Jonah Engler is a New York entrepreneur with achievements across multiple industries, including telecommunications. Outside of his professional endeavors, Jonah Engler supports the United Federation of Teachers (UTF). The organization’s New York chapter recently announced a victory for the Teacher’s Choice program in the form of a significant funding increase by the New York City Council.
Established more than 25 years ago, Teacher’s Choice enables educators to receive reimbursements for the purchase of classroom supplies and materials. Reimbursable purchases include items appropriate for classroom and educational use, although it excludes basic supplies that principals must provide under contract.
The funding increase, approved by the City Council in July 2017, will raise annual reimbursement limits for teachers to $250. Other school personnel, such as secretaries, guidance counselors, and school psychologists, will also receive substantial increases. Furthermore, the UFT succeeded in its efforts to include school nurses and occupational and physical therapists in Teacher’s Choice for the first time.
The approval represents an increase of more than 63 percent in the city budget for Teacher’s Choice. The allocation jumps from $12.3 million to $20 million.
