DANIELSON AND RATINGS
At this time, research-based rubrics such as Danielson’s Framework for Teaching should be used only for formative support of teachers and may not be used for teacher evaluations. There is no new teacher evaluation process, and there will not be one until we can successfully negotiate one with the DOE. Until then, our contractual evaluation process remains in place. We may only be rated “S” or “U” on formal observations, and “S” or “U” on end of year ratings (“S,” “U” or “D” for probationary teachers).
FORMAL OBSERVATIONS
Your supervisor should tell you in advance that she will be formally observing you on a particular day. Ask for both pre- and post-observation conferences, in writing if necessary. Use the pre-observation conference to clarify what your supervisor expects to see during the visit. Take notes. You may be asked for a lesson plan. Following the observation, you should write down your recollections of the lesson, which will help you at the post-observation conference with your supervisor.
At the post-observation conference, your supervisor will discuss what she has seen and give you a written report of the observation. If you believe the report is inaccurate or unfair, you should speak to me so that I can help you formulate a written response and advise you of the other options open to you. Your response must be attached to the original report and placed with the original in your file.
As far as informal observations are concerned, they can be at any time without notice. Afterward, meet with your supervisor. An informal observation report must have “Informal Observation” written on top of the report.
PREPS AND LUNCH
You are entitled to five unassigned preps per week. You cannot be compelled to attend any meetings other than the monthly staff conference during one lunch period per month, and the monthly grade conference during one common prep per month. You may not be forced to attend meetings, demo lessons, etc. during your prep and/or lunch.
If you absolutely need to change your prep, you must ask for permission from your supervisor.
Please keep in mind that you may not do per-session work or work from additional outside employment during prep time or during school hours. If caught you may be subject to discipline from the DOE.
LESSON PLANS
For many years, supervisors collected lesson plans en masse and dictated a strict format, but that is no longer permitted under the teachers’ contract as a result of contract changes in the 1990s.
As the educator responsible for providing classroom instruction to your students, you are responsible for developing lesson plans and can determine their format, organization, notation and content. Your supervisor may suggest, but cannot require or insist upon a particular format unless you have received, or are about to receive, a “U” rating. Your supervisor may enter your classroom and ask to see your lesson plan at any time but cannot collect them on a regular or routinized basis.
If you need help perfecting your lesson plans, you should contact your mentor (if you have one); math or literacy coach or lead teacher (if your school has them); or the UFT Teacher Center (212-598-9500).
CHANCELLOR’S CONFERENCE DAY
November 8, 2011, Election Day, has been designated as a Chancellor’s Conference Day. All staff must be in by 8:00 AM and may leave at 2:50 PM.
NEW PARKING PERMITS
We have not yet received the new parking permits. When I receive them I will number them. Anyone abusing the privilege will be reported and banned from using one.
SAFETY
Be sure to secure your handbags, purses, etc., and always lock the door whenever you leave the classroom. This will also prevent students from entering an empty classroom where they can either take things and/or injure themselves.
If you are threatened, assaulted or injured in any way by a student, parent, intruder, etc. be sure to fill out a UFT Safety Report in addition to the DOE reports.
CHANGE OF INFORMATION
If you have moved, change your phone number, or added or dropped a dependent, you must fill out a UFT Welfare Fund change of information form in addition to the DOE and TRS forms you fill out.
Keep your pension and TDA beneficiaries up to date. Don’t put it off for another day. If the unthinkable happens, you don’t want the wrong person receiving your money!
PARAS AND TRIPS
Paras do not pay for field trips. Please collect a little extra to cover their cost.
LEAVES
Before taking any kind of leave (Maternity, FMLA, etc.), call John Settle at (718)852-4900.
CONTACT INFO
If you need to email me, please use your non-DOE email and use 123uft@optonline.net. We are not allowed to use DOE email for union activity, and the DOE does monitor what is sent on their email server, so nothing sent on your DOE email is secure.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
June 23, 2011
RATINGS
If you have worked for 20 days or more, you will receive a rating from the principal within the last 10 days of the school year, but not less than four days before the end of the school year. It will either be Satisfactory (“S”), Unsatisfactory (“U”), Doubtful (“D”) or Not Applicable (“N/A”). Tenured teachers’ rating sheets can only have their rating, as well as attendance information. If you are a probationer, the “U” rating could lead to discontinuance of your probationary period. Since there are ramifications to a “D” or a “U” rating, you should go the UFT Brooklyn borough office at 335 Adams Street immediately at the end of the day you receive your rating for assistance. Specialists there will help you file an appeal of your adverse rating and explain the various options available. Contact me as well and I will forward the information to our district rep.
TEACHERS CHOICE
We do not yet know how much, if anything, we will get for Teacher’s Choice this upcoming school year. Keep checking UFT.org and the DOE web site periodically. I will email as many people as I can when I hear.
It is the school’s obligation to provide you with basic instructional supplies and books, including textbooks, paper, chalk, and math manipulatives. That’s a contractual right, written into Article 7R of the UFT teachers contract, which states that schools are responsible for providing “appropriate and sufficient basic instructional supplies and books to deliver an effective educational program” for students. “Basic instructional supplies and books” are defined as those without which classroom instruction will be impaired.
BE READY FOR ACTION IF THE MAYOR ANNOUNCES LAYOFFS
If despite the city’s $3.1 billion budget surplus and all our best efforts, Mayor Bloomberg should announce teacher layoffs from now to any time in the summer, we’ll need each and every one of you to be ready to respond immediately and in force. At a moment’s notice we must be ready to rally. This union leaves no educator behind. If the mayor should opt for the drastic and unnecessary recourse of layoffs, we must be ready. We, and our most vulnerable members, will be counting on you. We protect everyone. That is why I need your contact information. I need to collect the non-DOE email address and telephone number of every UFT member in the building. If you haven’t provided me with it yet, email it the email address at the top of this page today.
FIRST DAY BACK
We return to school on Tuesday, September 6, 2011. Both Sept. 6 and 7 will be Chancellor’s Conference Days, and will run from 8:00 AM – 2:50 PM. You are not required back until then. However, if you want to come in a week earlier to set up your room, call in advance. Please do not take furniture from other rooms if you come in earlier.
