Linking to Learning
Helpful DOE Web site links
Nov 6, 2008 4:24 PM
Bonus tipHere’s a Google shortcut that can help you find what you want quickly on the DOE Web site. Type the following in the Google search box: site:schools.nyc.gov and then add a search term in front of the word “site.” Example: chancellor’s regulations site:schools.nyc.gov. (Don’t put a space after the colon.) This shortcut limits the search to the DOE site only. Substitute any other Web site URL to try this on other sites, too. |
The professional lives of teachers and other education workers are often unduly complicated by a host of seemingly arcane regulations, procedures and requirements.
Until the advent of the Internet, educators — especially newer employees — had to rely on school secretaries, administrators and the New York Teacher to keep up with the latest information. Now most everything you need to know and do is online at the city Department of Education Web site (http://schools.nyc.gov) and disseminated via e-mail.
The best starting place on the site is the employees’ page (http://schools.nyc.gov/Employees), which consists of a series of links to important and helpful information. Here you can log into your DOE e-mail, find information about your salary, learn about salary steps and how to apply for differentials, and find out about the multiple paths to certification. You can find information about the Direct Deposit program (EFT), TransitChek benefits and employee discounts.
The City of New York offers employees an opportunity to purchase an annual unlimited-ride MetroCard, called the Premium TransitChek MetroCard, via a pre-tax payroll deduction. With this card, you receive unlimited rides on subways and local buses, 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
If you’re looking to purchase the new iPhone or a new Dell computer, you are eligible to receive discounts from these companies. Just click on the link to Employee Incentives and Discounts. Remember, to apply for some of these services and benefits, you have to have a DOE e-mail address.
When you click on the Teacher Page link in the left-side navigation menu of the DOE Web site, you will find the latest news from the DOE, a list of teaching resources, school calendars, professional development catalogs and state standards. Currently, the DOE is highlighting information about the Teacher Data Reports and information about “Project Chess,” a program that trains teachers who want to provide chess instruction to children.
In the left-side navigation menu (in orange) of the employees’ page, you will find a link to the DOE’s Offices & Programs, where you can get the names, e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of important contact personnel. In addition, the Rules & Policies link takes you to a list that includes the Chancellor’s Regulations, the 2008 version of the student discipline code, the promotion policy for grades 3 and 5, and the Internet Acceptable Use Policy.
If you haven’t seen the Chancellor’s Regulations, then you should spend some time reviewing them. The regulations are available in English and eight other languages. Look at Chancellor’s Regulation A-443 about Student Discipline Procedures to see if your school complies with the regulations.
Make sure you also read Chancellor’s Regulation A-420 — Pupil Behavior and Discipline-Corporal Punishment. Knowledge of this regulation could save your career. Also take a look at Chancellor’s Regulation A-750 that addresses reporting suspected child abuse.
If you have students with severe allergies in your classes, then you should be aware of the Regulation A-715 regarding the administration of epinephrine in cases of severe allergic reactions leading to anaphylaxis.
In this era of going green, is your school implementing Regulation A-850 about recycling waste? The regulation says: “Recycling must be implemented in all school buildings, office buildings and any other facility under the jurisdiction of the Board of Education.”
If you go back to the left-side navigation menu of the employees’ page, you will see a link to Student Performance & Accountability. When you open this page, you will find links to Progress Reports, Quality Reviews and Annual School Reports. To locate the information for your school, simply click on the link and then enter your school’s borough and number.
The DOE’s Web site has much more information, but these few links should help you stay informed.
