I've been very busy the last few days spending a great deal of time working on the United for Change coalition that is coming together to challenge Michael Mulgrew's Unity Caucus in the next UFT election that will take place in the spring. If all goes well with the intense ongoing negotiations, we should be able to announce candidates very soon.
The UFT will need to be organized and mobilized quickly now that Mayor-Elect Eric Adams has chosen David Banks as his Chancellor.
This is from Chalkbeat's article on Thursday's press conference introducing Banks:
The incoming chancellor has also begun to assemble his cabinet. He has tapped Dan Weisberg — who runs an organization focused on teacher quality and handled labor issues under Mayor Michael Bloomberg — to be his top deputy. That move is likely to raise eyebrows with the city’s teachers union, which has previously clashed with Weisberg.
Michael Mulgrew, head of the teachers union, did not attend Thursday’s press conference but put out a supportive statement about Banks’ appointment. (The principals union chief attended the event in person.)
Mulgrew was actually right when he stated last spring that an Eric Adams mayoralty will bring back the worst of the Michael Bloomberg years on education. The UFT President warned us about Andrew Yang and Eric Adams before the primary at the Delegate Assembly in May.
Yang and Adams working with people who are proven enemies of public education who want to get back into City Hall.
Mulgrew subsequently lost plenty of UFT credibility when the Union turned around and endorsed Adams after Adams won the Democratic primary in June. Backing someone just because he is likely to win who opposes our core values does not make Mulgrew a pragmatic leader. It makes us look like a flip-flopping joke.
The ed deformers are back and it is no coincidence that Bloomberg is going to spend 3/4 of a billion dollars for new charter schools now. There's no sugarcoating it. de Blasio never strayed too far from the Bloomberg style of running the schools but it did improve in some ways. Adams will likely reshuffle the bureaucracy yet again but don't expect to see the money end up in the classrooms. It usually doesn't. Expect stupid deforms.
Blogger Gary Rubenstein has it right on what we are up against. Gary's blog post is called, The Tip of the Weisberg.
Weisberg has led the TNTP that was founded by anti-union Michelle Rhee. Gary makes some important points:
In 2009 they got into funding ‘research’ and their first publication was called ‘The Widget Effect’ which argued the benefits of merit pay for teachers based on standardized test scores. This publication is still often quoted despite very shoddy statistical practices. Dan Weisberg was the lead author of ‘The Widget Effect.’ More recently they put out something called “The Opportunity Myth” about how most teachers have low expectations because they do activities that don’t completely adhere to the researcher’s interpretation of the Common Core Standards.
Fifteen years ago there were plenty of Michelle Rhee type reformers in leadership positions in school districts around the country. As that brand of reform failed to deliver results, those reformers took positions in think tanks where they could make a lot more money but where they would not have such direct power over school systems.
Back in the Bloomberg/Klein days, people like Weisberg would celebrate judicial rulings where parents would fight to not have their children’s schools shut down. Charter schools, in the wake of ‘Waiting For Superman’, were supposedly proving that all you needed to turn around a school was to staff them with non-unionized teachers. Teacher bashing was all the rage, they even had their own Walton funded movie flop ‘Won’t Back Down.’
What about today, Gary?
But things are different now. Reformers are not as brazen as they once were. The charter bubble has burst a bit, though Bloomberg has $750 million that says he can revive it. But it will be hard. With the failures of projects like The Achievement District in Tennessee, it will a tougher sell to say that we need to replicate their accomplishments. Back in the day, there would be so much talk of charters that were beating the odds with 100% graduation rates or 100% college acceptance rates. Those stories were debunked so often that even The74 hardly runs stories like that anymore. Does anyone know whatever happened to KIPP? The only charter chain that can even claim to get good test scores is Success Academy, and even reformers hardly like to talk about them since they boot (or discourage from enrolling) so many kids who might bring down their precious test scores.
So where does a teacher basher fit into the current system? As a New York City teacher with two kids in the system, I’m a bit scared to find out.
Gary goes on to show some anti-union Tweets from Weisberg.
Now look closely at a sample of what Banks told NBC 4 on Thursday:
“Teachers very often may say ‘I don’t want to work on Saturday, I don’t want to work all year long.’ But if we continue to do things the way we’ve been doing them? We’ll continue to get the same results,” said Banks.
He also added that if the teachers don’t want to work the additional hours on Saturdays or over the summer, he’ll bring in community groups to fill the void. All is part of his plan to break the mold when it comes to education.
Union busting right from the start.
The UFT is a potentially powerful Union but under Mulgrew we are so unorganized and weak that I can't see us ready to wage a battle under Mulgrew's concessionary style leadership against Adams. Don't forget mayoral control of NYC schools is up for renewal in June in Albany. We need new leadership and an organized membership.
