I don't see my position on TalentEd. What do I do?
That's okay! Just apply for any available position on TalentEd (ideally at one of the UP Academy schools) and we will hire you into the correct position.
Can I use a passport instead of a social security card for my I9 documentation?
Unfortunately, BPS only accepts a social security card for onboarding. If you do not currently have one, please make sure to apply for one ASAP- here's some guidance on how to apply.
I got fingerprinting for a different district. Can I use those fingerprints instead of getting new ones?
You can request that your current district send a letter of suitability to BPS as long as it is a district or charter school in Massachusetts. You can have them send the letter to hiringprocess@bostonpublicschools.org and please have them cc Talent Support (talentsupport@upeducationetwork.org) on the email.
Additionally, fingerprinting is reimbursable through the BTU for BTU employees! For a rebate: please send in a copy of your receipt to Wanda Manzo, c/o OHC, 3rd Floor, Boston Public Schools, 26 Court St., Boston, MA 02108. Rebates are issued once per month. If you've been waiting more than six weeks, call OHC at 617-635-9600.
Do my transcripts have to be sealed?
Yes! BPS requires sealed transcripts. If you have an unsealed copy of your transcripts, you can send that to UP Education Network as we can use this to upload for certification, and we like to have these on record in case we need them. Please note that if you need to become certified, you will also need a transcript for ELAR (paper or electronic with a registrar signature) so it makes sense to order two at a time.
When should I expect to receive my first paycheck?
Paychecks are distributed every other Friday (bi-weekly pay cycle; 26 pay periods). When you will receive your first paycheck is dependent on your start date and when you are fully processed through BPS. Please note that there may be delays in your first paycheck if there are delays in your onboarding or any reasons why your background check or welcome session take longer.
How can I get immediate access to health insurance?
Let the Health Benefits Office (617-635-4570) know if you need immediate health insurance coverage; they can allow you to pre-pay for the first month of insurance with additional deductions from your first few paychecks. Please note that you will need an employee ID to register for benefits; this ID is created once you are onboarded into the BPS system.
How can I submit my health insurance enrollment forms?
You can mail or fax your forms into the Health Insurance Office, or hand them in in person. The mailing address is Health Insurance Office, Room 807, 1 City Hall Square, Boston, MA, 02201. The fax number is 617-635-3932.
What exactly are the benefits of the union, and is it mandatory to be a paying member?
You are not required to join the Boston Teachers Union, but all teachers pay dues, whether or not you're a member. (This is a common feature of collective bargaining agreements between teachers unions and districts.) The best way to learn about the benefits the BTU offers is to ask other teachers at your school or reach out directly to the BTU or your school rep for a summary of benefits. You can also find information on their website.
Other unions:
BASAS (Deans)
Guild (Office Managers)
Lunch Monitor Association (Lunch Monitors)
Does BPS offer any discounts for phone service?
If you bring your BPS pay stub to your phone carrier (confirmed at Sprint and Verizon) you will get 15-18% off your monthly bill. This is for all city employees. Please visit http://www.cityofboston.gov/ohr/benefits/ for more information.