March 15, 2010

UFT ELECTIONS
By this week you should have received your UFT Election Ballot at your home address. Please mail in your ballot before the deadline. Considering how public schools and UFT members in general have been under relentless attack by Chancellor Klein and Mayor Bloomberg, as well as the tabloids, it is crucial that all members are aware of the issues facing us and vote for who they feel can best fight for us.
If you do not receive a ballot by Thursday, call the UFT Brooklyn borough office at (718) 852-4900.


LUNCH DUTY
Please remember that except for the lunchroom coordinator, UFT members do not perform lunch duty, even on half days.


LEARNING ENVIRONMENT SURVEYS
Shortly we will be completing the Learning Environment Survey. This year, all teachers, guidance counselors and paras will fill out the survey exclusively online. The process is completely confidential.


TEACHERS OF TOMORROW GRANTS
Newer teachers who qualify for the Teachers of Tomorrow (TOT) Program must complete the online application by May 14 to receive tax-free grants of up to $3,400 annually for up to four consecutive years. These grants can reimburse as much as $13,600 in tuition costs or loan expenses that the teacher incurred toward achieving a first master's degree, subject to statute and funding availability. If you received a DOE notification about your eligibility, go to the TeachNYC Web page and follow the directions the DOE sent. If you have any questions, contact a program manager or call the DOE at 718-935-2449.

HAITI
Our school collected $260 for the UFT Disaster Relief Fund, thanks to the generosity of UFT and DC-37 members who donated.

TEACHER DATA REPORTS
Teachers who taught in grades 4-8 last year can now access their Teacher Data Reports on the Web. The DOE is sending individualized logins to each teacher's DOE e-mail account. Principals have already received copies of the reports and may want to discuss them with each teacher. Members should be sure to download their report and become familiar with it before such a discussion. Education liaisons in the Brooklyn UFT borough office can help teachers to understand their reports if they have questions. Reports are not to be shared without the teacher's permission.

The chancellor has directed principals to consider the reports as one measure among others in making a tenure decision. The UFT has filed a complaint with the state about this directive because it was not negotiated with us.

The DOE has created a toolkit on their website to answer any questions that you may have.


TEACHER’S CHOICE
Today is the final day for Teacher’s Choice purchases!


3rd ANNUAL EARLY CHILDHOOD CONFERENCE
Saturday, April 24, 2010, 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m., at UFT headquarters. The theme is: “Children ... The Heart of It All.” Conference includes breakfast & lunch, plenary sessions, workshops, and resource materials. Early childhood teachers, administrators, paraprofessionals in early childhood grades, guidance counselors, child care providers, social workers and parents are invited to attend. If you are interested, see me.


ARE YOU RETIRING OF LEAVING?
Although you are under no obligation to do so at this time, please let Mrs. Greene know as soon as you are sure. With budget cuts looming, advance notice may help save a colleague’s position.