New NYC teachers 2014-2015!

nyteach:I don't think you need a letter from the school. You have to print out the email that they sent when you completed the online form as a confirmation and then attach it to your transcripts when you mail them in.

I chose the GHI Blue Cross Blue Shield. Where were you looking at the plans? I could not register online so I sent in a paper application where you write in your choice. When I called HR yesterday for an update, they said I had chosen GHI/BCBS, so I guess I did it right? IDK maybe you can call if you want to make a change before Oct 2?
 
sunshine24 said:
nyteach:I don't think you need a letter from the school. You have to print out the email that they sent when you completed the online form as a confirmation and then attach it to your transcripts when you mail them in.

I chose the GHI Blue Cross Blue Shield. Where were you looking at the plans? I could not register online so I sent in a paper application where you write in your choice. When I called HR yesterday for an update, they said I had chosen GHI/BCBS, so I guess I did it right? IDK maybe you can call if you want to make a change before Oct 2?
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I will do that, thank you!
 
nyteach89 said:
Has anyone started to think of working toward their 30 extra credits to reach the top salary step?
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I know that I want to get it done, but have not given it much thought yet. I need to save up some money for them first and I want to do only online courses...I don't have the time or energy to sit in a class. I guess I will start to look into some online courses over the next few months and maybe start taking some in the Spring? I don't really know yet
 
So I called HR and confirmed that I have no exemptions. I faxed in my tax change form, which should take affect in two pay cycles. *sigh* So hopefully by the October 15th check, this will be corrected.

Everyone should check their exemptions.
 
Froreal3 said:
So I called HR and confirmed that I have no exemptions. I faxed in my tax change form, which should take affect in two pay cycles. *sigh* So hopefully by the October 15th check, this will be corrected.

Everyone should check their exemptions.
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Is this because you have dependents? I don't know much about all of this, but I believe my payroll sec said that we all default to single/zero. Now, I am single with no dependents so I guess this is what I want? IDK, I guess if there is a problem, I can try to call HR on Tuesday.
 
I'm going to take the UFT p credits. Most are online. I also don't want another degree except maybe a gifted advanced cert.
 
sunshine24 said:
Is this because you have dependents? I don't know much about all of this, but I believe my payroll sec said that we all default to single/zero. Now, I am single with no dependents so I guess this is what I want? IDK, I guess if there is a problem, I can try to call HR on Tuesday.
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Yes, I have dependents and am married.

If you want a little more money on your check, you can have one exemption because you yourself qualify as the first exemption on your W4.
 
FrorealB]Ok thanks, wasn't aware of that but will look into it.

Bunnie:I am going to look into the UFT online courses as well. Right now, I am not looking for another degree either. That may change in a few years but definitely not in my short-term plans.

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As for the credits for 30+, do they have to be education/teaching related courses, or can they be in any field?
 
sunshine24 said:
Thanks...I hadn't heard of taking these. So, all we do is take the tests and they count as credits (no coursework needed)? I'm not sure if I'm reading it correctly.
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Yes that is correct. Do them over the long weekend and you can give yourself a 7000+ raise. I'm not kidding. Many savvy people have done so already.
 
LITeachTeach said:
Yes that is correct. Do them over the long weekend and you can give yourself a 7000+ raise. I'm not kidding. Many savvy people have done so already.
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Hey, where'd you see the $7,000 increase? I'm starting out w just my BA and according to the salary schedule, a BA + 30 would only be a $1,626 increase.
 
Checking in.

The only time I have when I'm not at work is paperwork and very little sleep.

Day by day it's getting better, but a couple of kids are getting worse in behavior (especially one ESL student that doesn't speak English, my misbehaving students are showing him "the ropes", and me saying no to him just won't do it…the mother doesn't even speak English…) I'm designing a behavior intervention plan for some of my students. They think my classroom is their home and they can do whatever they want.

Problem child, however, has left! Got my conference table back! But yea, more challenging behavior. Might be using my conference table for an "island" again…ughh…

Lessons are at a steadier pace. Kids got used to the intimidating Go Math workbooks!

My salary differential apparently got processed.

Got my insurance! It got mailed TO THE WRONG HOUSE, THOUGH. I think they screwed up big time, they have my last name with the typo and my old address, I think they put that in instead of my updated address and corrected last name.

My co-workers and administrators are very supportive, though. I'm thankful I have a job. Makes me dealing with my panic attacks with this class worthwhile and I know it gets better :)

Enjoy your 4-day weekends! Happy Rosh Hoshana for anyone who's Jewish!
 
I was hired August 1st. Before I had to set up my classroom, I spent two weeks studying for and taking the following exams:

- 6 College Math
- 6 Natural Sciences
- 6 American Literature
- 6 Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
- 6 College Composition
 
That looks like a killer…

My original plan was taking courses through the UFT, they're not that much. But we'll see.
 
