Update: We have been told by the UFT there is NO AGREEMENT on teachers being allowed to do remote teaching from home. We apologize for any confusion our story (see below), that we said was based on a report we were given, may have caused.
We are not the NY Times, just a dissident union caucus blogger. We got this information from a CL who had it read to them by an administrator from a document they received and we talked to them again today. It was repeated and we had permission to post.
I have no reason to start any rumors as I have been accused of in the comments. We were just passing on information that had been sent to us. We didn't editorialize or say anything about whether it was positive or negative.
I am extremely sad about the state of the schools and the UFT but at the same time in awe that so many thousands of DOE-UFTers look to us for opinion and news.
Update 2: The City-DOE said on the bottom of page 13 in their response to the Solidarity lawsuit that "schools may also consider the needs of individuals who may not feel comfortable returning to an in-person educational environment when making assignments and modifying work settings and/or schedules where possible."
Keep asking folks. Don't give up.
The original post:
This came our way tonight from a very reliable source.
In the morning, it will be announced that the UFT and City are going to allow remote instruction to take place at home. Administrators must grant preference to staff to do remote instruction based on the following three criteria (in order):
1 - Having a medically fragile family member at home
2 - Having childcare issues
3 - Seniority
Arthur Goldstein has the story too. He had it a day before us. I have no idea why the DOE-UFT are not just sending this info out to all if they have agreed to something.
71 comments:
You go this from a DOE source?
Teachers told last.
I wonder if this is a gentle indication that very soon, we will all be working remotely?
Will we get an email?
We need something official on this.
Is there proof that needs to be submitted?
Any information on the process of how to apply?
I gave you what I got. I posted because the source is good. We will see the details soon hopefully.
Does this apply only to teachers who are teaching remotely but we're originally told they still had to come into school to do it? Or is it open to all teachers who fit the criteria, even if they are currently supposed to do live instruction?
I'm confused. What does this mean for teachers who come into the building?
Teachers from Grace Dodge HS are rallying Sept 10th
@gracedodgestaff
2474 Crotona Ave,
Btwn 189 & 187th Ave
The Bronx
Their story is on Bronx News 12 check them out
@News12BX
#onlywhenitssafe #notuntilitssafe #wewontdiefordoe
SEE LINK TO FURTHER ACTION
https://morecaucusnyc.org/2020/09/07/call-to-action-for-sept-8-11-2020/amp/?__twitter_impression=true
If the report we got is correct, it would be the latter category.
We all know it will all probably shut down by October. However folks will get covid. Seems like you're the expendables for the boss. Oy vey.
Lots of little fires in almost every school to be put out. The three stooges are wearing their Depends. Will this stop the Wildcat or do educators truly understand there’s more going on here? What’s the purpose of opening these schools? Who’s going to be able to learn? Who’s going to be able to teach? When was the last time you were really able to teach and a student actually learned? Fake everything. The UFT is collaborating on the theft of your profession. Mulgrew is working for himself, not you. This is about babysitting in warehouses, money and power. There needs to be a vote of no confidence against Mulgrew.
What’s a “Vote of no confidence”?
Absolutely @ 10:48
Will all principals allow this? Will proof be requieex?
Geez, stop asking the same questions. James has told you what he knows. He would tell us more if he knew more. I'm sure he will once more is revealed. With all of this we find out what the ever changing situation is piece by piece.
If this is true then many teachers will choose this option, there will be a shortage of live teachers in the schools , principals won’t be able to fill them, schools will go remote. Mayor will have to switch to remote but blame the teachers. We get blamed for everything.
Yes, James is not thinned skinned by any measure, so he needs no defense from me or anyone else, but of late he has been taken to the woodshed a couple-few times for his passionate commitment to our cause and how his devotion sometimes gets the better of his reasoning powers, which are obviously quite extraordinary; even I have chided him a bit, playfully, about his legal acumen, or offered snide retorts to his snipes at my typing skills, but we all owe him a great deal for providing us with invaluable information and support in thse very troubling and volatile times. I must say I regret not thanking Chaz enough for his work, given generously and passionately, and while not always perfectly, always in the spirity of solidarity.
So Thank you James for all your work here on this wonderful blog. We all appreciate your taking time from your family and life to help us.
