During training, Partner Teachers (PTs) are not considered Department of Education employees and are not eligible to receive NYCDOE benefits such as health insurance. However, we encourage you to explore outside programs that may provide health insurance coverage while you're in the program. Please see below for more information:
GetCoveredNYC is NYC’s official health insurance outreach and enrollment program. Complete the linked form to receive free health insurance enrollment assistance from a GetCoveredNYC Specialist. Many New Yorkers qualify year-round for low-or-no-cost options, including Medicare and Medicaid!
The New York State of Health also has a marketplace where you can browse and compare low-cost options.
Once PTs successfully complete training, are hired at a school, and begin teaching full-time, they are eligible for benefits through the United Federation of Teachers (the teacher's union) just like any other first year teacher.
For complete information about the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) benefits, please visit http://www.uft.org/our-benefits. Once Partner Teachers begin teaching full-time, they are union members with the UFT. As a UFT-represented employee, you will be entitled to premium-free health insurance and an array of UFT Welfare Fund-administered supplemental health benefits that include prescription drugs, dental care, optical coverage and more. If you have begun teaching full-time and have questions about enrolling in benefits, specialists at the UFT Welfare Fund are just a phone call away at 212-539-0500.
