72, Art. 8.M; pp. 221 & 222, App. H; p. 193, II.A.2.
Can a teacher who has National Board certification earn additional pay?	yes, obtaining National Board certification after September 1996 qualifies a teacher for the C6 differential p. 205, App. A.II.F.1.c.
What compensation is offered to a teacher who serves as a department head at the secondary level?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
General Salary Information
Are uncertified teachers paid less than fully certified teachers?	Yes
Can a teacher get credit on the salary schedule for subject-related work experience? How many years of experience are awarded for subject-related experience?	yes, credit is awarded for appropriate industrial experience and nursing experience, certain trade experience may also earn salary credit; 10 years p. 5, Art. 3.C.3 & 4.
Are teachers eligible for a longevity bonus? If so, in what year(s) of service is a teacher eligible?	Yes, in years 5, 10, 13, 15, 18, 20 and 22.

Dismissal questions

Dismissals
Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year?	Other remediation during year following an ineffective or developing rating; consequences not defined p. 8.
What is the process for dismissal of an ineffective teacher?	district acknowledges NY Education law 3020-a p. 154, Art. 21.G.4.b.
Does a nontenured teacher have any recourse if his/her contract is not renewed?	yes, teacher may request hearing before a tripartite committee made up of professional educators which makes recommendation to Chancellor who makes final decision; nontenured in final probationary year entitlted to same review procedures as tenured Teachers on probation who have completed at least three years of service on regular appointment in the school shall be entitled, with respect to the discontinuance of their probationary service, to the same review procedures as are established for tenured teachers under Section 3020-a of the Education Law. p. 149, Art. 21.D.
By what date must a nontenured teacher be notified of non-renewal of his/her contract?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
When must a tenured teacher be notified of his/her dismissal?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Evaluation questions

Evaluation System
What is the teacher required to be evaluated on?	Student growth/achievement (40%: 20% State measure; 20% local measure) Professional practice (60%: Planning and preparation, Classroom environment, Instruction, Professional responsibilities) p. 17.
Do impartial third parties from outside the school serve as evaluators?	Optional School-based administrators are responsible for the evaluation. No more than one evaluator and two school-based observers may be present during a formal or informal observation. School-based observers might include a district superintendent or assistant superintendent. p. 7. p. 65, Art. 18.J.2.e.
Is peer review a component of teacher evaluation; what is the nature of the review?	other teachers rated highly effective may be observed by a peer, but not rated; Peer Validator evaluates teachers rated ineffective in subsequent year Teachers choose from 4 observations options. Teacher previously rated Highly Effective may choose option 3 which includes 3 informal observations by an administrator and 3 classroom visits (non-evaluative) by a colleague. pp. 6 & 22. p. 63, Art. 18.J.2.b(5)(a) & p. 71, Art. 18.J.2.l.
Does the evaluation include student input?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
What kind of feedback does a teacher receive following a formal observation(s)?	Other written report and/or verbal feedback depending on which evaluation option teacher is undergoing The format of feedback is at the evaluator’s discretion (e.g., in-person professional conversation, email, or note). There are four observation options a teacher might select. Only Option 1 includes formal observations which always includes a post observation conference. pp. 2, 6 & 7.
What kind of feedback must the teacher receive following an evaluation?	Conference with evaluator p. 8. p. 63, Art. 18.J.b.(9).
How many categories of ratings are there?	4: Highly Effective, Effective, Developing, Ineffective p. 1.
Are evaluators required to give notice of an observation?	Other depends on which observation option teacher selects (see footnote) Teacher chooses from among four observation options. Only Option 1 (1 formal, 3 informal observations) includes formal observations which must be announced. Informal observations may be announced or unannounced but at least one must be unannounced. Option 2 includes 6 informal observations. Option Option 3 (3 informal observations and 3 non-evaluative classroom visits by colleague) is available only to teachers previously rated Highly Effective. Option 4 (4 informal observations) is available to teachers rated Effective in previous year. p. 6.
Role of Student Achievement in Teacher Evaluation
