WASHINGTON TEACHERS’ UNION TUITION REIMBURSEMENT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1.  Who can apply? All certified permanent teachers who received “meets expectation” or higher on their last evaluation are eligible to apply. 2.   What is the criterion for receiving tuition reimbursement? The course must be required or necessary for completing a Master’s Degree or higher degree or as part of a certification program. Graduate level courses for certification in reading, mathematics, special education, physics, ESL, or chemistry are included. Courses must be taken at an accredited university/college granting graduate degrees (on-line courses are eligible). 3.  When do tuition reimbursement benefits take effect? If I took a class that began on July 22, 2006, can I apply for tuition reimbursement benefits? Yes, the guidelines state courses taken beginning on or after July 10, 2006 are eligible for reimbursement. 4.  May I take an on-line course that meets the criteria above? Yes, on-line classes taken at accredited universities or colleges granting graduate degrees may qualify. 5.  How do I apply for benefits? You may apply for benefits thirty (30) days before the course begins, but no later than two (2) weeks after the class begins.  The pre-approval requirement has been waived for any courses beginning on July 10, 2006 through February 28, 2007. Pre-approval will be required for any courses taken on or after March 1, 2007. 6. If I received a grant, scholarship, or educational award covering the tuition fees for my coursework, can I still apply for tuition reimbursement? No, if you received a grant, scholarship or any educational award covering tuition fees for coursework, you are not eligible to receive tuition reimbursement. 7. I completed six (6) qualifying credits between July 10, 2006 and September 30, 2006. I expect to complete nine (9) qualifying credits between October 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007.  If approved, what amount of tuition reimbursement am I eligible to receive? Under the tuition reimbursement guidelines, your tuition reimbursement will total $1200.00 for the six (6) qualifying credits for courses taken between July 10, 2006 and September 30, 2006.  You receive a total of $1800.00 for the nine (9) qualifying credits taken between October 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007.   8.   Are my books, supplies and travel costs also reimbursable under this plan? Under the guidelines, only the cost of the course is reimbursable.  Remember to save your paid receipts and the Tuition Reimbursement Request Form (DCPS TT-01-12/06) that you submitted for pre-approval of your coursework. 9.   When do I submit my request for reimbursement? You must submit your request for tuition reimbursement within sixty (60) days after completing your coursework. Remember to keep a copy of all documents submitted for your records. 10. What documentation do I need to submit with my tuition reimbursement request? You are to submit a receipt from the college/university indicating that you paid for the class. You send an official document or transcript (original) showing that you completed your coursework and you received a grade of B or higher. You must remit a Tuition Reimbursement Request Form with Section A completed. 11. Is this reimbursement taxable income? Taxes will not be deducted from your tuition reimbursements.  Please consult your tax advisor, generally educational expenses qualifying as job-related are not considered taxable income.   The WTU leadership strongly encourages all teachers to take advantage of the Tuition Reimbursement Benefit Program.