S
Questions can be asked. You are throwing something out there that's very sensitive for some. This either is great or a great tease so more information should be given or is it anger at the UFT so we are trying to get ahead of them.
10:48 The reason we need to be at work is to protect our livelihoods. We can't normalize so-called remote learning. Continuing the economic carnage wrought by lockouts and "stay at home" will lead to tens of thousands of layoffs and the loss of our pensions when the city & state declare bankruptcy.
October is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of layoffs and economic givebacks.
Again, this is being done to RUIN teaching as we know it. Has nothing to do with the pandemic. “Never waste a good crisis...” remember that quote......people that are screaming 100% remote have no idea. Just wait until that happens and you’re furloughed or fired because they won’t need as many teachers.
HOW WILL "SENIORTY" WORK WITH REMOTE LEARNING APPROVAL?
Michael Flanagan
Many teachers programmed with 4 in a row. Admin claim DOE is allowing. MulGrew said repeatedly no. Who is correct? Filing grievances today. CL 10x141
@MOREcaucusUFT
So I'm sitting in a room by myself all day so far with no interaction from anyone. I filled out the morning attendance form and submitted it. They give us an agenda which says Supporting Each other and our Students, Student Orientations and Support Teams: Getting ready for reopening" No links nothing.
I just get an email from the payroll secretary asking if I'm in the school today cause I missed the Zoom Meeting.. Like WTF what zoom meeting and I took my attendance so stupid....
Rumor has it that teachers who are teaching in school remotely will soon be asked to work from home. We weren't given a choice if we wanted "remote" or in person kids. I had a co worker ask to switch with me (she's remote i'm in person) and admin denied it. If "remote" teachers get to work from home, what will the union do to give us in person teachers fair compensation? We are spending money on getting to and from work, and risking our lives!
I personally don't think its fair if you don't have a medical reason to be home to get to be home just because you got lucky with a remote class.
Two schools in one building have been shut down for 2 day due to a confirmed case.... teachers are working remote .PS 158/MS177
Exactly TeachNY, Big Tech and the charters (like Eva) are on the remote train like white on rice. It's all about eliminating our profession and replacing us with software/AI and/or people in Bangalore making 10 grand a year.
The average rank and file teacher is far more at risk from losing income, benefits (including health!) and pension due to "stay home" policy than he is from COVID.
I do think some DO have an idea, they know EXACTLY what they're doing when they're pushing their agenda. All remote is one cog in their machine to "disrupt" and destroy society and "transform" it into something sinister.
The way I'm reading this is:
IF a teacher is on-site with a program that has all remote classes then the Principal may grant them to work from home. It doesn't read to me that any teacher can work remotely because they prefer to.
I think it will be all based on the needs of students in the school.
Here's my hunch:
If the DOE actually allows people without medical accommodations to work remotely, there is going to be a massive domino effect.
Coupled with the recent outbreak in the 6 schools (and my principal told me there are more that the DOE is keeping mum about) and the number of students opting into the remote going up by the day, there is no way this hybrid model is going to be sustainable.
By allowing people to opt into remote teaching based on those 3 factors cited in the original post, the DOE is not only opening Pandora's Box, but I believe it's gradually preparing us to go all remote.
This will be the perfect incentive for them to go through with the layoffs, which they are mysteriously mum about in recent days.
I think the layoffs are definitely coming at this point, unless there is a buyout/severance incentive, and I echo the sentiment here that the normalization of remote learning will be the end of the education system as we know it.
TJL@8:57,
My point wasn’t about the need for a livelihood. We all need to make money. How we make it and how we are treated is up to us. My point is that your livelihood, your profession, the profession you spent decades in school for is now a babysitting job. It’s a well-paid babysitting job, but it’s still a babysitting job. And that’s in great part because of Michael Mulgrew. And it’s a great part because of deBlasio hiding the fact that the schools are a massive failure.
How come the layoffs haven't been addressed yet? Are they still pursuing that pipe dream of getting money from the feds and state? It would be nice if teachers knew they were on the chopping block.
I think remote learning is here to stay. Long after the pandemic retires we will be dissecting how to effectively teach and provide services via remote learning. Yes our schools will still have students racing in and out of the buildings but one has to believe that the pandemic and opened up the flow for remote learning and to build on the effectiveness of implementing a system of learning. Peace
Has the UFT made ANY remarks about the members with confirmed cases of covid19?