SUMMER PENSION CLINICS
If you have worked for 20 days or more, you will receive a rating from the principal within the last 10 days of the school year, but not less than four days before the end of the school year. It will either be Satisfactory (“S”), Unsatisfactory (“U”), Doubtful (“D”) or Not Applicable (“N/A”). Tenured teachers’ rating sheets can only have their rating, as well as attendance information. If you are a probationer, the “U” rating could lead to discontinuance of your probationary period. Since there are ramifications to a “D” or a “U” rating, you should go the UFT Brooklyn borough office at 335 Adams Street immediately at the end of the day you receive your rating for assistance. Specialists there will help you file an appeal of your adverse rating and explain the various options available. Contact me as well and I will forward the information to our district rep.
TEACHERS CHOICE
We do not yet know how much, if anything, we will get for Teacher’s Choice this upcoming school year. Keep checking UFT.org and the DOE web site periodically. I will email as many people as I can when I hear.
It is the school’s obligation to provide you with basic instructional supplies and books, including textbooks, paper, chalk, and math manipulatives. That’s a contractual right, written into Article 7R of the UFT teachers contract, which states that schools are responsible for providing “appropriate and sufficient basic instructional supplies and books to deliver an effective educational program” for students. “Basic instructional supplies and books” are defined as those without which classroom instruction will be impaired.
BE READY FOR ACTION IF THE MAYOR ANNOUNCES LAYOFFS
If despite the city’s $3.1 billion budget surplus and all our best efforts, Mayor Bloomberg should announce teacher layoffs from now to any time in the summer, we’ll need each and every one of you to be ready to respond immediately and in force. At a moment’s notice we must be ready to rally. This union leaves no educator behind. If the mayor should opt for the drastic and unnecessary recourse of layoffs, we must be ready. We, and our most vulnerable members, will be counting on you. We protect everyone. That is why I need your contact information. I need to collect the non-DOE email address and telephone number of every UFT member in the building. If you haven’t provided me with it yet, email it the email address at the top of this page today.
FIRST DAY BACK
We return to school on Tuesday, September 6, 2011. Both Sept. 6 and 7 will be Chancellor’s Conference Days, and will run from 8:00 AM – 2:50 PM. You are not required back until then. However, if you want to come in a week earlier to set up your room, call in advance. Please do not take furniture from other rooms if you come in earlier.
SUMMER PENSION CLINICS
Tuesday, July 19: Part I, for Tiers I & II, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., 52 Broadway.
Wednesday, July 20: Part II, for Tiers I & II, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., 52 Broadway.
Thursday, July 21: Tiers III & IV, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., 52 Broadway.
Tuesday, Aug. 23: Part I, for Tiers I & II, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 52 Broadway.
Wednesday, Aug. 24: Part II, for Tiers I & II, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 52 Broadway.
Thursday, Aug. 25: Tiers III & IV, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 52 Broadway.
SUMMER CONTACTS UFT Brooklyn Office, 335 Adams Street (718) 852-4900 M-Th, 9-4 UFT Headquarters, 52 Broadway (212) 777-7500 M-F, 9-4 UFT Welfare Fund (212) 539-0500
Monday, April 4, 2011
April 4, 2011
PREFERENCE SHEETS
You have received a preference sheet for the 2011-2012 school year, which are due on April 11. List three grade choices in order of preference. Your choices are strictly up to you. Special education teachers may choose the age range of special education classes and education program designation (e.g. staffing ratio, ICT, SETSS, etc.) with the understanding that, where advisable and possible, such preferences will be honored. You must receive one of your choices. After two school years without your first choice, you must receive your first choice. Photocopy your preference sheet.
MAY DAY 2011 DEMONSTRATION
May Day takes on a special meaning this year. As workers’ rights come under continuing attack from coast to coast, mark your calendar for the Sunday, May 1 demonstration at 1 PM at Manhattan’s Foley Square, Worth Street (between Centre and Lafayette Streets). Join over three dozen labor unions and labor organizations, including our own UFT, to press for labor rights, immigrant rights and jobs for all.
SPRING EDUCATION CONFERENCE
Saturday, May 7 is the date for the UFT Spring Education Conference at the New York Hilton. The day will include breakfast, panels/workshops, exhibits, a gala luncheon, and presentation of the John Dewey Award. Please let me know by this Friday if you wish to attend.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN…
Someone has been taking the toilet paper rolls from the bathroom in 251. This is an inconvenience to your colleagues who wish to use the bathroom. Also, toilet paper comes from the custodial supply budget. So in effect, you are stealing school supplies. And at 69 cents a roll you can afford to buy your own for the home.
UFT DISASTER RELIEF FUND
On March 11, one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded and an ensuing tsunami devastated the Japanese city of Sendai and much of the surrounding area, resulting in thousands of deaths. The catastrophe also damaged the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station.
The UFT Disaster Relief Fund is collecting donations on behalf of the Education International Solidarity Fund. In solidarity with teachers, students and the people of Japan, Education International has established a solidarity fund to aid relief efforts. EI is committed to supporting its member organization, the Japan Teachers’ Union, to help teachers and students through this difficult time.
If you wish to donate, e-mail me 123uft@optonline.net and I will send you a pdf of the form to fill out.
The UFT Disaster Relief Fund is only accepting checks and money orders. All donations are tax-deductible.
“TOWN HALL” WITH CATHIE BLACK
A community meeting with Chancellor Cathie Black is scheduled for Thursday, April 7 at PS 274 at 6PM. To get there, go down DeKalb Avenue and make a left onto Bushwick Avenue. The school is at 800 Bushwick Avenue. CANCELLED DUE TO HER RESIGNATION
WRITE FOR THE NEW YORK TEACHER
Do you have creative ideas, interesting practices or innovative methods for improving classroom instruction that you feel could benefit fellow educators? The New York Teacher is looking for educators to write Teacher to Teacher columns. The articles should explain pedagogic techniques, approaches or resources that educators can use to help students. The pieces should be about 750 words, and columnists will be paid $150 for accepted works. If you are interested, please call Ron Davis during business hours (10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday) at 212-598-9201 or email him at rdavis@uft.org.
UFT.ORG
If you have not done so already, register at UFT.org. This will enable you to receive urgent Action Alerts from the UFT, subscribe to news updates in your areas of interest, enroll online for UFT courses and workshops, view searchable contracts online, and update your contact information.
UFT BROOKLYN BOROUGH OFFICE (718)852-4900
Call Theresa Samuels for certification and licensing questions.
