More than 200 chapter leaders gathered during the last weekend of September for in-depth training on everything from teacher evaluation to school safety. It was the first of three intensive, two-day training sessions this school year for new chapter leaders and chapter leaders who have not received training in the past 10 years. Chapter leaders are tasked with advocating for UFT members at their schools, including teachers, secretaries, paraprofessionals, guidance counselors, psychologists and substitutes. UFT President Michael Mulgrew, addressing the chapter leaders on the first day, underscored their critical role in helping members find their voice. "We have to empower the educators at the school," he said. His advice for the new leaders: Don't do it alone. "We have to shift our conditioning," he said. "Teachers tend to close the door and say, 'I'll handle it myself.' Your work gets easier if you work in teams." Chapter leaders attended workshops on establishing consultation committees, handling grievances, student removal protocol and appropriate conduct during school investigations. They also learned they are contractually obligated to a wealth of information, including teacher programs, school budgets — including budget updates —and the seniority list. In a session on the new teacher evaluation system, chapter leaders had the chance to rehearse how they would respond in different scenarios that tested their knowledge of the process. In his remarks, Mulgrew emphasized that evaluation is about supporting teachers and creating collaborative learning environments.

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