How is student growth/achievement calculated for teachers of tested subjects?	state measure (counts 20%); local measure (counts 20%) 20% of the student growth component is based on a state measure selected by the principal. Where state assessments are not available, results on other assessments with comparable rigor are used. The other 20% is based on a local measure recommended by a school committee appointed by the principal and UFT Chapter Chair. The principal approves their choice. Growth measures are selected from a menu of approved options.
How is student achievement/growth calculated for teachers of non-tested subjects?	a State measure selected by the principal (counts 20%) and a local measure selected by a school committee and approved by the principal (counts 20%) 20% of the student growth component is based on a state measure selected by the principal. Where state assessments are not available, results on other assessments with comparable rigor are used. The other 20% is based on a local measure recommended by a school committee appointed by the principal and UFT Chapter Chair. The principal approves their choice. Growth measures are selected from a menu of approved options.
Evaluation Requirements for non-tenured Teachers
How frequently do non-tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year The district requires an APPR (Annual Professional Performance Review) in accordance with Education Law 3012-C. p. 61, Art. 18.J.2.
What is the minimum number of times a non-tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	option 1: 1 formal, 3 informal; option 2: 6 informal; option 3 (for teachers rated Highly Effective): 3 informal plus 3 non-evaluative classroom visits by colleagues; option 4 (for teachers rated Effective): 4 informal With the consent of the teacher, observations may be videotaped (p. 63, Art. 18.J.c.). p. 6. pp. 61 & 62, Art. 18.J.b.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the non-tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents There are four observation cycle options. The deadline for the first observation, be it formal or informal (formal observation not required in all 4 options), is not given. All observations must be complete by first Friday in June (June 3 in 2016). pp. 6 & 7.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the non-tenured teacher?	measure of practice rating, June 28, 2016; overall rating including measure of student learning by Sept. 1, 2016 p. 17.
What is the required minimum length of the formal observation for a non-tenured teacher?	a full period p. 20.
Evaluation Requirements for Tenured Teachers
How frequently do tenured teachers receive an evaluation rating?	Once a year The district requires an APPR (Annual Professional Performance Review) in accordance with Education Law 3012-C. p. 61, Art. 18.J.2.
What is the minimum number of times a tenured teacher must be observed during the evaluation?	option 1: 1 formal, 3 informal; option 2: 6 informal; option 3 (for teachers rated Highly Effective): 3 informal plus 3 non-evaluative classroom visits by colleagues; option 4 (for teachers rated Effective): 4 informal p. 6.
What is the deadline for the first formal observation of the tenured teacher?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents There are four observation cycle options. The deadline for the first observation, be it formal or informal (formal observation not required in all 4 options), is not given. All observations must be complete by first Friday in June (June 3 in 2016). pp. 6 & 7.
What is the deadline for the final evaluation of the tenured teacher?	measure of practice rating, June 28, 2016; overall rating including measure of student learning by Sept. 1, 2016 p. 17.
What is the minimum length of a tenured teacher's formal observation?	1 full period p. 20.
Consequences of a Negative Evaluation
Following an unsatisfactory final evaluation, how much time must a tenured teacher (or annual contract where tenure nonexistent) be in formal remediation before s/he may be dismissed or non-renewed at the end of the school year?	Other remediation during year following an ineffective or developing rating; consequences not defined p. 8.
Does the district assign a mentor or support team to the teacher in remediation?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How many classroom observations (minimum) are required during remediation?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
How long is the remediation process?	1 year pp. 8 & 9.
Can the teacher file a grievance or formally appeal an evaluation rating if there are no acknowledged procedural violations?	Yes if there is a discrepancy between teacher's practice and student learning ratings and if teacher is rated ineffective in accordance with Section 9.3.1 of the by-laws of the Board of Education p. 69, Art. 18.J.k & p. 149, Art. 21.D.3.
Can a teacher request a second evaluation from a different evaluator?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents The teacher who is rated ineffective is automatically evaluated by a peer validator in the subsequent school year. However, it is not clear if a teacher may routinely request a second evaluator. p. 22. p. 71, Art. 18.J.l.

