Aware that teachers across the city are facing significant challenges because of the Department of Education’s poor implementation of the new evaluation and development system, the UFT introduced in September an online inquiry form for members to inform the union of their concerns. Information that members provided on these forms was used to resolve many issues at the school level and as the basis for filing 17 union-initiated grievances over the DOE’s implementation.

Now, the UFT has moved to the next phase.

A new online form that went live on Oct. 28 provides a formal way to address issues that teachers may be facing with implementation of the evaluation system. The union is calling it the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) complaint form. Members need to be logged in to the UFT website to access the form.

Here is how it works: When you become aware of an issue that you believe violates your rights under the new evaluation system, you have up to five school days to fill out this complaint form online and give copies to your principal and your chapter leader. A copy of your completed form will be automatically forwarded by the computer system to your district representative. That will trigger a formal resolution and review process in which UFT staff will work with you, your school and DOE central to address the issue.

This formal enforcement process is in place because the UFT insisted on it during arbitration and was successful in having the state education commissioner include it in his order. Complaints filed through this process will serve as a guide to the changes to the system that the union will seek.

For more information or if you have questions on the process, contact your borough office.