MissPapa: Good to hear from you again! I'm sorry about the behavior issues going on in your class...it must difficult especially with an ESL student :( My kids are still very chatty, but know full well that they are doing something wrong. I am going to start implementing some other behavior systems next week to supplement the ones that I already have in place. I guess it's just a trial and error type thing for us being that we are so new. Good luck with that.

I, too, am overwhelmed sometimes. I feel like there are not enough hours in the day to possibly get done the things that must get done. This past week has been productive for me as far as lesson planning. When I was looking to see what I needed to bring home this weekend, I was surprised to find that most of my lessons are done for next week already so I didn't have to bring too much home, just some papers to grade. I am hoping to continue with this schedule.

It's nice to hear that your admin is so supportive. Mine seems pretty great and I think they will be supportive throughout the year. But, my grade team has been my strongest support so far. They are just beyond phenomenal!
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LIteachteach: Wow, that was a quick process for you then. I was wondering: how were the tests? How much studying needs to go into them in order to pass and get the credits?
I cant believe each of those are 6 credits each...I am definitely going to check all of those out (maybe minus the math because it aint my thing) and see about getting them done throughout this year so that I can get the raise by next Sept. Thanks again for the info!

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As for me, I had my IPC today. I chose the 1 formal/3 informal observations and chose not to be videotaped throughout the year. I also found out that the observations are just minimums and that if my first formal observation goes terrible, I can request another. Flip side: admin can also come in for more than originally planned. The informals will come before the formal, so I think I can expect 1 within the next 2 weeks, which is making me so nervous but I am trying to work out any noticeable kinks now so that I feel a bit better when they come in.
 
Sunshine24: Yup, my grade team is good too. They'd be supportive because they teach the same grade as you! I always ask most of my questions to them, and to my mentor.

My plan is to be ahead on my lesson plans by typing out as much as I can these next 4 days. I bought my lesson plan binder home to get myself organized. I'm tired of doing day-by-day planning. Now that I have a steady workflow, it'll be easier to plan in advance.

I had my IPC 2 weeks ago, same option. And yea, that's why I'm taking my 4 days off seriously! I want more stability and organization with my classroom and my plans all done. And a better way to communicate with my ESL kids.

I agree. It's too much work. I stay after school most of the time and leave at like 6pm! Last two days I got out at 4:30, staying after school has been driving me nuts. Plus my classroom is used for after school (I can still use it, but kids running around…meh.)
 
MissPapa said:
Sunshine24: Yup, my grade team is good too. They'd be supportive because they teach the same grade as you! I always ask most of my questions to them, and to my mentor.

My plan is to be ahead on my lesson plans by typing out as much as I can these next 4 days. I bought my lesson plan binder home to get myself organized. I'm tired of doing day-by-day planning. Now that I have a steady workflow, it'll be easier to plan in advance.

I had my IPC 2 weeks ago, same option. And yea, that's why I'm taking my 4 days off seriously! I want more stability and organization with my classroom and my plans all done. And a better way to communicate with my ESL kids.

I agree. It's too much work. I stay after school most of the time and leave at like 6pm! Last two days I got out at 4:30, staying after school has been driving me nuts. Plus my classroom is used for after school (I can still use it, but kids running around…meh.)
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Yuppp...I have been trying to organize my lesson plan binder in school. I tend to be keeping my week's worth of lessons in folders (by subject) and then transferring them to by binder once they are completed. I am almost out of page protectors though, so I need to get them this weekend and catch up on adding them to the binder. I don't know if this system will continue to work out, but so far so good.

My workload is crazy....I still feel like my lessons are rushed and my days fly by. Some days, I feel like I never even see my students because of the scheduling. I do really utilize my prep periods and I work through lunch as well, so most days, I think I get a lot done in those times. I have been leaving on time last week and this week and really want that to continue. I do bring some work home each night, but at least I'm getting home at a decent time. That sucks that your room is used for afterschool and that you don't get that quiet time to work.

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Got an update on my salary step application today...it was approved. Now I am waiting on the differential. When I called last week, HR told me that my app had been assigned to a processor, but would still take some time. I am hoping that it goes through soon, so that I can see how much I will really be making each month. Right now, my pay check is not accurate. Plus, my payroll sec said not to hold my breath waiting for the retroactive check once they approve the differential, so that sucks. Also, I am waiting on my health insurance cards. HR said last week that my app was approved and that my cards were due to be mailed out this week, so I am hoping to have them before the weekend. I mailed out my UFT welfare fund app last Friday and am waiting to hear back on that...if nothing by next week, I guess I will give them a call as well. Ughhh...all these phone calls for status updates are driving me nuts!
 