50 years from now when diblasio and cuomo are long gone historians will look down on this time as a time of ignorance and chaos fueled by a group of people who insist on destroying our education and country. So diblasio and cuomo just need to work for the people and stop playing God.
Further, 50 years from now public schools will no longer be. School choice will be in play - lets face it folks - we all love our jobs and need the money as public school educators but we all know that public schools are drifting into the abyss and that choosing a school for your child is better than having to go to the local PS in the neighborhood which is filled with kids you do not want your kid to be around any way cause you know them from the neighborhood. School choice can be great and still have union workers like the UFT which is great. Mulgrew and his summer session phone meetings proved to me that Mulgrew is a local New YOrk guy and his heart is in the right place.
the number of New York City teachers announcing their retirement in September, just before the start of school, jumped over 28% compared to the same month last year, according to data obtained by 7 On Your Side Investigates from the NYC Teacher Retirement System.
I am shocked by the number of my colleagues that are congregating in rooms with no masks. Then when u see them they quickly try to put a mask on. Some of my colleagues are having indoor dining lunch 📷. How can we be safe when students are in when the adults are ignoring social distance guidelines? The custodian also don't wear masks.
Agreed with 10:50...how is the union compensating those that actually are willing and want to go to work....seems very very unfair
NO BIG DEAL...
It’s not just the lungs: How COVID-19 attacks the brain
It’s “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” on a cellular level.
A new Yale University study on how the coronavirus affects the nervous system has revealed that the viral invader attacks the mind by taking over its victim’s brain cells in order to make copies of itself, while simultaneously sapping all the available oxygen, thus choking-out nearby cells.
Their findings, which are awaiting peer review on BioRXiv, add evidence to claims that the brain belongs on the ever growing list of vulnerabilities to COVID-19, including the lungs, kidneys, liver, gut and blood vessels.
“If the brain does become infected, it could have a lethal consequence,” Akiko Iwasaki, an immunologist at Yale University and lead researcher, told the New York Times.
The coronavirus is a whole body disease. Broadly, doctors have long observed its respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, troubled breathing and pneumonia. Soon, they added more puzzling issues: gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea; loss of taste and smell; chest pain and arrhythmia; brain fog and confusion.
Other than patient anecdotes, “we hadn’t really seen much evidence that the virus can infect the brain, even though we knew it was a potential possibility,” Dr. Michael Zandi, consultant neurologist at University College London’s National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, told the Times. In July, Dr. Zandi’s team published a report in Oxford University’s journal Brain documenting what they’d seen and heard from patients suffering neurologic effects following a COVID-19 diagnosis.
Enlarge Imagebrain scans
Brain scans from coronavirus patients from a study published in July in Oxford University’s journal Brain.Ross W. Paterson et al.
“This [new] data just provides a little bit more evidence that it certainly can,” he said.
Unlike other diseases, such as Zika, which causes our immune system to turn on our own brain tissue, the coronavirus works by entering a cell through a protein on their surface, called ACE2, then usurps the cellular components to speed up viral reproduction. All the while, it deprives other cells of oxygen along the way.
“It’s kind of a silent infection,” said Dr. Iwasaki, whose team observed brain tissue in deceased COVID-19 patients, in mice and in lab-grown cells. “This virus has a lot of evasion mechanisms.”
Dr. Alysson Muotri, a neuroscientist at the University of California, San Diego, who studied Zika in the past, noted how the presence of the coronavirus severely hampered synapses between neurons. “Days after infection, and we already see a dramatic reduction in the amount of synapses,” Dr. Muotri said. “We don’t know yet if that is reversible or not.”
The researchers now believe a coronavirus brain infection may be more lethal than when centralized in the lungs, based on mouse experiments that compared outcomes when focused within one organ or another. Brain-infected specimens lost weight and died within six days. Neither of these side effects were observed the in the lung group.
Unfortunately, it’s not yet possible to predict the cellular intruder’s pathway. Furthermore, the 40% to 60% of patients who claim to suffer brain and psychiatric symptoms, according to a recent study in The Lancet, could be related to widespread inflammation caused by the body’s immune response to COVID-19.
“There’s no need for the brain cells themselves to be infected for [some brain-related symptoms] to occur,” Dr. Zandi said.