Call John Settle before taking any kind of leave.
WEAR RED FOR PUBLIC ED
What started as a one day event has grown into a weekly movement across America. People who support public education will be wearing red every Tuesday.
By wearing red, people will be symbolizing not only their support of America's public education system, but also their disagreement with many of the education reforms, programs, and policies currently being implemented.
FROM NYSUT
TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO SAVE EDUCATION
EXTEND THE MILLIONAIRES TAX – SUPPORT EDUCATION
PLEASE CALL YOUR STATE SENATOR AND THE GOVERNOR IMMEDIATELY
Call your Senator and the Governor via the NYS AFL-CIO action line - 1-877-255-9417 (when prompted press 2 to be connected to your Senator's office and press 1 to be connected to the governor’s office).
You have received a preference sheet for the 2011-2012 school year, which are due on April 11. List three grade choices in order of preference. Your choices are strictly up to you. Special education teachers may choose the age range of special education classes and education program designation (e.g. staffing ratio, ICT, SETSS, etc.) with the understanding that, where advisable and possible, such preferences will be honored. You must receive one of your choices. After two school years without your first choice, you must receive your first choice. Photocopy your preference sheet.
MAY DAY 2011 DEMONSTRATION
May Day takes on a special meaning this year. As workers’ rights come under continuing attack from coast to coast, mark your calendar for the Sunday, May 1 demonstration at 1 PM at Manhattan’s Foley Square, Worth Street (between Centre and Lafayette Streets). Join over three dozen labor unions and labor organizations, including our own UFT, to press for labor rights, immigrant rights and jobs for all.
SPRING EDUCATION CONFERENCE
Saturday, May 7 is the date for the UFT Spring Education Conference at the New York Hilton. The day will include breakfast, panels/workshops, exhibits, a gala luncheon, and presentation of the John Dewey Award. Please let me know by this Friday if you wish to attend.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN…
Someone has been taking the toilet paper rolls from the bathroom in 251. This is an inconvenience to your colleagues who wish to use the bathroom. Also, toilet paper comes from the custodial supply budget. So in effect, you are stealing school supplies. And at 69 cents a roll you can afford to buy your own for the home.
UFT DISASTER RELIEF FUND
On March 11, one of the largest earthquakes ever recorded and an ensuing tsunami devastated the Japanese city of Sendai and much of the surrounding area, resulting in thousands of deaths. The catastrophe also damaged the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station.
The UFT Disaster Relief Fund is collecting donations on behalf of the Education International Solidarity Fund. In solidarity with teachers, students and the people of Japan, Education International has established a solidarity fund to aid relief efforts. EI is committed to supporting its member organization, the Japan Teachers’ Union, to help teachers and students through this difficult time.
If you wish to donate, e-mail me 123uft@optonline.net and I will send you a pdf of the form to fill out.
The UFT Disaster Relief Fund is only accepting checks and money orders. All donations are tax-deductible.
“TOWN HALL” WITH CATHIE BLACK
A community meeting with Chancellor Cathie Black is scheduled for Thursday, April 7 at PS 274 at 6PM. To get there, go down DeKalb Avenue and make a left onto Bushwick Avenue. The school is at 800 Bushwick Avenue. CANCELLED DUE TO HER RESIGNATION
WRITE FOR THE NEW YORK TEACHER
Do you have creative ideas, interesting practices or innovative methods for improving classroom instruction that you feel could benefit fellow educators? The New York Teacher is looking for educators to write Teacher to Teacher columns. The articles should explain pedagogic techniques, approaches or resources that educators can use to help students. The pieces should be about 750 words, and columnists will be paid $150 for accepted works. If you are interested, please call Ron Davis during business hours (10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday) at 212-598-9201 or email him at rdavis@uft.org.
UFT.ORG
If you have not done so already, register at UFT.org. This will enable you to receive urgent Action Alerts from the UFT, subscribe to news updates in your areas of interest, enroll online for UFT courses and workshops, view searchable contracts online, and update your contact information.
UFT BROOKLYN BOROUGH OFFICE (718)852-4900
Call Theresa Samuels for certification and licensing questions.
Call John Settle before taking any kind of leave.
WEAR RED FOR PUBLIC ED
What started as a one day event has grown into a weekly movement across America. People who support public education will be wearing red every Tuesday.
By wearing red, people will be symbolizing not only their support of America's public education system, but also their disagreement with many of the education reforms, programs, and policies currently being implemented.
FROM NYSUT
TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO SAVE EDUCATION
EXTEND THE MILLIONAIRES TAX – SUPPORT EDUCATION
PLEASE CALL YOUR STATE SENATOR AND THE GOVERNOR IMMEDIATELY
Call your Senator and the Governor via the NYS AFL-CIO action line - 1-877-255-9417 (when prompted press 2 to be connected to your Senator's office and press 1 to be connected to the governor’s office).
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
March 8, 2011
THREATS OF LAYOFFS
The UFT opposes the layoff of ANY teacher. Mayor Bloomberg is seeking to divide us by pitting older teachers and younger teachers and supervisors against each other. He is using threats of layoffs of younger teachers as a tool to terrorize us in order to change layoff laws so that they can be used to fire teachers who earn too much money and who exercise their rights. Bloomberg's goal is not to lay off fewer teachers by getting rid of older teachers, but to destroy the UFT, as well as the CSA, our supervisors' union. His goal is to wipe out a century of law and collective bargaining gains and bring back the age of nepotism, cronyism and favoritism. He wishes to divert our attention away from our right to organize and collectively bargain, and turn New York City into another Wisconsin.
The city actually has a projected $3 billion surplus, and the governor's projected cuts of $500 million should not result in any layoffs. Yet the mayor is falsely claiming that the cut to the city is $1.5 billion just so that he can get rid our older members.
On Tuesday, March 1, the New York State Assembly passed the Bloomberg-backed bill to change layoff rules. Thankfully, the Assembly refuses to even consider looking at this bill. This in part was due to our lobbying efforts that day.
The bill had nothing to do with reverse seniority and everything to do with revoking collective bargaining and a century of gains for our union and our profession. It would have undermined the Triborough amendment to the Taylor Law (which keeps provisions of an expired labor contract intact until a new collective bargaining agreement is signed) by allowing the mayor to impose his own labor rules upon us once a contract expires. Therefore, the city would have absolutely no reason to negotiate.