LITeachTeach said:
I was hired August 1st. Before I had to set up my classroom, I spent two weeks studying for and taking the following exams:

- 6 College Math
- 6 Natural Sciences
- 6 American Literature
- 6 Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
- 6 College Composition
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How do you know how many credits each test can give you?
 
LITeachTeach said:
Credits are here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_Level_Examination_Program#Currently_available_exams

For natural science and college math, I used review books. Analyzing Lit and College Comp are not tests you can really study for, but for College Comp, you can review basic grammar like for SAT II Writing. For American Literature, I read the Idiot's Guide to American Literature http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-American-Literature/dp/0028633784
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Ok great thanks!
I guess now I have to find a testing site that administers the tests that I want to take. The site near me only gives a few of the tests and are not ones that I really want to take.

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I also just looked up my college transcripts and I believe that I have an excess of 12 credits with my undergrad work. I was an English major before switching to Education and am completed some coursework. I have emailed my college registrar's office to see of this can be confirmed. If so, I guess I would already have 12 credits towards my 30+, which would be fantastic!
 
MissPapa said:
Sunshine24: Yup, my grade team is good too. They'd be supportive because they teach the same grade as you! I always ask most of my questions to them, and to my mentor.

My plan is to be ahead on my lesson plans by typing out as much as I can these next 4 days. I bought my lesson plan binder home to get myself organized. I'm tired of doing day-by-day planning. Now that I have a steady workflow, it'll be easier to plan in advance.

I had my IPC 2 weeks ago, same option. And yea, that's why I'm taking my 4 days off seriously! I want more stability and organization with my classroom and my plans all done. And a better way to communicate with my ESL kids.

I agree. It's too much work. I stay after school most of the time and leave at like 6pm! Last two days I got out at 4:30, staying after school has been driving me nuts. Plus my classroom is used for after school (I can still use it, but kids running around…meh.)
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My room is used for an after school program too! It is so loud and distracting!
 
I'm getting ahead on these lesson plans too. I haven't had much time to get as ahead as I'd like. I want to try to get two weeks of plans done this weekend.

I saw the little increase on my check due to the new contract/retro. I still don't have any exemptions though, so they took a whopping 778 out of my check (TRS kicked in addition to the UFT). :mad: Hopefully it will process by next check.
 
Froreal3 said:
I'm getting ahead on these lesson plans too. I haven't had much time to get as ahead as I'd like. I want to try to get two weeks of plans done this weekend.

I saw the little increase on my check due to the new contract/retro. I still don't have any exemptions though, so they took a whopping 778 out of my check (TRS kicked in addition to the UFT). :mad: Hopefully it will process by next check.
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I hear ya! My salary differential still hasn't been processed, so I am getting short-changed on that. Plus, last check did not have any pension deductions either. My payroll sec said it would appear on this coming check and I am also going to be signing up for the additional retirement fund so that means even more money coming out each month :( Wow...778 seems excessive, but I guess it's really not?

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Just got my health insurance cards in the mail, so at least I know that it was taken care of!
Question: does anyone know if we get or where we can get some sort of teacher handbook or policies? I am interested in knowing about sick days, etc. It's not in my individual school staff handbook. Does the DOE or UFT have something like this that I may have missed? I hate to have to keep googling my questions lol
 
Hey everyone. It's been crazy busy for me the past week or so. I was injured last week on my way to work, long story, but overall I'm ok.

I received my prescription cards, my Wageworks and direct deposit went through with this check.

I also received my salary step approval and was credited the 5 years I worked in private school.

Everything is going well for the most part in my classroom and the kids are great. My co teacher is picking up on my suggestions and we are getting in the swing of things.

Hope everyone else is doing great.
 
Bunnie said:
Hey everyone. It's been crazy busy for me the past week or so. I was injured last week on my way to work, long story, but overall I'm ok.

I received my prescription cards, my Wageworks and direct deposit went through with this check.

I also received my salary step approval and was credited the 5 years I worked in private school.

Everything is going well for the most part in my classroom and the kids are great. My co teacher is picking up on my suggestions and we are getting in the swing of things.

Hope everyone else is doing great.
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I also received my direct deposit w/this check. My exemptions have not gone through. :| HR said that they are backed up with processing that stuff. Good news is they credited me the max 8 years for working in private school. I won't see that retro for another few paychecks, but at least I got it. I am still waiting on the salary differential to be processed. Hopefully when that goes through, they will bump me up a couple of differentials as well.

Days have been ok. Just struggling trying to find time to plan. We have new curriculum, so going through that is going to be interesting when there is no time to really plan that thoroughly. We'll see.
 
How is everyone doing? I just received my salary differential today. With both the step and differential added, my salary has jumped significantly. I am pleased. :) As far as my tax exemptions, looks like I need to physically hand them in to HR.
 