“Different groups of patients may be affected in different ways,” he added. “It’s quite possible that you’ll see a combination of both.”
i am a per diem substitute teacher in the doe, and just finding out my fellow substitutes teachers, f/t teachers, para colleagues are being tasked with cleaning their own classrooms.
aside from the backwardness of expecting educators to deep clean their own spaces if they want to have a reasonably sterile workplace, how is this not a flagrant contract violation for performing out of title work?? someone please tell me
This is the 9th school with Covid-positive cases in 3 DAYS. This is with NO mandatory testing and NO students. It will only get worse.
NYC teachers are pleading with you to go 100% remote to save lives while we can.
Indoor dining lunch! Like normal human beings! Stop the presses! Ring 5 bells for the shelter drill, crawl under your desk, and await the apocalypse!
Another? Hearing now P.S.214 in the Bronx (1970 west Farms Road. Bronx, NY 10460) had a case where a staff member entered the building Tuesday and tested positive, and that the staff is currently in the building
Mulgrew works for himself. He has consistently betrayed the rank and file. From March 17 through March 19, changing teachers work rules without votes , not getting approval for any agreements concerning this ridiculous reopening to his oblivious disregard for teacher safety - not to mention the lies. As a former ATR I didn’t think he could get much worse than that expedited termination that he agreed to with the Blasio and Farina in the 2014 contract, but he has. He has no qualms whatsoever about sending teachers into dangerous work environments. That should not be his choice, that should be the choice of the rank-and-file and should have been voted on - he has broken a sacred trust with his members. He needs to be removed. I don’t know how you remove a racketeer other than by force. A vote of no confidence could do it. I’m sure deB and Carranza would be upset, but not too many others
My aunt works at infected new dorp. We have loads of very vulnerable people in my family including her family and herself. Why the fuck did they think this opening plan was a good idea?
I think we should be fully remote for now, but I do not think it will be permanent because parents want a place to park their kids and most people don’t want their kids parked in front of a screen all day.
I also think if buildings are closed for the most part, costs go down and they won’t need the extra teachers and cuts shouldn’t happen- no one is buying paper and toner (electricity costs, heating, etc.).
Also, all the Tweed and Tweed-adgecent people who could leave their job to “teach” has proved their job is not needed.
At Flushing High School all the young teachers are sitting around with their masks off. Also there are crumbs on the floor since yesterday. No way was this school deep cleaned. I bet thought that Townsend Harris, Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech and the like were all deep cleaned. You don't want to piss of the faculty at those schools.
James, any update from your source?
I'm spending my "virtual planning time" calling the UFT,
@NYCMayorsOffice and 311 and demanding that they close schools. I can't even plan because I still don't have a schedule or a roster. Please join me
Shelley, Thank you for the kind words. I really was not trying to take a shot at your typing skills. If I look back, I think the word you wrote when you typed it wrong was actually a real word. I looked it up. I really did. I was curious as to what that particular word had to do with our discussion or if it was a misspelling. No offense was intended. I get frustrated (the guy who has withdrawn from the union at least 500 times for example) but I don't mind disagreement at all. Some of the rational thoughts against my views have certainly made me think.
We all miss blogger Chaz who I worked with for years at Jamaica HS. Please donate to St Judes Children's Research Hospital. One of his former students started a fund in Eric's name. Scroll back a few days on our blog and you will find the link.
Please everyone contribute.
Virtual learning will not take over in person learning. Students learn best at school. This is not to say that there won't be new implementations based on this experience. Children/minors are not the same as adults.
TLJ - Do you know anyone personally or close to you that has had or died of covid? Didn’t think so, moron.
James. Was this just a rumor you started?
Let's not make personal. I think TJL comes from a more right perspective. I think 4:14 may have missed what TJL wanted to say.
If friends choose to eat lunch together without masks, that should be their choice. People at our school have been complaining about the same thing, yet on social media they’re seen attending bbqs, parties, etc...
Anyone having difficulty fighting for their right to teach their own curriculum? This is going to be a problem...also disagreeing what to teach with remote teachers? Nobody wants the DOE curriculum.
Arthur had it too. I don't need to start rumors.
4:32: I never said they were eating.
I’m 4:14 - TLJ was being condescending, sarcastic and rude. TeachNY: people can do what they want at bbq or outside of the school building BUT inside school they should follow the guidelines and respect the concerns of their colleagues.
