Frequently Asked Questions
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A list of the most commonly asked questions.
Material in your file can be grieved under two specific circumstances:
- if the letter was written outside the contractual time frame (time limits are specified in the contract)
- if the underlying substance of the letter violates a specific contractual clause or Board of Education regulation.
Talk to your chapter leader.
Yes, your signature acknowledges that you have seen it, nothing more. It does not mean that you agree with the content of the letter.
You have the right to attach a response to material that is placed in your file. You do not have to attach your response right away. It is important that you take the time to carefully respond to what is written and review it with your chapter leader before submitting it. He/she can help you respond in a way that will not put you at risk. Your response should be written as objectively as you can and it should cite whatever facts support your position on the issue.
If you believe your contractual rights have been violated, you should contact your chapter leader for advice and assistance. The chapter leader will enter your grievance in the UFT grievance system and provide both you and your principal with a copy. Your chapter leader will also accompany you to and represent you at your Step 1 grievance hearing with the principal and explain the process to you.
Not at all. Before filing a grievance, it is always a good idea to speak with your chapter leader about resolving the issue informally. Our contract also provides for a number of other ways to resolve issues including the operational process for paperwork and other school bases issues, the APPR complaint process for evaluation issues and professional conciliation on the educational issues listed in the contract.
The grievance procedure is there to protect your rights and ensure that the contract is adhered to. You can file a grievance in order to remedy a violation of the UFT/DOE contract or DOE regulation, circular or established practice. Your chapter leader can help you identify the appropriate article or rule that has been violated. Our contract provides members the right to file a grievance if they believe their rights have been violated. Before filing a grievance, it is a good idea to speak with your chapter leader to discuss different ways the issue can be resolved.
No.
Yes.
The summative conference is a face-to-face conversation between teacher and evaluator conducted between the last Friday in April and the last Friday in June. This gives you an opportunity to talk about the observations that occurred throughout the year, answer any questions your supervisor has, and discuss the evaluations you have already received.
It depends. They cannot observe you until you have received the required Fall observations. This means that if there were more than the required number, but you have not yet received the results for the additional observations, they can observe you.