FROM THE UFT
NEW
EVALUATION SYSTEM
As one part of the union’s effort to help members make
the transition, every UFT borough office is holding workshops this fall on
various aspects of the new system. Members are strongly encouraged to attend
one. There is online registration for almost all workshops. The workshops and
the online registration links can be found in the event listings on UFT.org Go
to UFT.org, place the cursor on “News,” then click on “Calendar.” You can filter your search by
borough under “Where” to see the choices on the UFT.org calendar.
Additionally, the UFT has
created two online inquiry forms about the new evaluation and support system
— one for teachers and one for chapter leaders — to help get questions answered quickly. These
forms are among the resources on the new system posted in the UFT website’s Teacher Evaluation section, which will be the hub of information
going forward. Posted on this page are a list of samples of teacher artifacts
as outlined in the state education commissioner’s ruling on the evaluation
system, the quick-start guide and the commissioner’s ruling.
INITIAL
PLANNING CONFERENCE
On or before the last Friday in October, all teachers and
the principal (or an assistant principal) must have an individual, face-to-face
conversation to discuss the teacher’s goals and priorities for the school year.
At this initial conference, the teacher chooses the observation option he or
she wants for that school year. In addition, the principal and the teacher
discuss the components of the Danielson rubric and address any questions or
concerns that the teacher may have.
If their initial planning
conferences were held at a time which had not been mutually agreed upon
between the teacher and the evaluator, the teacher has the right to a follow-up
conversation with the evaluator. During the follow-up conversation, the teacher
can opt to change his or her choice of an observation option. Teachers may also
request a follow-up conversation if the initial planning conference was
perfunctory. For members who have not yet had initial planning conferences,
please ensure they understand that if their evaluator schedules a time for the
conference that doesn’t work for the teacher, the teacher can decline and
suggest an alternate time.
SESIS
If teachers perform
SESIS work outside of the regular school day, they must get the principal’s
permission first. Otherwise, they will not be paid.
DEPENDENT
INFORMATION
Members may have received a letter telling them to submit
proof of eligibility of their dependents.
They must do so by October 4 to
continue healthcare coverage for their eligible dependents.
PARA SALARY DIFFERENTIALS
The DOE has launched its
online salary upgrade application for in-service paras. Applications must
be filed within six months of completing course work in order to receive
retroactive payments. New paras must file within six months of their hire date.
Supporting documentation must be submitted by certified mail to the Division of
Human Resource, Office of Salary Services, 65 Court, Room 815 or in person at
the HR Connect walk-in center, Room 102. Although the DOE will continue to
accept paper applications, it is encouraging paras to file online.
FROM OUR CHAPTER
STAFFLOUNGE
In order to comply with the new Chancellor’s Regulations regarding sustainability, personal appliances such as microwaves and refrigerators must be in a central location in each school. Therefore, Room 309 is once again the staff lounge.
Please empty your leftover items from the
refrigerators and clean up after yourself to reduce the chance of pest
infestation.
Please remember that students are not to be sent to 309.
PARAS
AND TRIPS
Paras
are not required to pay for field trips. It is advised that you charge students
a little extra to cover their cost of admission.
NEXT CHAPTER MEETING
Our
next chapter meeting will be held on October 16, with our UFT district rep, Kathy Sharko.
PARKING SIGNS
For six months I have
been contacting the DOT, the chancellor’s office, the NYPD and local officials
to have the missing Willoughby Ave. parking restriction signs replaced. I am
now working in conjunction with our team member from the CFN to remedy the
situation.
E-MAIL
We
are not permitted to use DOE e-mail for union purposes. If I don’t have your
current non-DOE e-mail address, please send an e-mail to 123uft@optonline.net so that I may communicate with you if
necessary.