If workers who share a dangerous work space elect to ignore the safety rules it is not merely their own business but the safety of all who work in the dangerous space. An Ironworker who refuses to use her harness because she thinks is it her business and her safety and her life is a dangerous co-worker who needs to be educated about safety and solidarity. Of course, all union Iron workers in our city know this because they have been educated, trained and certified in job safety and solidarity. Same goes for all the trade unions in our city. An IBEW worker doesn't get to decide that because fellow electricians have been spied drinking while driving off the job that it's hypocritical for said workers to refuse to work with a fellow electrician who is drinking on the job. The teachers who are not wearing masks are risking the lives of other teachers in a dangerous workspace. This is unacceptable. That others who are put at risk by the workers who break safety may take masks off in bars or at parties or wherever, off the job, is irrelevant.
TeachNY,
You do what you feel is right. Each day, plan what you want to plan, then at 225, go home.
This is why teachers are burnt. You can’t ‘plan’ ahead this year.
Be well!
Thanks! Same to you. I hate someone else’s curriculum forced upon me. As usual, close the door and do your thing.
I think in an enclosed space within a large group, yes, wear the mask. If you’re in your own individual classroom alone or with a few of your close colleagues with coffee or lunch, I think you have the right to take the mask off. Door closed, windows open.
Question - what are the chances that a teacher who is hired post hiring freeze being lifted can get laid off in October should they go through? Certification is Math, 7-12.
You have absolutely nothing to apologize for. You told us exactly what you knew at the time as you knew it. I have a union leader who is in bed with the principal. I depend on this blog for truth and transparency and it never disappoints. It has been a saving grace during this pandemic. I hope you will continue to tell us what you know exactly when you know it. That is exactly what I come to this blog for and really appreciate all your efforts. If I needed to read some thing rubberstamped, then I’d wait for my union leader. This is a place where I can actually depend on truly finding out what is happening even if it doesn’t ultimately transpire.
I was told by a UFT person in charge that they are trying to get it done so its not just a rumor.
TeachNY,
Funny you say that bc when I started, a veteran told me those exact words. She said,”nod. Smile. Yes them to death, then do what you feel is right and keep the door shut!” It took me a while, but I finally realized those words were true.
This year especially, we will be able to teach how we want to teach.
Not to knock any of the communities, but for some of the urban areas, we are never going to be critiqued by families on how we teach. Administration critiques. Since there really won’t be observations bc admins are considered carriers, you can do what you see fit.
Have a great year and stay healthy!
And James has nothing to apologize for. If he said it, then it will happen. We know how the doe works.
True story: I get my information on the issues that is accurate and precise from this blog or from the great Chaz may he RIP.
James, It’s a contingency plan to use in case of mass walkouts. Also never put any credence into what Arthur writes; he’s passionately wrong on just about everything, will never, ever admit it and is a legend (in his own mind). He did well to join Unity.
I will not walk out unless it’s union sanctioned.
Thank you!!!!! Love teaching what I teach. Been doing it since day 1.
I would take all of Arthur’s projections, especially if he is in anyway passionate about them, very warily. I remember arguing and debating incessantly with Arthur over deBlasio and Carranza. He beatified and eventually sainted them. One after the other. I told him from the beginning they were reprehensible. He was extremely passionate about deBlasio. I decided to give him and deBlasio the benefit of doubt right up until Farina and the expedited ATR termination proceedings were signed into effect - with deBlasio and Mulgrew. That was all the proof I needed. Not Arthur. That was ok - deBlasio was still a superstar and he blamed Farina. Farina left and Carranza became the next angel sent to Arthur from heaven by deBlasio. Anyone with half a brain would have understood and foresaw what we were dealing with, after all of deBlasio’s actions and inactions. Carranza at times did have moments of hope, but they were minor and short lived. Never approaching anything more than a glorified puppet, he and his master deB eventually became the ‘unforeseeable’ monsters they are now, after callous indifference directed at the majority of teachers and not just ATRs, veterans and White and Asian parents. Arthur’s heart is usually in the right place, it’s just he not the expert on human relations he portends (not pretends) to be. He often gets very angry and is arrogant to a fault. That’s one reason he gets very few comments. I was very sorry to see him manipulated via his huge ego into joining Unity. He does do all of us a wonderful service by posting minutes. Please don’t publish this if you feel it is personal.
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