Bloomberg’s bill would have allowed the firing of teachers and supervisors who:
• Were disciplined for any wrongdoing, no matter how minor.
• Were accused of any wrongdoing, even if the allegation was unsubstantiated
• Were convicted of ANY crime, no matter how minor
• By the August 31 of the year in which layoffs take place, have not completed their certification
• Had been absent too much no matter what the reason
• Received a "U" rating at any time in the past 5 years, even if rated "S" ever since
• For two years or more, have been ranked in the bottom 30 percent of teachers based on their students’ test scores.
• Were not granted tenure after three years, but whose probation was extended for the year preceding layoffs.
This has nothing to do with keeping the “best” teachers.
Additionally, teachers who do not get one of their three choices on their preference sheet according to the contract could be excessed if they do not want to take the grade that their principal assigned them.
TEACHERS CHOICE
The Teacher’s Choice purchasing period ends on March 15, 2011. You must submit the Teacher’s Choice Accountability Form with original receipts taped onto paper to the principal by March 23, 2011. It is strongly recommended that you retain copies of your Accountability Form and all of your receipts.
All materials purchased through Teacher’s Choice are the property of the Dept. of Education. You may use them for as long as you are working at P.S. 123K. However, if you transfer to another school or retire, all Teacher’s Choice materials must be left in the building. You may keep any materials purchased with your own money.
PROBATIONARY TEACHERS WORKSHOP Teachers who are up for tenure this year must attend the probationary teacher workshop at the PS 106 library on Thursday, March 10, from 3-5 PM. The school is at 1314 Putnam Avenue. If you do not attend, there is no makeup session.
EARLY CHILDHOOD CONFERENCE
The 4th Annual Early Childhood Conference will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2011, from 8:30AM – 3:00PM at UFT headquarters, 52 Broadway, New York, NY. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. There will be workshops offered. Please see the flyer in the main office for course descriptions. Let me know if you wish to attend.
EXCESSING LIST
The new School Excessing Seniority List will be posted in Room 251 shortly. Teachers are listed according to seniority in the license that they are working under. Please leave the list in 251.
KEEP CUTS AWAY FROM KIDS
Our schools have absorbed $2 billion in cuts already in the last two years and we must do everything to can to protect classrooms and direct services to children even amidst difficult economic times.
Go to UFT.org and click on the Get Involved tab on top to send a fax to your state legislators telling them to keep cuts away from kids. It only takes a minute.
UFT BROOKLYN BOROUGH OFFICE- (718)852-4900
Call Theresa Samuels for certification and licensing questions.
Call John Settle before taking any kind of leave.
NEXT CHAPTER MEETING
Our next chapter meeting will be on Wednesday, March 23 during the lunch periods. District representative Kathy Sharko will be here. We will discuss the latest issues affecting us. I urge you to attend.
The UFT opposes the layoff of ANY teacher. Mayor Bloomberg is seeking to divide us by pitting older teachers and younger teachers and supervisors against each other. He is using threats of layoffs of younger teachers as a tool to terrorize us in order to change layoff laws so that they can be used to fire teachers who earn too much money and who exercise their rights. Bloomberg's goal is not to lay off fewer teachers by getting rid of older teachers, but to destroy the UFT, as well as the CSA, our supervisors' union. His goal is to wipe out a century of law and collective bargaining gains and bring back the age of nepotism, cronyism and favoritism. He wishes to divert our attention away from our right to organize and collectively bargain, and turn New York City into another Wisconsin.
The city actually has a projected $3 billion surplus, and the governor's projected cuts of $500 million should not result in any layoffs. Yet the mayor is falsely claiming that the cut to the city is $1.5 billion just so that he can get rid our older members.
On Tuesday, March 1, the New York State Assembly passed the Bloomberg-backed bill to change layoff rules. Thankfully, the Assembly refuses to even consider looking at this bill. This in part was due to our lobbying efforts that day.
The bill had nothing to do with reverse seniority and everything to do with revoking collective bargaining and a century of gains for our union and our profession. It would have undermined the Triborough amendment to the Taylor Law (which keeps provisions of an expired labor contract intact until a new collective bargaining agreement is signed) by allowing the mayor to impose his own labor rules upon us once a contract expires. Therefore, the city would have absolutely no reason to negotiate.
Bloomberg’s bill would have allowed the firing of teachers and supervisors who:
• Were disciplined for any wrongdoing, no matter how minor.
• Were accused of any wrongdoing, even if the allegation was unsubstantiated
• Were convicted of ANY crime, no matter how minor
• By the August 31 of the year in which layoffs take place, have not completed their certification
• Had been absent too much no matter what the reason
• Received a "U" rating at any time in the past 5 years, even if rated "S" ever since
• For two years or more, have been ranked in the bottom 30 percent of teachers based on their students’ test scores.
• Were not granted tenure after three years, but whose probation was extended for the year preceding layoffs.
This has nothing to do with keeping the “best” teachers.
Additionally, teachers who do not get one of their three choices on their preference sheet according to the contract could be excessed if they do not want to take the grade that their principal assigned them.
TEACHERS CHOICE
The Teacher’s Choice purchasing period ends on March 15, 2011. You must submit the Teacher’s Choice Accountability Form with original receipts taped onto paper to the principal by March 23, 2011. It is strongly recommended that you retain copies of your Accountability Form and all of your receipts.
All materials purchased through Teacher’s Choice are the property of the Dept. of Education. You may use them for as long as you are working at P.S. 123K. However, if you transfer to another school or retire, all Teacher’s Choice materials must be left in the building. You may keep any materials purchased with your own money.
PROBATIONARY TEACHERS WORKSHOP Teachers who are up for tenure this year must attend the probationary teacher workshop at the PS 106 library on Thursday, March 10, from 3-5 PM. The school is at 1314 Putnam Avenue. If you do not attend, there is no makeup session.
EARLY CHILDHOOD CONFERENCE
The 4th Annual Early Childhood Conference will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2011, from 8:30AM – 3:00PM at UFT headquarters, 52 Broadway, New York, NY. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. There will be workshops offered. Please see the flyer in the main office for course descriptions. Let me know if you wish to attend.
EXCESSING LIST
The new School Excessing Seniority List will be posted in Room 251 shortly. Teachers are listed according to seniority in the license that they are working under. Please leave the list in 251.
