Sue Edelman has an article on NYC teachers being very concerned for their safety and the well being of students in buildings on Monday as the number of COVID-19 infections spikes in the city.
Some numbers from the piece:
Citywide, the positivity rate on a seven-day average rose to 9.39 percent on Saturday, Mayor de Blasio tweeted. He cited 3,648 new cases and 201 new hospitalizations. He did not mention the 32 new deaths.
This is the official UFT reaction:
A spokeswoman for the United Federation of Teachers did not ring any alarm bells.
“Our experience so far has been that the actual infection rate in schools has been very small, including in hard-hit neighborhoods, but we will be monitoring results closely as in-school testing begins again Monday,” a spokeswoman said.
The response to this on Twitter from our friend Reality Based Educator and Sarah Allen kind of sums it up well: anger and tears.
Please stay home if you don't think your school building is safe elementary and D75 personnel. We will figure out how to keep you out of trouble. Safety first.
Sign the UFT Solidarity petition to go all remote if you have not yet done so and spread the word.
But pay dues. Nice work, folks. Mulgrew is really listening.
ReplyDeleteMulgrew is afflicted by the twin derangements of bipolarity and addiction.
ReplyDeleteKeep on enabling his narcissism. Mulgrew is the quintessential "selfie man."
James
ReplyDeleteWhy not start every posting with the same comment about paying dues? It gets tiresome. Let him start his own blog. Say openly that people have the right to pull their dues but you disagree. Put it at the end of every posting and then say you won’t post comments repeating the same refrain over and over.
Maybe because of this...As the city positivity rate passes 9%, happy-go-lucky
ReplyDelete@NYCMayor
and
@DOEChancellor
leave school buildings open and appear to hope for the best. What the hell are they waiting for? http://nyceducator.com/2021/01/what-is-de-blasio-waiting-for.html
Ed notes, then why keep posting all the complaints and threads about all the horrible things going on if nobody will take action meaning nothing will change?
ReplyDelete10% infection rate. Not sure who is more pathetic, mulgrew, caaranza, de blasio or the idiotic rank and file. Maybe some get tired of being the only ones willing to fight and make a statement.
ReplyDeleteJames and ed notes,
ReplyDeleteI am not okay.
Our schools should not be open for in-person learning.
I’m being sent into a school to teach with a positivity rate above 15%.
I’m not mentally ready. I don’t feel safe.
The mayor of NYC no longer gives a crap about our well being. Neither does my union.
DOE spokeswoman Miranda Barbot, falsely states: “We have the gold standard in safety measures including weekly testing and mandatory face coverings” DOE testing is notoriously incompetent and kids eat lunch with masks off daily.
ReplyDeletePerhaps the uft would care.
And we didnt like betsy devoss... I didnt either.but now the democrats thought their people would be better?we knew better.biden is pro teacher, but it states that he wants the schools open.people will be sorry for their vote.another liar.just like he and Obama did nothing for blacks.nothing will change. Too bad the election heist was successful.hold on for dear life now.
ReplyDeleteAnd will they have accommodations for next year??scary
ReplyDeleteWhen are you gonna realize you are being completely hoodwinked and taken advantage of?
ReplyDeleteRemaining complacent, as we have been doing, will only serve to send the “you can shit on us, and we will eat it”, message. UFT members are setting themselves up for a grim future. We will lose everything, that those before us sacrificed and fought for. It’s time for us to make some sacrifices for the future of our union. Yes, we might lose CAR days. Yes, we might lose some money. No fight worth winning, comes without sacrifice. Remember, the actions you choose to take today, will shape your future. STAND!
ReplyDeleteThe DOE is opening up schools tomorrow. Where is the UFT. It looks like the UFT is not only in bed with the DOE. But, in the teachers pockets books.
ReplyDeleteThis is BS.
Why paid should we continue to pay dues. This CRAZZZZY
We gotta stop asking where the UFT is. Mulgrew showed his fake ass this summer when he threw around the word "strike!" and then said "PSYCH!" Don't expect anything more. And it's time to stop being shocked. Either we take collective action, or stop complaining. Cause they don't GAF about school staff. Period.
Norm,
ReplyDeleteI fully understand the opt outers frustration and the remainers too.
