Sandy Scragg
New York Teacher Reporter
The ins and outs of state certification
Summer is a good time to check on any outstanding items needed for state certification or to review state education policies if you are being appointed under a different license this upcoming school year. Read answers to common questions below and be sure to log in to your New York State TEACH account to check your progress.
Helping students identify real vs. fake
If someone possesses “information literacy,” they can find, evaluate and effectively use sources of information. With the advent of social media and AI, it’s become easier and easier to spread mis- and disinformation. How can we help our students differentiate between reliable sources of information and those with ulterior motives?
Stop shelving school libraries
Approximately 30% of New York City schools don’t have libraries, and there are only 250 certified school librarians throughout a system with more than 1,800 schools. School libraries are needed more than ever.
Achieving tenure
Achieving tenure is an important milestone in a teacher’s career. In this Q&A, probationary teachers can learn more about the benefits of tenure, becoming eligible and how to prepare for your tenure decision.
Creating a digital teaching portfolio
Whether you are preparing for tenure or applying for a transfer to a new school through the Open Market Transfer system, compiling a digital teaching portfolio can be a wise move.
Trips provide a real-world education
With spring’s arrival, we enter field trip season in schools. But planning a field trip in New York City is no easy feat.
Tech tools for public speaking
Educators know that speech is integral to fluency so it's no wonder many classroom assignments and projects revolve around public speaking. Here are some tech tools to help practice and perfect speeches.
Tech tools to bring the arts to class
While technology tools cannot and should not replace hands-on art making, these digital resources can be used to bring the arts, which may be otherwise lacking in your students’ school day, into your curriculum in meaningful ways.
Don’t count out summer learning options
For some teachers, summer is the time to take teacher institutes offered by notable organizations across the country that provide practical and unique learning experiences expressly designed for educators.
UFT parental leave
The UFT in 2018 was the first municipal union in New York City to secure paid parental leave for its members. Parents of any gender may be eligible to take UFT parental leave following the birth, adoption or foster care placement of a child under the age of 6. This leave can be coupled with CAR days to extend the time new mothers have with a new baby. The following FAQ provides answers to the most-asked questions from members.