Layoffs questions

Layoffs
Must nontenured teachers be laid off before tenured?	District acknowledges state law. p. 140, Art. 17.D.
Aside from program and staffing needs, what are the criteria for laying off teachers?	District acknowledges state law. p. 140, Art. 17.D.
In the case of a layoff, is seniority determined at the school level or district level?	District acknowledges state law. p. 140, Art. 17.D.
What is the notification deadline for teacher layoffs?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
When the district needs to hire new teachers, are laid off teachers either given recall rights or preference?	Yes-teachers given preference but are not guaranteed a position in accordance with state law p. 140, Art. 17.D.
How long does a laid off teacher retain recall rights?	district acknowledges state law p. 140, Art. 17.D.

Leave questions

Sick & Personal Leave
What is the total possible number of paid general leave days (sick, personal, and other days used for personal reasons) a teacher can get each year?	10+ (10 sick, plus days for illness due to children's diseases & allergic reaction from a skin test [see footnote], 3 of which can be used for personal business) Teachers serving in schools shall not suffer loss of sick bank days for absence due to illness from the following children s diseases: rubeola (measles), epidemic parotitis (mumps), and varicella (chicken pox), and Hepatitis B. Employees who are absent due to allergic or positive reaction from a skin test shall not suffer loss of sick bank days. p. 121, Art. 16.A.11. & p. 122, Art. 16.A.14-16.
What is the total number of paid sick and personal days a teacher gets each year?	10+ (10 sick, plus days for illness due to children's diseases & allergic reaction from a skin test [see footnote], 3 of which can be used for personal business) Teachers serving in schools shall not suffer loss of sick bank days for absence due to illness from the following children s diseases: rubeola (measles), epidemic parotitis (mumps), and varicella (chicken pox), and Hepatitis B. Employees who are absent due to allergic or positive reaction from a skin testshall not suffer loss of sick bank days. p. 121, Art. 16.A.11. & p. 122, Art. 16.A.14-16.
Can unused sick days carry over from one year to the next?	Yes p. 122, Art. 16.A.17.
Can unused personal days carry over from one year to the next?	No because personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 121, Art. 16.A.11.
What is the maximum number of sick days a teacher can accumulate?	200 p. 122, Art. 16.A.17.
After how many days of absence does a teacher have to provide medical documentation for sick leave?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Professional Development Leave
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 1 year partially paid special study sabbatical leave to achieve certification (70% salary) pp. 124 & 125, Art. 16.C.
Other Leave
Apart from general leave (sick, personal, and other leave for personal reasons) and professional development, what other types of paid leave does the district offer?	military (30 days), jury duty p. 126, Art. 16.F.2; p. 126, Art. 16.G
Is leave available for a teacher to attend union associated activities (not counting leave given to elected union representatives)?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Attendance Incentives
When are leave days restricted or subject to refusal?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher earn additional pay or leave days for demonstrating good job attendance? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at the end of each school year? How much?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at the end of each school year? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 121, Art. 16.A.11.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused sick leave at retirement? How much?	Yes termination pay on a basis of 50% of up to 200 sick leave days p. 122, Art. 16.A.17.
Can a teacher receive payment for unused personal leave at retirement? How much?	No; personal days are taken from sick leave. p. 121, Art. 16.A.11.

Professional Development questions

General
Is there additional paid leave for any professional development not already scheduled and required by the district? How much?	Yes 1 year partially paid special study sabbatical leave to achieve certification (70% salary) pp. 124 & 125, Art. 16.C.
How long is the mentorship program for a new teacher?	1 year p. 58, Art. 8.G.2.f.
How long is the standard orientation that the district provides for new teachers?	5 days (certified; 3 during the summer, 2 during the school year); 10 days (uncertified; 5 during the summer, 5 during the school year); 3 days (teachers with 3 or more years experience) p. 49, Art. 8.G.1.a - c.

Tenure questions

Role of Tenure on Teacher Assignment and Employment
What is the minimum number of years of experience that a teacher must have in a district before tenure is granted?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Can the district decide to extend the nontenured period if the principal is uncertain that the teacher should receive tenure?	Issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents

Transfer & Assignment questions

Transfers
Are internal transfers given priority over new hires for vacant positions?	issue not addressed in case of general transfers; excessed teachers are placed based on seniority in district therefore they would have priority p. 136, Art. 17.B.2 & p. 142, Art. 18.A.
Are principals and/or site selection committees allowed to select voluntary transfer applicants to hire? If not, then how are voluntary transfers assigned to schools?	yes p. 142, Art. 18.A.
Separate from excessing, does the district allow school or district administrators to involuntarily transfer a teacher to another school? If so, for what reasons is he/she allowed to initiate such a transfer?	issue not addressed in scope of NCTQ reviewed documents
Identifying Involuntary Transfers Due to Excessing
Are teachers identified for excessing in reverse order of seniority?	Yes, but there are exceptions. p. 129, Art. 17.B.
How are teachers identified for excessing?	Seniority with exceptions (in elementary schools, a junior teacher of common branches or early childhood who has a bilingual ancillary certificate, Special Education teachers, teachers serving in a resource room or SETSS (Special Education teachers Support Services position), teachers with 20 or more years experience Teachers with twenty (20) years or more of seniority who are covered by Rule 10 (“Rule 10 status”) may be excessed consistent with all other applicable provisions of this Agreement, but they will be placed in the school from which they were excessed as an Excessed Employee/ATR and will not be rotated (as defined in Rule11(B)(6)(a) pp. 129, 130 & 132, Art. 17.B.
Placing Excessed Teachers
How are excessed teachers assigned to schools?	Central office places excessed teachers with input from principal and/or site selection committees. p. 133, Art. 17.B, Rule 11.
If excessed teachers are not hired by mutual consent, what happens if there are no available openings?	Other if teacher fails to be hired by the first day of school, s/he is placed in the Absent Teacher Reserve (ATR); if after a year in the ATR, the teacher may elect to participate in the voluntary severance program The Board (“DOE”) may offer excessed personnel who have not secured a regular assignment after at least one year of being excessed, a voluntary severance program in an amount to be negotiated by the parties. p. 133, Art. 17.B, Rule 11.A. & p. 140, Art. 17.F.

Contract Waivers questions

Waivers
Is there a system in place to accept waivers or variance provisions for portions of or the entire collective-bargaining agreement?	Yes p. 54, Art. 8.A.4.
Do teachers have a vote in a request for a waiver?	yes, 55% of voting union members p. 54, Art. 8.A.4.e.
What requirements must be met for a waiver of contract provisions to be approved?	approval of 55% of those UFT chapter members voting and agreement of the school principal, UFT district representative, appropriate superintendent, the President of the Union and the Chancellor p. 54, Art. 8.A.4.