With the presidential election behind us and a new president preparing to take office, we don’t know what will change. What we do know is that the future of America does not depend only on the person who sleeps in the master bedroom in the White House. Our nation's future also depends upon dedicated professionals working to bestow the skills, knowledge and confidence in their students, which transforms students into powerful, informed citizens.

We know that our commitment to each other, our profession and public education will ensure our city and nation thrive.

We are happy that more and more Team High School members are actively engaged in our union. To date this school year, more than 200 members attended team high school workshops on education and unionism. We recently met with our Bronx high school chapter leaders at their October meeting. We just submitted feedback for a complete reboot (if not dismantling) of the Every Student Succeeds Act to be sure schools and districts with the greatest challenges are not assessed by standardized exams. We continue to assist educators to teach about human rights and social justice with “speak truth to power” curriculum. We consult with members and we meet in consultation with high school superintendents. 

Please reach out to your union if you have any questions. We need to support you to ensure our high schools are well-managed and foster cultures of respect and understanding.

Lastly, we'd like to say thank you to all those who participated in the union's Day of Action on Nov. 21. So many of us came together to affirm that our schools are safe havens for learning and to demonstrate our commitment to our students and their families. It was an incredible display of strength and unity. Let's continue to stay strong.

In solidarity,

Janella Hinds, Vice President for Academic High Schools
Sterling Roberson, Vice President for Career and Technical Education

Chapter meetings: The bread and butter of unionism

Each one of NYC’s more than 450 high schools has its own chemistry, challenges and culture. The constant is the UFT membership – all the more than 20,000 of us who work in NYC’s high schools and belong to our schools’ UFT chapter. The power of our union, profession, and well-being relies on meeting regularly with our fellow chapter members.

These meetings are vital to educate ourselves, determine our collective needs, and to gain a consensus before taking collective action – the key forces that will ensure our mutual health and success.

Reach out to your union to discuss how to make your chapter meetings productive. We’re strongest when we come together as one.

The UFT in the nation's capital

Janella Hinds, vice president of academic high schools, attended a symposium hosted by the U.S. Department of Education in Washington DC, on strategies to increase school diversity and create equitable school environments. A recent study by the University of California, Los Angeles found that schools in New York State are the most segregated in the nation, and mirror the segregation of New York City as a whole. Our work on this issue continues. 

DOE to spend $133 million on CTE programs

The NYC DOE announced $113 million in new funding for CTE programs in schools. The investment will fund 40 existing CTE programs across the city and new programs in schools including August Martin HS, Queens, which is one of the city's low-performing Renewal Schools.

August Martin will get a culinary arts program. Brooklyn Studio Secondary School will get a digital communication and media program and the High School for Energy and Technology, Bronx, will create an electrical installation program focused on solar energy. 

On Sept. 21, the UFT’s Sterling Roberson, vice president of CTE high schools, testified before the New York City Council on the need to expand CTE programs in NYC.

Nominate a colleague for a Team High School Award

Our third annual Team High School Awards Ceremony will be on Friday, April 28, 2017. This event is an opportunity to honor those who go above and beyond to connect with students, communities and the union. Please take a few minutes to nominate a colleague, community member or your school for the UFT Academic High School Awards. The deadline to submit your nomination is Friday, January 13, 2017.  For more information, contact Angel Valentin at avalentin@uft.org.

Read descriptions of each award category »

Make a nomination now »

Seeking outstanding CTE teachers

Help us shine a spotlight on the great work our CTE teachers do! Please take a moment to nominate a colleague for an Outstanding Career and Technical Education Award. The winners will be honored at our upcoming CTE Awards Ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at UFT headquarters, 52 Broadway. The nomination deadline is Tuesday, Dec. 20.

Make a nomination now »

For more information, contact Elizabeth Cardona-Diaz at 212-598-9290.

2016–17 citywide academic and CTE high school meetings

Every month, UFT members from academic and CTE high schools convene to discuss issues of interest regarding our union, our profession, our schools, and our students. Our conversations cover concerns of national and state importance as well as the city. We hope you will join us at one of our meetings in the UFT’s borough offices around the city. If you have any questions, or would like to RSVP, please email us at teamhighschool@uft.org.

Citywide Academic High School Meetings

All meetings take place on a Wednesday at 4 p.m.

• Date: Dec. 7
• Location: UFT Queens borough office, 97-77 Queens Blvd. Directions »

For a complete list of 2016–17 citywide academic high school meetings, see the flier »

Citywide CTE High School Meetings

All meetings take place at 4:15 p.m. 

• Date: Dec. 8
• Location: UFT headquarters at 52 Broadway, room F. Directions »
   
• Date: Jan. 5, 2017
• Location: UFT headquarters at 52 Broadway, room F. Directions »

For a complete list of 2016–17 citywide CTE high school meetings, see the flier »

Regarding special education and English as a New Language

English as a New Language: 15 percent of the Continuing Teacher and Leader Education credits (formerly know as professional development hours) for all teachers must be in topics specific to the needs of English language learners. Certified bilingual and English as a Second Language teachers must spend 50 percent of their hours on topics specific to the needs of ELLs.

At your next consultation meeting with your principal, please make sure that the professional development agenda at your school reflects the ELL requirements. 

Special education: Many high schools have been allocated a centrally-funded IEP teacher. Contact us if your school has received funding but has yet to fill the position with a UFT member. Contact your union with any questions or concerns regarding special education compliance.

Resources for students:

• Become a MoMath intern – Spring internships for all NYC high school students are available at the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) in midtown Manhattan. Interns will learn about running a museum while exploring mathematical concepts and sharing a love of math with others. Download the application here to help students apply.
• Internships for high school students – High school students living in Brooklyn who are interested in learning more about law and government can apply to become an intern at the Brooklyn district attorney’s office. The first cycle of internships begins in February and applications are due no later than Friday, Dec. 9. See the district attorney's website for application information.

Are you earning what you should?

In case you didn’t know, salary differentials are pay increases granted to teachers for credits earned beyond a bachelor's degree and can also be credited through CLEP exams. Other pedagogues or administrative titles may also receive differentials and should refer to their respective contracts on the UFT website for details.

Take our MAP to mental health!

The UFT Member Assistance Program – MAP – has many resources and supports such as grief and loss counseling, substance use assistance, a health and cancer helpline and other supports to assist all members. Contact Team High School at teamhighschool@uft.org or visit the Member Assistance Program page on the UFT website.

We want to hear from you!

Please let us know what’s on your mind by emailing Team High School at teamhighschool@uft.org. Want to become more involved with the union? Call 212-598-9217. We are the UFT!

Your team is on Twitter and Facebook

Follow @UFTTeamHS on Twitter. “Like” the UFT Team High School Facebook page to read, share and comment on Team High School posts. Please be sure to follow the DOE guidelines on social media.