We should be organizing and mobilizing our members and allies to take away the mayor's power over public schools which sunsets in Albany next June and has to be renewed by the State Legislature and Governor to continue. Are we going to start hearing again how busting teacher unions is the civil rights issue of our time? We could very easily end up steamrolled by Adams who on education looks to be planning a fourth Bloomberg term.
49 comments:
We all KNOW that the current system isn't working. Too many agencies are ok with students of color being victimized by this system. I know there is a game being played by this system and have no problem with anyone willing to address this wickedness. The race card wasn't put in the deck by POC. The system did. So what's the issue with addressing race? I hope the mayor and Chancellor cracks down on this sh't. Anonymous posters brag about collecting salaries and not teaching because its what the DOE wants. So keep collecting your salary and do what the mayor and Chancellor wants. As someone posted: what goes around comes around.
Waiting,
Although I agree with you that the doe does not work, I disagree on the race aspect.
There are a lot of good people who work in schools in lower income, minority neighborhoods. An education is there for the taking…if you want it. That’s the truth and what needs to be said…but it will never be said.
I have students who are mandated for push-in/pull out services but refuse them(ie they won’t go to speech or come in late or won’t go to counseling). You can’t make someone care who just doesn’t care…about anything.
So, then what happens? We push them through and call it a day. That’s the doe in a nutshell.
I accept this and focus on those who do care. You can’t save everyone. My opinion is put your efforts in to those who care. Be cordial to everyone, but those who do not care(for whatever the reason) you just won’t see progress from. It’s not an insult. It’s a fact.
I am talking about people who use the race card cynically to try to say schools are the civil rights issue of our time and blame lack of achievement on teachers and then close schools that have never been properly resourced. Teachers displaced come from different backgrounds including many people of color. The public money then flows to edupreneurs who regardless of race tend to know little or nothing about education and don't improve a thing except for their bank statement.
If you thought the last 4 years were rough. Buckle up, this is going to be a ride.
I posted what goes around comes around.We have to be grateful that we have opportunities to help others less fortunate.If people want to do nothing and not help others, why did they go into this profession? Just to have summers off? I have seen some extremely dedicated people over the years, but also enough who are downright mean and cruel to students who are non verbal, non trouble makers, and sweet adorable children.admin did nothing. In some cases, admin assaulted a student.where is the love? I hope these people will have their karma, but it would be better if they just looked in the mirror and changed themselves.
I hope we don't go back to Bloomberg times.there is already a shortage.
I blame the idiots who voted for Adam's Surely Pepitone would have been better.Eric Adam's refused to debate him. The only hope is that the bad Apples will resign, as did several previous chancellor, or the new platform gets in and stands up to these awful people.first out needs to be Mildoo.
I don't think we can blame race or racism for the dysfunction and failure of the NYC DOE. Consider the numerous POC that have and currently hold administrative positions in the DOE. They have done nothing to help the students of color. They have done a great job at lining their own pockets, then calling it a day.
A novel idea may be to find the most experienced, qualified people for the administrative positions.
As a teacher who is only a few years away from retirement, I could give two shits if the new chancellor supports charter schools. However, with his new deputy by his side, I am quite afraid that the teacher bashing and "gotcha squads" are going to be back.
Why do you vote and want these dems, in the 90s now they are the worlds worst.
James and everyone else will see how much worse it can get. Longer school days and school year lol. 10 vocational schools should be in every borough. Students by 10th grade choose between vocational or regular HS to college.
Congrats James another Bloomberg term coming and Biden giving Obamas 3rd, this 7% inflation is awesome! We need major raises to keep up. Woke blog is a mess haha.
If they really want to 'fix' the schools, lower class sizes. It's about the QUALITY of time spent in the classroom, not the quantity. Optional after-school, Saturday, and summer school classes on TOP of that? Sure. But, adding mandatory hours to our day, days to our week, and months to our year will just burn us and our students out more than we/they already are. Plus, if we're the only district doing it, we're going to lose good teachers to LI and Westchester. That's not going to help New York's kids.
I naively assumed that all schools have equal opportunity like licensed teachers and funding.i didn't believe it when a coworker told me that schools in richer neighborhoods are way different than schools in lower income areas.When I was an atr, I worked in a few schools. It was absolutely true sad to say.btw I am white.