I think lone wolves opting out is a dead end that will make the situation worse for all of us and I have said that many times, but their view is on topic on plenty of these posts. I don't need to repeat the same refrain about how I disagree with opting out in every post but would generally rather respond here in the comments as the best place.
We have gone out of our way to be fair by respecting the first amendment to the widest extent possible in these comments. I agreed to moderate because of your request, Norm. Our page views were way up in 2020 so people who are offended aren't looking away or they are being replaced by lots of new readers.
When there are popular posts, moderating comments becomes an almost fulltime job. Unfortunately, there are outright racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic and/or totally off-topic comments that I delete but I read each one trying to be as fair minded as possible.
Press has told me this blog is a great place to look to in order to see what teachers are thinking because teachers can be anonymous. I do not want to lose that now. However, if you want to put in the comment rules something about how since this is a dissident pro-union blog, anti-union comments are out of bounds, we can discuss that. What do the rest of you think?
No question all NYC schools should be closed. No question that the UFT is not doing its job. The question is what can be done about the monopolistic practices the UFT? Well the first thing to remember is, it’s not a monopoly. En masse dropping out doesn’t cut it. It’s like balking at the price of a bulletproof vest, deciding not to pay for one and going to a gun fight praying not to get shot. Buy the vest and work on creating your own bullet proof vest, that does the job better and market it. Then reap the rewards. Look at the UFT as a business model. (It’s hypocritically ironic that Bloomberg’s business model for schools was incorporated by the UFT and Mulgrew.) If teachers start seeing it in that manner, many who enjoy money and power will see a propitious opportunity, and all teachers may finally have the opportunity to have their voices heard. The life you save may be your own.
ReplyDeleteI think if you do that, you are in bed with mulgrew who is in bed with carranza and de blasio, which makes you all pathetic.
ReplyDeleteThe sad part is mulgrew will win in 2022 by a landslide again.
You can look in the mirror when more teachers die.
1201, typical it is bad but answer. What would you like to happen and can it happen? Get real.
ReplyDeleteYou think your high readership is due to how miserable everyone is? I think so.
ReplyDeleteEven teachers DYING is not enough to get the union members to turn again our double crossing union. Sadly nothing will save us now. I thought teachers dying from being sent back into unsafe schools was going to do it. I was wrong.
ReplyDeleteYeah, 12:01 is giving the "It could be worse so keep paying" answer.
ReplyDelete12:09, This is 12:01. What would I like to happen? Well first step would be to protest in front of City Hall and 52 Broadway. If that isn’t sufficient we do a car caravan protest to Staten Island in front of Mulgrew’s home. Then some work to usurp chapter leader positions. All very doable, but everyone is on here and social media waiting for someone else to do the work and all the while complaining nonstop. You even complain about suggestions. What do you propose? Constant bitching on here and threatening to drop out isn’t working. Monday morning comes quick for all of us and no one will save us unless we fight and stop waiting for the UFT or the brave and stupid to step up.
ReplyDeleteNot alllowed to say it. this is what your dues goes to...
ReplyDeleteBrian Gibbons
@BrianUFT
I wish my commute was shorter, but I really enjoy having that that uninterrupted time to myself to watch movies, read or listen to music, w/no one talking to me, asking questions, etc.
Keep ignoring. Serious question for UFT, what is the quota that has to be met for sick and/or dead teachers, school staff, children and family members before you shut down schools?
ReplyDeleteThis is how uft helped me, So, I just resigned from my teaching job after 18 years. Being pregnant and the stress was way too much for me at my age.
ReplyDeleteWe good, uft is monitoring...
ReplyDeleteStart 2021 off right. Practice social distancing, avoid large gatherings, wear a mask and get tested.https://t.co/hnU8YAS15r
— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) January 2, 2021
Avoid large gatherings, but hop on those trains and buses to come to school. And it's the mayor himself announcing we've crossed that particular 9% Rubicon, with not a hint of irony. Given we're just past the holiday season, replete with entirely predictable surprises, it doesn't look like figures are going the other way either. We know that the mayor is late for everything. He shows up late to talks, to meetings, to pressers. I'm glad he's not in one of my classes. He waited weeks, back in March, to close schools. People died, and no one is going to forget that, ever.
