I have just started my 13th year of service in Middletown.  When will I start to receive longevity 13?  You should receive longevity 13 during this school year.  Teachers start receiving longevities during the year of service, not after completing the year.

I am a part-time TA.  Am I a member of the retirement system?  As a part-time TA you have the option to join the New York State Teachers Retirement System and qualify to collect a pension when you reach retirement age.  If you do join, you will be required to contribute 3% of your gross salary for no longer than 10 years.  Also, after joining the system and earning 2 years of service credit you can apply for all of your prior years of service.  See your TA rep for a TRS enrollment form.

I am a new teacher with a Masters degree and I am working on a second Masters.  Will I receive 2 Masters stipends after completing my degree requirements?  No, you will only receive the Masters stipend for your first degree.  However, you can receive salary credit for the courses you complete for your second degree as long as you receive prior approval for the coursework and submit transcripts after completing the courses.

During new teacher orientation at the MTA office I know that I signed enrollment forms for the MTA and NYSUT.  When will I be able to join the national teacher union affiliates?  That is already taken care of.  The enrollment forms that you completed have also covered the 2 national affiliates, the AFT and the NEA.

Any questions regarding retirement, salary, or the Benefit Fund, may be e-mailed to: questions@middletownteachers.org. All questions will receive a reply; some may appear in future newsletters.