Category Archive
Protecting yourself from bloodborne diseases, Part 2Mar 18, 2010
The principal is responsible for the implementation of a bloodborne pathogens program that includes a site-specific Exposure Control Plan. The principal should appoint an administrative-level person, called the site employee safety administrator, to coordinate the school’s program.
Protecting yourself from bloodborne diseases, Part 1Mar 04, 2010
Accidents, playground scrapes, bloody noses, fights, athletic injuries and violent episodes all have the potential for exposure to a bloodborne pathogen, a micro-organism in blood that can cause disease if it enters your bloodstream.
Disciplinary action and false accusationsFeb 04, 2010
Despite many attempts to undercut it, section 3020-a of the State Education Law provides for due process before a tenured pedagogue can be disciplined, including termination for charges such as incompetence, insubordination, corporal punishment or sexual misconduct.
Long-term-care insuranceJan 11, 2010
Long-term care is the type of help you would need if you required assistance with simple, everyday activities you now take for granted, such as eating, bathing or dressing. The need for long-term care can occur at any age because of an unexpected accident or serious illness, and typically isn’t covered by other types of insurance.
Letter in the file: More and different toolsJan 11, 2010
Since 2005, members have both retained important rights and gained new rights established in the 2005 contract and subsequent arbitrations with respect to letters in the file. Those rights, however, are only meaningful if they are understood and enforced.
AttendanceDec 17, 2009
Here's all you'll need to know about your Cumulative Absence Reserve, commonly known as your “sick bank.”
Handling disruptive studentsNov 26, 2009
Learning cannot take place when students are unruly, disruptive or dangerous. What can teachers do when a child’s misbehavior interferes with other students’ learning?
School safety plansNov 12, 2009
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, which is why the UFT demands that the Department of Education mandate that every school have a comprehensive safety plan.
Per-session activities for teachersOct 29, 2009
Teachers can apply to become coaches, leaders or supervisors of per-session activities that take place either before school, after school, on weekends or holidays, or in the summer. Read this column to learn more.
SalaryOct 15, 2009
Your base salary is calculated according to your level of education and your years of service. Read this column to understand everything you need to know about your salary and what you can expect as you move on in your career.
Reporting safety incidents — and receiving supportOct 01, 2009
Has your car ever been vandalized or have you had a personal item stolen while on the job? If so, you need to know your rights so you can protect yourself, get the assistance you need and help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
ExcessingJun 29, 2009
There are times when a school reduces the size of its faculty, such as when it experiences an unexpected drop in student enrollment, loses a budget line or is being closed, redesigned or phased out. This is called “excessing.”
Environmental safetyJun 04, 2009
With the newest safety issue, the H1N1 (swine flu) virus, seemingly hitting every school, it is a good time to talk about the UFT’s Safety and Health Department, which can work with you and your school if you encounter environmental health and safety hazards.
Per-session summer work for social workers and psychologistsMay 21, 2009
As we head into the summer season, many UFT members apply for per-session positions.
TransfersMay 07, 2009
The open period for applying to transfer from your current school to a different one began on April 15.
School-based optionsApr 23, 2009
It’s spring and time for your school to review and discuss school-based options that you would like to create, renew or rescind according to the needs and philosophy of your school.
Program preferences and professional activitiesApr 02, 2009
UFT members have specific rights regarding program preferences and professional activities. Here’s what you should know before you make your request.
Professional activitiesMar 19, 2009
Most secondary school teachers and elementary school teachers in eight-period schools are programmed for a professional activity, and each spring teachers must select their preferred activity from a menu of options. Be sure to check out this column before you make your choice.
Classroom observationsMar 05, 2009
Classroom observations, when done properly and for the right reason, can help teachers become aware of their strengths and weaknesses, sharpen their skills and develop professional self-confidence.
Letter in the fileFeb 05, 2009
Every UFT member has an official file at school that contains the administration’s observation reports, annual evaluation sheets, licensing or salary documents, and other materials.
Instructional materialsSep 12, 2008
Teachers routinely dip into their own pockets to buy the many extras that make learning more exciting for students. Nonetheless, teachers still have a contractual right to basic instructional supplies.
Moving? Notify the UFT of your change of addressJan 30, 2008
If your mailing address changes, it’s important to notify the Department of Education AND the UFT.
TenureJun 07, 2007
Tenure is a status that appointed pedagogues achieve after completing a probationary period with satisfactory service.
Know your rights: Service and pension creditFeb 02, 2006
Forget about MasterCard and Visa! There’s a different kind of credit you may be eligible for — credit that can reduce your probation period or improve your pension.