What will bring Mayor Bill de Blasio to actually close schools? As previously mentioned, he could be ordered by the governor. Maybe Joe Biden will take hold of this on a national level, but I'm not holding my breath. This thing has been so politicized that we still have Trump supporters who still think it's a hoax.
The other thing that will move the mayor is a catastrophe. While de Blasio sits around in his office marking off black eyes and feathers in his cap, he needs to wake up and realize that the first casualty in this idiotic adventure will be blood on his hands. The press and public at large will pounce, and the open building advocates will head for the hills with their crappy arguments.
This will be the worst of all possible black eyes for the mayor. While I no longer respect de Blasio, and while the chancellor has proven to be nothing more than one of his handy pocket tools, I'd urge them both to reverse this march into the Big Muddy.
It's idiotic and destructive. If either of these men wishes to leave office with any integrity or reputation intact, it's time for them to close the buildings, at the very least until this trend is reversed.
REMEMBER THIS: DeBlasio CLOSED middle and high school buildings. He can and has every right under state law to close the elementary schools as well. He is choosing not to because elementary teachers are a babysitting service. He sucks but Mulgrew sucks even more for supporting this. I friggin' hate that tool Mulgrew. I hope he reads these blogs.
ReplyDeleteI'm not threatening to drop out, I already did. You guys do as you wish. I'm remote. Im not paying dues. When Im told to return in person, if not vaccinated, i will resign. Good luck with all your solutions. To uft has proven they dont care if you are alive or dead.
ReplyDeletehttps://nypost.com/2021/01/03/ex-fda-head-new-covid-strain-will-be-majority-of-cases-by-march/
ReplyDeleteNothing to worry about.
Enough with the Trump votes think this is a hoax nonsense.
ReplyDeleteTrump voter here, I dont think its a hoax. Most of my friends who voted Trump are also taking it seriously.
The irony is not lost on me though, everyone on the left who has been ok with rules not being followed for decades (illegal immigration, drugs, leniency on criminals) are now all about follow the rules.
The party who has opposed law and order is now saying you gottta follow the rules, oh the irony. glad you guys woke up lol lol lol
"The UFT is a Great Success."
ReplyDeleteBorat
First, this is a wonderful and much needed blog for free speech. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAmong the most depressing things occurring now is that the local/ national media are not condeming the very high percentage of positive COVID-19 findings in our cities. NYC statistics over 9% positive throughout the New Years period do not hint at any better readings in the near future. In fact, with millions traveling back home now from social gatherings (per the TSA numbers) we can expect the numbers to frightening climb to new highs. And still, we do not hear our leaders talk again about zip codes, red zones ,9% thresholds, or anything regarding schools except we are open for business. Their rose colored glasses show them that miraculously there is a a magic wall protecting all those inside a school builiding, compared to the despair and sickness outside in the community. Their "Situation Room" offers differering guidance depending on who you get on the telephone The Mayor says this is the Gold Standard. History tells us that that the "Gold Standard" was completely replaced because it was proven to be unstable.
James, I do appreciate giving us a platform for talking all union stuff, whether we agree or not. Obviously the elementary schools are staying open to be a babysitting service, with many of the schools to close for two weeks soon anyway due to having more than the 2 required positive tests.
ReplyDeleteI also have mixed feelings on opting out. In theory, opting out makes the union weaker due to not having that solidarity, but then again, it is clear at this point that most teachers have no willingness to engage in any kind of sacrifice to make things better, and the UFT will not change due to the teacher's passiveness, so why pay them? It's just not a good situation to be in. My school is closed for a couple of days coming back this week and I expect the same to happen next week. Nobody brings up the closure percentage to the mayor, because if they did, it would show what a sham this opening is.
First, this is a wonderful and much needed blog for free speech. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAmong the most depressing things occurring now is that the local/ national media are not condeming the very high percentage of positive COVID-19 findings in our cities. NYC statistics over 9% positive throughout the New Years period do not hint at any better readings in the near future. In fact, with millions traveling back home now from social gatherings (per the TSA numbers) we can expect the numbers to frightening climb to new highs. And still, we do not hear our leaders talk again about zip codes, red zones ,9% thresholds, or anything regarding schools except we are open for business. Their rose colored glasses show them that miraculously there is a a magic wall protecting all those inside a school builiding, compared to the despair and sickness outside in the community. Their "Situation Room" offers differering guidance depending on who you get on the telephone The Mayor says this is the Gold Standard. History tells us that that the "Gold Standard" was completely replaced because it was proven to be unstable.