KEEP CUTS AWAY FROM KIDS
Our schools have absorbed $2 billion in cuts already in the last two years and we must do everything to can to protect classrooms and direct services to children even amidst difficult economic times.
Go to UFT.org and click on the Get Involved tab on top to send a fax to your state legislators telling them to keep cuts away from kids. It only takes a minute.
UFT BROOKLYN BOROUGH OFFICE- (718)852-4900
Call Theresa Samuels for certification and licensing questions.
Call John Settle before taking any kind of leave.
NEXT CHAPTER MEETING
Our next chapter meeting will be on Wednesday, March 23 during the lunch periods. District representative Kathy Sharko will be here. We will discuss the latest issues affecting us. I urge you to attend.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
January 16, 2011
TEACHER DATA REPORTS
The UFT has filed an appeal to Judge Cynthia Kern’s decision to allow the DOE to release the TDRs to the public.
There are many teachers who have reported that their TDRs have errors, such as incorrect grades/subjects taught, and the wrong students. Please check your TDRs and note the following:
1. Errors in TDRs should be reported to TDRreports@uft.org or teachers should call the UFT TDR Hotline at (212) 598-6860. Inform me if there are any errors.
2. Teachers have been assigned to one of four groups to verify their class lists. Assignments are based on a teacher’s birthdate.
3. There is a DOE hotline for problems. You can call (718) 935-4000 and press #6 for the Teacher Data Initiative. You can e-mail TDIsupport@schools.nyc.gov.
The UFT met with the DOE on January 3 to discuss the verification process for the TDRs. The UFT demanded the DOE inform principals that time is needed to be given to the teachers during the school day, as well as access to computers, for teachers to verify the data.
Your TDR can not be used against you. If you are disciplined, punished or harmed in any way by the results of your TDR, or by the release of it, contact the UFT.
PAPERWORK
Please provide me with samples of the paperwork which you must do. Please give them to me by January 20.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HOURS
More than 600 teachers who have to provide proof of completion of 175 hours of professional development by the end of June received notification and a tracking form from the New York City Department of Education. These teachers received their state certificate(s) on Sept. 1, 2005 or Feb. 1, 2006 and will reach the first five-year professional development cycle of 175 hours on June 30, 2011. These teachers should follow the directions in the letter and submit the tracking form by June 17. Questions and concerns should be directed to the educational liaisons in the UFT borough offices. More details will be in the Jan. 20 edition of the New York Teacher.
CHECK YOUR FILE
Check your file at least yearly to point out and remove old letters in your personnel file. Our contract provides that any letter over three years old should be removed if no disciplinary charges are attached to that letter. If you have not done so recently, make an appointment to see their file and flag files for removal.
SPECIAL EDUCATION CHANGES
In a cost-cutting measure that the UFT maintained would hurt students, the regents voted to change state regulations, effective Dec. 8, 2010, to eliminate minimum service requirements for speech and language services. The new state regulations also allow schools to add an additional 13th student with a disability to a collaborative team teaching (now called integrated co-teaching or ICT) class by notifying the State Education Department and to add a 14th student to a ICT class only with prior approval by the State Education Department.
The State Education Department issued implementation guidelines. Here are the highlights:
• Most students will continue to require speech services at least two 30-minute sessions a week.
• Students who need speech less than twice a week are now eligible for services.
• Consultations and other indirect services are not considered “related service” to the student.
• Schools cannot unilaterally reduce the frequency of services, nor can they make service decisions solely on factors such as budget, staffing or administrative convenience.
• Schools must begin the school year with no more than 12 students in ICT classes.
• Schools can exceed the maximum of 12 students with disabilities in ICT classes “only when exceptional circumstances arise.”
• Schools may not routinely apply for waivers.
A city DOE memo reinforced these state guidelines along with existing rules regarding the composition of ICT classes in New York City public schools. The DOE memo states that “NYC will continue to adhere to its policy, whereby the maximum number of students receiving ICT services in a class cannot exceed 40% of the total register of the ICT class.” It also states that the addition of a 13th student to an ICT class “should be used infrequently.”
The DOE will not implement the new procedures until the state Ed Department has created new variance forms and directions, which will be posted on the UFT website as soon as they become available.
SAFETY
Be sure to secure your handbags, purses, etc., and always lock the door whenever you leave the classroom. This will also prevent students from entering an empty classroom where they can either take things and/or injure themselves. Keep cleaning chemicals locked up where the children can’t get to them.
If you are threatened, assaulted or injured in any way by a student, parent, intruder, etc. be sure to fill out a UFT Safety Report in addition to the DOE reports.
Please be reminded that it is not advisable to remain in the building without the presence of the school safety agent.
PARKING PERMIT #6 IS MISSING!
If you have it, stop playing games and return it immediately. If not, I will notify the DOT that the pass has been stolen, and you will deserve the ticket that you receive for using it!
The UFT has filed an appeal to Judge Cynthia Kern’s decision to allow the DOE to release the TDRs to the public.
There are many teachers who have reported that their TDRs have errors, such as incorrect grades/subjects taught, and the wrong students. Please check your TDRs and note the following:
1. Errors in TDRs should be reported to TDRreports@uft.org or teachers should call the UFT TDR Hotline at (212) 598-6860. Inform me if there are any errors.
2. Teachers have been assigned to one of four groups to verify their class lists. Assignments are based on a teacher’s birthdate.
3. There is a DOE hotline for problems. You can call (718) 935-4000 and press #6 for the Teacher Data Initiative. You can e-mail TDIsupport@schools.nyc.gov.
The UFT met with the DOE on January 3 to discuss the verification process for the TDRs. The UFT demanded the DOE inform principals that time is needed to be given to the teachers during the school day, as well as access to computers, for teachers to verify the data.
Your TDR can not be used against you. If you are disciplined, punished or harmed in any way by the results of your TDR, or by the release of it, contact the UFT.
PAPERWORK
Please provide me with samples of the paperwork which you must do. Please give them to me by January 20.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT HOURS
More than 600 teachers who have to provide proof of completion of 175 hours of professional development by the end of June received notification and a tracking form from the New York City Department of Education. These teachers received their state certificate(s) on Sept. 1, 2005 or Feb. 1, 2006 and will reach the first five-year professional development cycle of 175 hours on June 30, 2011. These teachers should follow the directions in the letter and submit the tracking form by June 17. Questions and concerns should be directed to the educational liaisons in the UFT borough offices. More details will be in the Jan. 20 edition of the New York Teacher.
