September 30, 2013

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.