This isnt just about covid, it the over and over and over repeated failure of this uft. Good luck all of you. Gladly not paying since 2018.
ReplyDeleteYou guys prove how dumb we are. Hiding, and Silent again. First schools are too dangerous to go in, we are striking, less then 12 hrs later, schools are fine, teachers will go back, then we only get 1/2 our back pay to only hear 2 days later Mayor is buying a bus company for 900M and taking over salaries and pensions of those workers, Mulgrew stayed silent, then 3% overall went to “ zip codes” Mulgrew Agrees, then 3% changed to 9%, Mulgrew silent, or says that’s fine, now that the city is over 9% he’s silent again. Best thing is next town hall no one shows up, then vote him out..Start showing you don’t back him anymore
ReplyDelete"I like to say very bluntly: our mission is to redistribute wealth."
ReplyDeleteIronically, all the wealth he wants to redistribute is fleeing the state.
What more eveidecnce do you need? The uft ignoring the member cries for help is the most despicable act I've ever encountered. James, I am ashamed of you. You promised after March...What do you say to teachers who must go in tomorrow? Oh, they should stay home. Totally let the uft off the hook.
ReplyDeleteWe should peacefully protest in front of Mulgrews house. We blitz his email with messages too.
ReplyDeleteIf the schools were really safe, middle schools and high schools would be open. James, are you going to do a post about the Post's cover story today about a high school kid who is getting report cards and CPS sent to his house from a school he is not enrolled in. I should say I'm surprised, but with this doe nothing surprises me. I think if the doe really wants to get rid of a lot of its old teachers, they should do something smart and we'll all die from the shock. LOL.
ReplyDeleteUFT Unity needs to pay a political price for selling members out to covid sickness and death.
ReplyDeleteUntil they pay a political price, they will just continue to not give shit about members.
They wont, because too many are sheep.
On 10/27, the most recent nadir of covid numbers, there were 528 new cases and 60 hospitalizations.
ReplyDeleteSo, in a little over 2 months, news cases are up 7X+ and hospitalizations up 3X+.
Surely holiday surge and U.K. mutation will make things much worse before they get better.
Umm aren’t you responsible for distribution of vaccine in NY? And, if there’s a racism in public health then it happened on your watch.
ReplyDeleteAndrew Cuomo
COVID showed that racism is a public health crisis, too.
Until the vaccine is available in the South Bronx, and the East Side of Buffalo, and Wyandanch, and South Jamaica, and Edgerton and East Utica, our health care deserts, our job is not done.
I am a 4th year teacher and I’m up for my tenure year, but I’m not sure if I can continue with this profession and what to do.
ReplyDeleteFirst I want to say, like most teachers we are in this for the students and that’s why I’ve been holding on. I’m not going to deny that the pension and benefits does not play a huge factor. But since starting teaching, I developed an anxiety and panic disorder, and I feel like I have imposter syndrome. I know I’m always giving my 150% to my kids but I still don’t feel like I’m doing enough. Even when I’m doing what I’m supposed to, even doing more, I feel like admin will say gotcha! The principal had sat in my Google Meet for 30 minutes and went through my Skedula to see when my last updates were. She criticized that not all students participated, meanwhile I was so proud of how my students behaved and participated that day.
My body has taken a huge toll, and I feel like I’m barely holding on. My relationship with friends and family deteriorating because of the change and shift in my personality. I have closed myself off to others. In between my remote classes, those 4 minutes are so precious to me. I cry, purge, and reset to put that smiling face on my kids. I know these kids NEED me.
I am working remotely because I have an accommodation, but this is not for me. If I quit my job, I risk homelessness and I fear not being able to stay afloat. If I stay, I fear my depression and anxiety will endanger me.
I’m not sure what my options are. I know people face same or similar issues and circumstances. With the depression and anxiety attached it’s been much harder. How have you been able to cope? What methods have worked best for you? Is it really time to just call it quits?