CHECK YOUR FILE
Check your file at least yearly to point out and remove old letters in your personnel file. Our contract provides that any letter over three years old should be removed if no disciplinary charges are attached to that letter. If you have not done so recently, make an appointment to see their file and flag files for removal.
SPECIAL EDUCATION CHANGES
In a cost-cutting measure that the UFT maintained would hurt students, the regents voted to change state regulations, effective Dec. 8, 2010, to eliminate minimum service requirements for speech and language services. The new state regulations also allow schools to add an additional 13th student with a disability to a collaborative team teaching (now called integrated co-teaching or ICT) class by notifying the State Education Department and to add a 14th student to a ICT class only with prior approval by the State Education Department.
The State Education Department issued implementation guidelines. Here are the highlights:
• Most students will continue to require speech services at least two 30-minute sessions a week.
• Students who need speech less than twice a week are now eligible for services.
• Consultations and other indirect services are not considered “related service” to the student.
• Schools cannot unilaterally reduce the frequency of services, nor can they make service decisions solely on factors such as budget, staffing or administrative convenience.
• Schools must begin the school year with no more than 12 students in ICT classes.
• Schools can exceed the maximum of 12 students with disabilities in ICT classes “only when exceptional circumstances arise.”
• Schools may not routinely apply for waivers.
A city DOE memo reinforced these state guidelines along with existing rules regarding the composition of ICT classes in New York City public schools. The DOE memo states that “NYC will continue to adhere to its policy, whereby the maximum number of students receiving ICT services in a class cannot exceed 40% of the total register of the ICT class.” It also states that the addition of a 13th student to an ICT class “should be used infrequently.”
The DOE will not implement the new procedures until the state Ed Department has created new variance forms and directions, which will be posted on the UFT website as soon as they become available.
SAFETY
Be sure to secure your handbags, purses, etc., and always lock the door whenever you leave the classroom. This will also prevent students from entering an empty classroom where they can either take things and/or injure themselves. Keep cleaning chemicals locked up where the children can’t get to them.
If you are threatened, assaulted or injured in any way by a student, parent, intruder, etc. be sure to fill out a UFT Safety Report in addition to the DOE reports.
Please be reminded that it is not advisable to remain in the building without the presence of the school safety agent.
PARKING PERMIT #6 IS MISSING!
If you have it, stop playing games and return it immediately. If not, I will notify the DOT that the pass has been stolen, and you will deserve the ticket that you receive for using it!
Monday, November 22, 2010
November 22, 2010
TRANSFER PERIOD FOR HEALTH COVERAGE ENDS ON NOVEMBER 30
You can now go online both to review your current coverage information and to change that coverage. Access is through the Employee Self-Service System, as the city’s Health Benefits Administration advised members by DOE email. Login instructions are in the email. Those unable to access the system can fax their changes directly to the Department of Education at 718-935-5125. Note that this is the last year that faxes or paper copies will be accepted.
TRANSITCHEK
The expansion of the New York City TransitChek Program is finally here. The city has selected WageWorks as a provider, and the expanded benefit now covers many more mass transit carriers, such as the LIRR, MetroNorth, PATH and NJ Transit.
The program, which allows city employees to pay for commuting costs with pre-tax dollars, now also includes parking costs at mass transit stations. The new plan goes into effect at different times depending on your current TransitChek plan. Watch for details on all the plans in the Nov. 25 issue of the New York Teacher. Members who haven’t previously been enrolled in the Commuter Benefits Program but would like to join now that the program has expanded can do so beginning Dec. 1. Members will be able to enroll online via the DOE’s payroll portal effective Dec. 1.
FOR THOSE WITHOUT COMPUTERS
For employees who do not own a computer, the DOE implemented a new Payroll Interactive Voice Response System (IVR). This system is for the Q Bank, per diem, per session and H Bank payrolls. All members will now be able to access their payroll check information by telephone as well as the DOE’s employee information system via the Payroll Portal. Employees will also be able to submit a payroll inquiry that will be forwarded to the appropriate payroll office for follow-up. The number for the IVR telephone system is 718-935-3300. Call Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On telephone payroll inquiries, you will only be contacted during the day from Monday through Friday.
OPPOSE THE RELEASE OF TEACHER DATA REPORTS
Do you oppose the public release of Teacher Data Reports? Voice your opposition by signing the petition, “Our Teachers Are Not Test Scores!” sponsored by Time Out From Testing. Let the public know that you support meaningful teacher evaluations but believe that the TDRs are an unreliable and inaccurate gauge of teacher quality and that their public release will encourage even more test prep in our schools. Go to:
http://timeoutfromtesting.org/notdr/
PARKING PERMITS
The DOT will not issue us two additional permits (like they did last year) at this time. The DOE has taken note of my request and will notify me if the situation changes. Therefore, we only have 18 permits. Please play by the rules and sign for your permit when you arrive and when you return it prior to going home. And falsely accusing a colleague of keeping passes makes for a hostile environment. Remember, all schools employees (UFT, assistant principals, DC37 and custodians) may use the permits.
TEACHER’S CHOICE DEPOSITS
Teacher’s Choice stipends will go out in December. For most teachers who are enrolled in direct deposit, their stipends will be electronically transferred to their accounts on Thursday, Dec. 9. First-year teachers who have not enrolled in direct deposit yet will receive a new debit card with the stipend amount together with the Dec. 15 paycheck.
If you received a debit card in the past, be sure to check that your current card is activated before Dec. 1 or any funds remaining on the card will expire, the card will be canceled and the DOE will not be able to replenish it. Cards activated by Dec. 1 will retain any funds now on the card and the DOE will add this year’s stipend to it on Dec. 15.
If you have any questions about your debit card, please call the DOE’s Office of Special Projects at 1-718-935-3304. If you have lost or destroyed last year’s card, you must contact Chase Customer Service at 1-866-795-3890 for a replacement card. You are entitled to one free replacement every year.
SALARY DIFFERENTIAL
If you completed courses over the summer that qualify you for a salary differential, be sure to apply for the extra payment within six months or the salary increase will not be retroactive to your date of eligibility. The DOE now requires an online application process. You can access the application form by going to the DOE’s payroll portal system. Click on Payroll Portal Main Page, then fill out the login information on the left and click on Salary Differential “Documents.” Finally, click on the online form link. If you are using the online application for the first time, you must enter your Bachelor of Arts information first.
