Social Worker and Psychologist Newsletter
Dec 9, 2004 11:41 AM
Dear Colleague:
Best wishes for a healthy and happy holiday season!!
The reorganization of Special Education has taken its toll on all of us, and we need to be mindful of the lessons of the labor movement – solidarity and strength in numbers. Clinicians need to present a united front in the face of efforts to separate us and undermine our professional ethics. Let’s pull together and support each other during this difficult time.
Chapter Election
Ray Frankel, the UFT election coordinator, addressed the Executive Board regarding the protocol for conducting an election for Chapter Leader. Following this presentation, the Executive Board voted to conduct the election at the earliest possible opportunity. In light of the upcoming holidays, the initial letter to the membership will go out January, 2005. Nominations will be called for and statements will be collected for presentation to the membership. Given the mid-winter break it will probably be a 7-8 week process, beginning to end.
Work Load Issues
There continue to be many concerns regarding work load, quotas and logs. A union initiated grievance was filed, and we are awaiting a response from the Chancellor. I will keep you informed as news becomes available. Please mail or fax 212-510-6341 any documentation that you think will support our case, ASAP.
Role Clarification of the Social Worker
It has come to my attention that it is necessary to provide additional clarification of the “Role Clarification of the Social Worker” memorandum. Social Workers are required to provide updates and observations for reevaluations and triennials for up to 5 hours per week, not more. If there is pressure to do more than 5 hours, please contact your Borough Leader immediately. The DOE agrees with this position.
Per-Session
I have received several questions regarding hiring practices for per-session. Since the reorganization of Special Education was not negotiated, it is a superficial system of distinction. Therefore, the old rules still apply. Superintendency still refers to district and the high school superintendency is separate from the district superintendency.
IEP Teacher
Refer to the Memorandum of Agreement, October 2003, for clarification of the role of the IEP Teacher. You can find this at uft.org.
School Psychologist Action Committee
We had the first meeting at the end of November. It was a very productive meeting with several options for action to consider. We will meet again at the beginning of the New Year.
Menu
The menu was a hard won item. It has come to my attention that there has been a low response to some of the workshops. We will be looking into the reasons for this, but in the meantime, please take advantage of your 4 remaining staff development days.
Related Service Provider Issues
Related service providers continue to be overwhelmed by high caseloads. We will convene a meeting of the group as soon as possible.
Regional Meetings
I have had several requests for these meetings, and they are definitely a worthwhile endeavor. I will keep you informed as they are scheduled.
Chapter Officers and Delegates
Enclosed are the names of the officers and delegates, as requested.
The next General Membership Meeting is scheduled for January 25, 2005 at 4:30 p.m. at 52 Broadway. See you then!
Fraternally,
Ann Englesbe Chapter Leader
Chapter Officers
Acting Chapter Leader – Ann Englesbe
Vice Chapter Leader – Judy Goldston
Recording Secretary – Open Position
Corresponding Secretary – Ann Englesbe
Manhattan Region I Chairperson – Ruth K Levine
Bronx Region II Chairperson – Ann McKie
Brooklyn Region III Chairperson – Antonio Negron
Brooklyn Region IV Chairperson – Valerie Negron
Queens Region V Chairperson – Lester Lehon Staten
Island Region VI Chairperson – Ann Englesbe
Delegates
Barbara Arfe Irving Becker (Retired)
Laura Biderman
Janet Burak
Anthony Coello
Frances Cohen
Frederic Eisman
Ann Englesbe
Judith Goldston
Dilsia Johnson
Lester Lehon
George Kuzar
Ruth Levine
Lawrence Lieberman
Barton Lilenfield
Antoinio Negron
Valerie Negron
Dana Ohlmeyer
William Perry (Retired)
Vanessa Pressley
Stuart Sherman
William Solz
Marc Spinard
Philip Steinbach
Walter Wilson
Rosetta McBride (Retired)
Ann McKie
Linda Messina
Beatrice Nagby
Christina Louis
Joseph LiPuma