Psychiatrist + med hasn’t been helpful to me. I tried it during my first year. It made me a zombie. But if you have any teletherapy recommendations that accept GHI, I am very open to trying again. Thank you in advance and apologize for any grammar errors.
552, Please contact us off list or call UFT. Please get help.
ReplyDelete5:52: If possible try to go on open market when it opens in April and get an open market transfer. It's a long shot, but your lack of years will make you desirable. It just sounds like you're in a school with a poor administration. As an ATR, I have experienced good schools with supportive administrations. You just have to find your niche. Don't try to be a hero. I did that for over 20 years at my high school and then I ended up in the ATR after my school reorganized. You're only remembered for the last thing you do. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteWow. How sad and pathetic. All of you And your leadership.
ReplyDeleteI think the mayor and Mulgrew have a deal. Follow my commands or I will propose pay cuts the likes of which you will not believe. Teachers will have no leverage in the court of public opinion. We'll be lucky if we survive with pay freeze and no layoffs. The pain is coming.
ReplyDeleteLOL. A near suicidal person and the answer is to go on the open market transfer...Next summer. You guys are funny. That is as despicable as telling teachers who are gonna get infected tomorrow that the uft is monitoring it.
ReplyDelete552:so sorry for all that,like a dream shattered...the uft Member Assistance Programs for you.and yes, ghi has teletherapy, first television was and still might be free.i hope you can transfer to a school with a reasonable admin.everyone is stressed, even they are.i wonder if there is a zoom or facebook group to share safely.hopefully, we can get to normal times by summer or fall.can you get a medical leave using your car days?you can borrow up to 20 days.call MAP at uft and good luck to you, whatever you decide to do.
ReplyDeleteThis is what you all get. It is embarrassing to be a teacher. Funny how this thread started with "dont talk about opt out." Every post has been a huge complaint, with one being near suicidal. I guess content teachers are paying dues.
ReplyDelete5:50...I am white, btw, but I am suspicious of a politician that suddenly allegedly cares about people of color.how do we know know this isnt another Tuskeegee situation by offering it so eagerly to minorities? Big Pharma demanded zero liability for this vaccine.if they are so confident it is safe, why would they demand this as a condition to producing it???do your ha and read about the horrors of HPV vaccine and others. I dont mean to sound paranoid or conspiracy theorist, but they have a lousy history.why would govt suddenly care about minorities, or any of us fot that matter.look at the lies about masks, about the spread, etc from the getgo.imho, do your best to stay safe.eat well, rest well, mask, stay apart from people, practice hygiene, and boost your immunity.prevention is key.then if god forbid anyone gets sick, then we might have to medicate.that is my plan as of now.
ReplyDeleteWe might need a sick out to get them to close.nobody in the city cares about us.we have to care for ourselves.btw. I hear there are over 200 vaccines in the pipeline.what might that mean?(dare I call them out)do as you think best.
@5:52
ReplyDeleteI know there is a lot happening that can make things seem insurmountable, especially now, but we are here for you.
The UFT Member Assistance Program (MAP) offers confidential services to support UFT members, including clinical referrals. Email mapinfo@uft.org or call 212-701-9620. If someone is not available to speak with you immediately, they will get back to you within 24 hours. More information can be found at https://www.uft.org/your-union/uft-programs/member-assistance-program
Confidential support is also available through the New York City Employee Assistance Program (EAP). All EAP services are available Monday through Friday, 8am – 9pm. Please contact EAP by email at eap@olr.nyc.gov or call and leave a message at 212-306-7660. More information is available at https://www1.nyc.gov/site/olr/eap/eaphome.page
The UFT's teacher-to-teacher Peer Intervention Program (PIP) provides confidential one-on-one help from highly experienced, specially selected colleagues who will assist you in developing an individualized plan for meeting the demands of in-person and/or remote teaching. Please call 212-844-0600, email pip@uft.org, or visit https://www.uft.org/your-union/uft-programs/peer-intervention-program for more info.
If you need help with contacting any of the services listed above, please let me know. You can also reach out to your UFT District Rep or UFT Borough Office. Information on UFT Borough Offices can be found here: https://www.uft.org/your-union/uft-borough-offices
Chad Hamilton
231K Chapter Leader
chadhamilton231@gmail.com
to 5:52. Please take care of YOURSELF.