Each application will receive a tracking number. Print out your completed application. Keep one copy for your records; submit another copy to the DOE together with your original transcripts, which the DOE will evaluate, This process takes from four to six weeks to complete. You will receive a Certificate of Salary Differential via email indicating which differential you were granted and its effective date.
NEXT CHAPTER MEETING
Our next chapter meeting will be on Wednesday, November 24 during the three lunch periods with District 32 representative Kathy Sharko.
You can now go online both to review your current coverage information and to change that coverage. Access is through the Employee Self-Service System, as the city’s Health Benefits Administration advised members by DOE email. Login instructions are in the email. Those unable to access the system can fax their changes directly to the Department of Education at 718-935-5125. Note that this is the last year that faxes or paper copies will be accepted.
TRANSITCHEK
The expansion of the New York City TransitChek Program is finally here. The city has selected WageWorks as a provider, and the expanded benefit now covers many more mass transit carriers, such as the LIRR, MetroNorth, PATH and NJ Transit.
The program, which allows city employees to pay for commuting costs with pre-tax dollars, now also includes parking costs at mass transit stations. The new plan goes into effect at different times depending on your current TransitChek plan. Watch for details on all the plans in the Nov. 25 issue of the New York Teacher. Members who haven’t previously been enrolled in the Commuter Benefits Program but would like to join now that the program has expanded can do so beginning Dec. 1. Members will be able to enroll online via the DOE’s payroll portal effective Dec. 1.
FOR THOSE WITHOUT COMPUTERS
For employees who do not own a computer, the DOE implemented a new Payroll Interactive Voice Response System (IVR). This system is for the Q Bank, per diem, per session and H Bank payrolls. All members will now be able to access their payroll check information by telephone as well as the DOE’s employee information system via the Payroll Portal. Employees will also be able to submit a payroll inquiry that will be forwarded to the appropriate payroll office for follow-up. The number for the IVR telephone system is 718-935-3300. Call Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On telephone payroll inquiries, you will only be contacted during the day from Monday through Friday.
OPPOSE THE RELEASE OF TEACHER DATA REPORTS
Do you oppose the public release of Teacher Data Reports? Voice your opposition by signing the petition, “Our Teachers Are Not Test Scores!” sponsored by Time Out From Testing. Let the public know that you support meaningful teacher evaluations but believe that the TDRs are an unreliable and inaccurate gauge of teacher quality and that their public release will encourage even more test prep in our schools. Go to:
http://timeoutfromtesting.org/notdr/
PARKING PERMITS
The DOT will not issue us two additional permits (like they did last year) at this time. The DOE has taken note of my request and will notify me if the situation changes. Therefore, we only have 18 permits. Please play by the rules and sign for your permit when you arrive and when you return it prior to going home. And falsely accusing a colleague of keeping passes makes for a hostile environment. Remember, all schools employees (UFT, assistant principals, DC37 and custodians) may use the permits.
TEACHER’S CHOICE DEPOSITS
Teacher’s Choice stipends will go out in December. For most teachers who are enrolled in direct deposit, their stipends will be electronically transferred to their accounts on Thursday, Dec. 9. First-year teachers who have not enrolled in direct deposit yet will receive a new debit card with the stipend amount together with the Dec. 15 paycheck.
If you received a debit card in the past, be sure to check that your current card is activated before Dec. 1 or any funds remaining on the card will expire, the card will be canceled and the DOE will not be able to replenish it. Cards activated by Dec. 1 will retain any funds now on the card and the DOE will add this year’s stipend to it on Dec. 15.
If you have any questions about your debit card, please call the DOE’s Office of Special Projects at 1-718-935-3304. If you have lost or destroyed last year’s card, you must contact Chase Customer Service at 1-866-795-3890 for a replacement card. You are entitled to one free replacement every year.
SALARY DIFFERENTIAL
If you completed courses over the summer that qualify you for a salary differential, be sure to apply for the extra payment within six months or the salary increase will not be retroactive to your date of eligibility. The DOE now requires an online application process. You can access the application form by going to the DOE’s payroll portal system. Click on Payroll Portal Main Page, then fill out the login information on the left and click on Salary Differential “Documents.” Finally, click on the online form link. If you are using the online application for the first time, you must enter your Bachelor of Arts information first.
Each application will receive a tracking number. Print out your completed application. Keep one copy for your records; submit another copy to the DOE together with your original transcripts, which the DOE will evaluate, This process takes from four to six weeks to complete. You will receive a Certificate of Salary Differential via email indicating which differential you were granted and its effective date.
NEXT CHAPTER MEETING
Our next chapter meeting will be on Wednesday, November 24 during the three lunch periods with District 32 representative Kathy Sharko.
Friday, October 29, 2010
October 29, 2010
FORMAL OBSERVATIONS
Your supervisor should tell you in advance that she will be formally observing you on a particular day. Ask for both pre- and post-observation conferences, in writing if necessary. Use the pre-observation conference to clarify what your supervisor expects to see during the visit. Take notes. You may be asked for a lesson plan. Following the observation, you should write down your recollections of the lesson, which will help you at the post-observation conference with your supervisor.
At the post-observation conference, your supervisor will discuss what she has seen and give you a written report of the observation. If you believe the report is inaccurate or unfair, you should speak to me so that I can help you formulate a written response and advise you of the other options open to you. Your response must be attached to the original report and placed with the original in your file.
LESSON PLANS
As the educator responsible for providing classroom instruction to your students, you are responsible for developing lesson plans and can determine their format, organization, notation and content. Your supervisor may suggest, but cannot require or insist upon, a particular format unless you have received a “U” rating. Your supervisor may enter your classroom and ask to see your lesson plan, at any time, but cannot collect them on a regular basis or cumulatively.
MICROMANAGEMENT
The contract expressly forbids supervisors to discipline you for the appearance and format of your bulletin boards, the arrangement of your room, or the length of segments of your lesson.
You have the right to place your desks and chairs as you deem fit. This includes your own desk, and the placement of items on it, as well as placement of books, binders, etc.
TEACHER DATA REPORTS (Gr. 4-8)
In order for the UFT to be successful in court on the TDI case, we need specific information on incorrect Teacher Data Reports. If yours contains errors, tell me immediately so that UFT Central can be notified.
