Learning to navigate the process

About 300 probationary teachers showed up at the UFT’s Manhattan borough office on Jan. 25 seeking help navigating the Department of Education’s new tenure guidelines for teachers. The meeting was one of a series of informational sessions that the union is holding in all five boroughs to provide information and support for probationary teachers, 6,000 of whom are up for tenure in June. “They were eager to learn how the tenure process would affect them,” said Manhattan Special Representative Mary Atkinson, who helped organize the Manhattan session. “We wanted to make sure they were comfortable with the process and knew that they could turn to the UFT for additional guidance.” Under the DOE’s new Tenure Decision–Making Framework, principals have been asked to base each tenure recommendation on three broad areas of teacher performance, which they must justify with evidence: instructional practice, professional contributions and impact on student learning. The UFT is helping probationary teachers develop a professional portfolio that will document their work and demonstrate their skills and knowledge. above: Kristina Milne of PS 40, Manhattan, asks a question. top left: Chloe Taylor of PS 116, Manhattan. left: The meeting room is packed to the walls with members seeking information about the new tenure guidelines.