ReplyDeleteKnow that it isn't you at all. The problem is the education system. Being a elementary gen ed teacher is like doing the work of 3 individuals. The problem lies with the insane expectations that have increased dramatically over the last 25 years. The biggest change is the role of principals. When I started, principals supported teachers. They were role models who helped and modeled lessons. They had many years experience actually teaching. Today this is not the case. It is disgusting.
Please look for a transfer, look at job postings for a job outside of the classroom and try to apply for something else away from the DOE. Look at large corporations. Apply for positions that you think you can do. Don't get caught up in the ed degree and think you can't do anything else.
You have proven you can do A LOT.
Please join a support group on Facebook, contact UFT for new teachers groups. It's great that you recognize that you need support. I found this on the UFT site.
https://www.uft.org/your-union/uft-programs/member-assistance-program/map-support-groups/member-assistance-program-virtual-support-groups
Please let us know how you are doing. We are here to support each other.
Mulgrew email...open windows
ReplyDelete5:52,
ReplyDeleteI agree with 6:01. Good administration is so important. Some people are impossible to please. No matter how much you try, they will never be happy. Your best bet is to look inside, know that you are doing a good job, then either get some type of transfer, or try to outlast them. Only you know what will work for you.
Also, look around the building. Is there another job that you can start working towards that is not as stressful? Maybe guidance counselor, librarian, school psychologist, AP? Classroom teaching is great, but can be very draining. Other school jobs are also important.
Don't forget there are teaching jobs with the state and the federal govt.
Good Luck.
I like reading this blog, even the repititious comments. It reminds me of the best parts of Chaz's blog where teachers could help teachers and there was a nutty character or two. Sort of like a semi-positive teacher's lounge.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Everyone!
I hear Dwarka has covid and is on a ventilator
ReplyDelete6:21: What's your advice oh great guru of the teaching confession?
ReplyDeleteJust got an email from milldew on how to properly have ventalition in your classroom. I didnt watch but you have to be kidding me. How about shutting us down until we are vaccinated.
ReplyDeleteDefying CPS, Chicago Teachers Union members won’t return to schools Monday, say they will teach remotely ‘until buildings are safe’
ReplyDeletehttps://trib.al/SkJ7Q9e
Start here...
ReplyDeleteA. Dont go in tomorrow
B. Get rid of unity by any means necessary
C. Find another profession if at all possible.
Lol. A teacher blog telling teachers to leave teaching. Repeatedly. Must be a lousy job.
ReplyDeleteAt least the guru doesn't pay $1500 to get thrown to the wolves.
ReplyDelete9:17: You must be an administrator or politician because you just ignored my question. People like you just criticize people but don't do anything. If not paying dues were the solution, don't you think more of us would stop paying them.
ReplyDelete956, I said
ReplyDeleteStart here...
A. Dont go in tomorrow
B. Get rid of unity by any means necessary
C. Find another profession if at all possible.
What i don't get is that we are getting screwed while paying dues, so why pay? Might as well save the money. Oh, it could be worse. What a good good excuse.
ReplyDeleteMulgrew email about grief counseling!
ReplyDeleteCoworker who is a sub said he subbed in a d75 building with ONE STUDENT and five staff!but city is broke...when a d75 class closes, we need a whole lot of subs bec of one case.wastefulagain, but they cant pay us.
ReplyDelete11:59: If you want to talk about wasting money, look at the atr pool. I sit around all day at home doing nothing and get paid top salary.
ReplyDeleteTo the struggling teacher... your students don’t need you. Your school does not need you, your principal doesn’t deserve you. Your friends and family do need you. These are the people who truly need and love you. For their sake and yours please find yourself a good therapist to work out your issues. Years ago I paid out of pocket for a great therapist. It was the best money I ever spent. Feelings aren’t facts. As horrible as you feel now doesn’t mean it’s permanent. You can get better. Baby steps. Ask everyone you know if they know of a good therapist and make the call. Good therapy and antidepressants helped me climb out of my depression. Please know things can get better. Be kind to yourself. You deserve it.
ReplyDelete