Hi everyone! This week has been hectic and I am thrilled that tomorrow is Friday.

My salary step went through, but I am only on the first step being a new teacher. I did get $130 in retro on my last check though...I am assuming it's from the salary step? I am still waiting on my salary differential application...ugghhh! I would like to know how much to expect each pay period. Direct deposit still did not go through.

I did get my GHI/BCBS cards in the mail last week and received some info today from the UFT welfare fund. I didn't get any cards though (dental, prescription)...did you all get yours yet?
I am in the process of enrolling in the TDA account, but have to send in some forms first...I need to call TRS tomorrow to verify.

Wow...that seems like a lot of info lol. I am also looking into doing my 30+ credits for the next salary differential. I am waiting to hear back from my University, but I think I have 12 excess credits from my undergrad years. So, if that is the case, I only need 18 more. I am planning on taking three 6 credit CLEP tests over the next few months...my goal is to be done by January and apply for the differential.

As for my class/teaching...I am in more of a routine which is nice. I get most, if not all, of my planning done at school, so I have not been bringing too much home. I still have moments where I feel that I am doing nothing right and getting nothing done, but I must be doing something right because I am keeping up with the other teachers...ha. My class is still talkative and we are having some behavioral issues.
I am getting really nervous about the observations. I was expecting one this week (and this week isn't over yet), but if not this week, definitely next week. The admin has started and I have a feeling I was gonna get one today because the principal peeked in my window, but my class was testing so she left. IDK, I think she would have come in had I actually been teaching. I know I will be getting observed and it's gonna happen eventually, but the nerves are getting me :(

Anyways...I think I am all caught up now. I hope that everyone is doing good and getting more confident. Hope to check back in over the weekend :)

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Update: I just checked my DOE email and my salary differential was finalized and approved. The email said it may take 2-4 pay periods to go into effect and my payroll sec said not to hold my breath waiting for the retroactive check lol. Oh well, at least I know it went through...now onto the next differential.
 
Mighty quiet. Things are going well. My classroom is finally running the way I want it. Kids are on a good routine now.

I received my retro from the salary differential and step. Of course a million bucks in taxes came out because they haven't yet processed my exemptions. They said that will go into effect on the Nov. 14th check.
 
Froreal3 said:
Mighty quiet. Things are going well. My classroom is finally running the way I want it. Kids are on a good routine now.

I received my retro from the salary differential and step. Of course a million bucks in taxes came out because they haven't yet processed my exemptions. They said that will go into effect on the Nov. 14th check.
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Glad to see things are going well! I'm still trying to get my kids to do things without talking- they don't stop at all.

And nice! How long ago did you submit your paperwork for the differential and step?
 
I have a question. I don't remember if I mentioned this or not but I didn't get paid my first paycheck and was told it would be in the second (it wasn't). I submitted an inquiry and was told it would be in this check (which I see). The only thing is, the gross pay for the first week is 200 less than my recurring gross, meaning I got paid 200 less for m first week. Did this happen to anyone else? Or should I call?

Also, has anyone noticed if they are in the pension? My paycheck says no pension
 
Hope all is well! Kids, admin, staff and coteach are great on my end.

Sunshine, I'm pretty sure excess undergrad credits don't count for +30.

Nyteach, we got retro pay the second paycheck so the first was about $130 something less. My pension number is included on my second check, but not my first I believe.

Has anyone gotten their UFT card? All I got was the Express Scripts. I want to make a dental appointment, so having the UFT card is kinda important to me.
 
Bunnie said:
Hope all is well! Kids, admin, staff and coteach are great on my end.

Sunshine, I'm pretty sure excess undergrad credits don't count for +30.

Nyteach, we got retro pay the second paycheck so the first was about $130 something less. My pension number is included on my second check, but not my first I believe.

Has anyone gotten their UFT card? All I got was the Express Scripts. I want to make a dental appointment, so having the UFT card is kinda important to me.
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Thank you! And no I havent received the UFT card, only the express scripts one. @bunnie- did you apply for wageworks? I take the lirr and subway but I am not sure which one to choose when I click on add wageworks (commuter card no fee, commuter card unrestricted, transit pass, and access a ride.) I am trying to find a description for each but am unable to.
 
nyteach89 said:
Thank you! And no I havent received the UFT card, only the express scripts one. @bunnie- did you apply for wageworks? I take the lirr and subway but I am not sure which one to choose when I click on add wageworks (commuter card no fee, commuter card unrestricted, transit pass, and access a ride.) I am trying to find a description for each but am unable to.
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I believe I did the Unrestricted one. I mostly take the subway but occasionally take the lirr (not to work) to visit my brother so I put down to take out $130 a month. $112 for my unlimited and the extra for any LIRR rides I might make. You should calculate your commute and do the unrestricted.
 
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