We have set up a hotline (212-598-6860) and email address (tdrreports@uft.org) for members who may have errors in their reports. One-to-one support will be available.
SAFETY
Be sure to secure your handbags, purses, etc., and always lock the door whenever you leave the classroom. This will also prevent students from entering an empty classroom where they can either take things and/or injure themselves.
If you are threatened, assaulted or injured in any way by a student, parent, intruder, etc. be sure to fill out a UFT Safety Report in addition to the DOE reports.
PREPS AND LUNCH
You are entitled to five unassigned preps per week. You cannot be compelled to attend any meetings other than the monthly staff conference during one lunch period per month, and the monthly grade conference during one common prep per month. You may not be forced to attend meetings, demo lessons, etc. during your prep and/or lunch.
CHANCELLOR’S CONFERENCE DAY
November 2, 2010, Election Day, has been designated as a Chancellor’s Conference Day. All staff must be in by 8:00 AM and may leave at 2:50 PM.
NEW PARKING PERMITS
We have only been provided 18 permits. I will appeal for more. You MUST sign for the permit in the morning and return it at the end of the day. Those caught abusing the privilege will be barred from using permits. No excuses.
TDA
Help prepare for your retirement now by enrolling in the Tax-Deferred Annuity Program (TDA) of the City of New York. Just a small percentage of your paycheck can be worth thousands down the road. Call 1(888) 8-NYC-TRS, or go to www.trsnyc.org
THANK YOU
I will be accepting the UFT’s Ely Trachtenberg Award at this year’s Teacher Union Day Awards Ceremony on November 7. I wish to thank all of my colleagues who in the past several years:
• Accompanied me to Albany to meet with our local state legislators;
• Telephoned these same state legislators in Albany to stop budget cuts;
• Sent postcards to Albany fighting education cuts;
• Fought to defend IEPs and for the rights of Special Education students;
• Attended rallies to fight to prevent layoffs of our colleagues and education cuts which hurt our students;
• Attended the OneNation rally in Washington, DC;
• Donated to the UFT Haiti Relief Fund;
• Passed out leaflets;
• Contributed to COPE;
• And who continue to exercise their rights as educators and work their best even in the face of relentless attacks against our union, our dignity as professionals, our pensions and benefits from politicians, the media, charter school advocates and even our own mayor and schools chancellor.
Barring any urgent situations, our next chapter meeting will be on November 24 with our district representative, Kathy Sharko.
Your supervisor should tell you in advance that she will be formally observing you on a particular day. Ask for both pre- and post-observation conferences, in writing if necessary. Use the pre-observation conference to clarify what your supervisor expects to see during the visit. Take notes. You may be asked for a lesson plan. Following the observation, you should write down your recollections of the lesson, which will help you at the post-observation conference with your supervisor.
At the post-observation conference, your supervisor will discuss what she has seen and give you a written report of the observation. If you believe the report is inaccurate or unfair, you should speak to me so that I can help you formulate a written response and advise you of the other options open to you. Your response must be attached to the original report and placed with the original in your file.
LESSON PLANS
As the educator responsible for providing classroom instruction to your students, you are responsible for developing lesson plans and can determine their format, organization, notation and content. Your supervisor may suggest, but cannot require or insist upon, a particular format unless you have received a “U” rating. Your supervisor may enter your classroom and ask to see your lesson plan, at any time, but cannot collect them on a regular basis or cumulatively.
MICROMANAGEMENT
The contract expressly forbids supervisors to discipline you for the appearance and format of your bulletin boards, the arrangement of your room, or the length of segments of your lesson.
You have the right to place your desks and chairs as you deem fit. This includes your own desk, and the placement of items on it, as well as placement of books, binders, etc.
TEACHER DATA REPORTS (Gr. 4-8)
In order for the UFT to be successful in court on the TDI case, we need specific information on incorrect Teacher Data Reports. If yours contains errors, tell me immediately so that UFT Central can be notified.
We have set up a hotline (212-598-6860) and email address (tdrreports@uft.org) for members who may have errors in their reports. One-to-one support will be available.
SAFETY
Be sure to secure your handbags, purses, etc., and always lock the door whenever you leave the classroom. This will also prevent students from entering an empty classroom where they can either take things and/or injure themselves.
If you are threatened, assaulted or injured in any way by a student, parent, intruder, etc. be sure to fill out a UFT Safety Report in addition to the DOE reports.
PREPS AND LUNCH
You are entitled to five unassigned preps per week. You cannot be compelled to attend any meetings other than the monthly staff conference during one lunch period per month, and the monthly grade conference during one common prep per month. You may not be forced to attend meetings, demo lessons, etc. during your prep and/or lunch.
CHANCELLOR’S CONFERENCE DAY
November 2, 2010, Election Day, has been designated as a Chancellor’s Conference Day. All staff must be in by 8:00 AM and may leave at 2:50 PM.
NEW PARKING PERMITS
We have only been provided 18 permits. I will appeal for more. You MUST sign for the permit in the morning and return it at the end of the day. Those caught abusing the privilege will be barred from using permits. No excuses.
TDA
Help prepare for your retirement now by enrolling in the Tax-Deferred Annuity Program (TDA) of the City of New York. Just a small percentage of your paycheck can be worth thousands down the road. Call 1(888) 8-NYC-TRS, or go to www.trsnyc.org
THANK YOU
I will be accepting the UFT’s Ely Trachtenberg Award at this year’s Teacher Union Day Awards Ceremony on November 7. I wish to thank all of my colleagues who in the past several years:
• Accompanied me to Albany to meet with our local state legislators;
• Telephoned these same state legislators in Albany to stop budget cuts;
• Sent postcards to Albany fighting education cuts;
• Fought to defend IEPs and for the rights of Special Education students;
• Attended rallies to fight to prevent layoffs of our colleagues and education cuts which hurt our students;
• Attended the OneNation rally in Washington, DC;
• Donated to the UFT Haiti Relief Fund;
• Passed out leaflets;
• Contributed to COPE;
• And who continue to exercise their rights as educators and work their best even in the face of relentless attacks against our union, our dignity as professionals, our pensions and benefits from politicians, the media, charter school advocates and even our own mayor and schools chancellor.
Barring any urgent situations, our next chapter meeting will be on November 24 with our district representative, Kathy Sharko.
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