Sabbatical Applications Due March 17, 2016

This from the UFT Chapter Leader Update:  Eligible teachers who want to study to enhance their teaching skills have until March 17 to submit an application via SOLAS for a study sabbatical for the 2016-17 school year. March 24 is the deadline for a principal’s recommendation to the superintendent. Coursework must be rigorous and related to your teaching assignment. All teachers are eligible for a one-year study sabbatical after 14 years of service. Junior high or high school classroom teachers with seven years on the job can also apply for a six-month study sabbatical for the spring semester only. Teachers earn 70 percent of salary during a full-year sabbatical and 60 percent of salary during a six-month sabbatical. Members can read guidelines and eligibility requirements in the sabbatical memo on the DOE website.

And this is from me:  I took a sabbatical, school year 2013-14. It was wonderful. I learned stuff in my classes. I got reminded what it’s like when material is hard, from the students’ point of view. I relaxed, caught up with friends and family, and travelled. I visited schools, for fun, and watched classes, for fun, and thought about how I teach.  And I came back healthier, younger, and a better teacher.

The financial side was not too bad. I dipped into savings, true. But that was mostly because I travelled so much. 70% of your pay is more than 70% of your take home, since your taxes go down a bunch.

Well worth it. If you are eligible, I urge you to apply. -jd