@2:05 pm. We can stop at "the doe does not work". Let's address this first. Once it's fixed: admin. teachers. parents.students. Address the RACIST system first. Periodt. Two black men are in charge and the fear factor escalates. Omg. Read some books about this country puhlese. It's draining how much people hate to address race issues but want to collect a big fat check for NOT teaching. You recognize that the DOE is churning out generations of low income earners and 30 years from now some teacher will be on a blog poo pooing about the poor students who don't care and whose parents don't care and yada yada yada. I couldn't care less how often race is brought up. If people don't like it, they should stop playing the game as a DOE pawn. "Only teaching those who care".
@2:17pm... i only disagree with you about Adams. I voted for him. I do respect your opinion. Chicago educators were charged with cheating. What would the feds say about the DOE pressuring admin who pressure teachers to improve the graduation rate. It's criminal. It's a crisis and if people can't see it--they need a vision and reality check. Stay safe.
@2:26 pm...well then. If they hired people of color, it can't be racist. Mattter resolved!
@james. To which people are you referring? Banks? Adams? Some blame does belong on teachers. Obviously not ALL teachers but some teachers aren't doing anything. They say it right on your blog. I don't give a damn about them just as they don't give a damn about their colleagues and students. I agree that school closures are horrible but are there really many failing schools? Lmho I mean everyone is passing. Now if they decide to check on the post secondary success of a school's graduates--schools will be closed. If the right people aren't willing to do what needs to be done it will be same sugar different day.
NYC DOE chancellors are jumping ship as are top administrators and look for opportunities elsewhere. Wonder why???
If Adams and Banks are listening to Bloomberg on education
and hiring Bloomberg deformers like Dan Weisberg then we as a union need to plan to fight back fast.
The teachers you describe, Waiting, generally know how to play the game and bow to whichever administrator is in charge to make their own lives easier. How do you intend to find them?
Lose them to LI and Westchester? Well why aren't the hateful teachers working there now? Leave. You are making matters worse.
Good. Maybe they are afraid they will lose their cushion job. Goood riddance.
The union is as weak as it gets. By conforming to the DOE for years , we produced no results. If we negotiated for our right to teach , we may have some leverage . Instead, the union fought for stupid things ., it’s in the public’s eye. Charter schools produce better results , it’s a fact . Charter school have high standards . They’re cheaper , it doesn’t take a genius to evaluate the better option for children. We should of fought for better classrooms, said no it equity (lowering standards) and lastly being a yes man to debozo. The union cringe at charters in fear of a job . Yet , the union openly allowed the unvaxxed to walk away .
It’s out in public , urge you to read Thomas Sowell book on charter schools. Once we stop negotiating with politicians … we produce better results . We produce results now with a hand tied behind our back.
Would people stop saying people of color! That term is so racist. It's just like we are going back to saying colored people. I really don't get why people think that term is all right.
The DOE has been criminally mismanaged under mayoral control and will likely be criminally mismanaged under Eric Adams' mayoral control. Eric Adams does not deserve the benefit of doubt.
The way to end this insanity is to end mayoral control.
“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”
Einstein's definition of insanity.
Common Core, charters, anti union rearing it’s ugly hard again.
Listening to Bloomberg on education is unadulterated insanity.
It is childish insanity.
Education is all about privatization and charter school creation with Michael Bloombucks.
So , we are going back to the failed policies, the crony contracts, the fake accountability and fraudulent graduation rates of Michael Bloomberg.
I thought everyone knows by now that Michael Bloomberg is a failed politician. He did not get very far during his initial run for President. Elizabeth Warren brought up the facts, the facts of Mr. Bloomberg's plutocratic delusions.
SO, it is time to return to failed educational policies of Michael Bloomberg.
@5:07 pm And unfortunately in these lower income areas the parents are often products of the same school system. The cycle is real. Happy holidays to you and your family.
Not only are students passing, but at my school they get 100 for assignments and work. The quality. Then the same student takes a test, let's say in Living Environment, and gets a 30. This is deeply wrong.
Waiting 7:14 PM - How can you be sure that the trash posts on here are written by teachers? I feel like any random troll can post anything on here, and because it's a union/teacher blog, people automatically think they're teachers.
Do not succumb to groupthink.
These are going to be challenging times for teachers.
The headline 6.8% cumulative inflation number for 2021 means that you have been given a 6.8% salary cut. This is a consequence of Mulgrew's incompetence with contract negotiations.
Do not accept the pitiful excuses generated by Mulgrew's brain trust, his Unity hacks. You are not lucky to even have a job with the DOE. There are many job openings in many careers that are much better than education.
YOU MUST TURN OUT TO VOTE OUT THE UNITY STOOGES!
because
Mulgrew has spent the last eight years pimping for de Blasio.
Mulgrew and the UFT does not have your back.
They never have had your back and never will.
Shun the UFT groupthink!
@10:06 pm...im not sure. Maybe they are. Maybe they aren't. I have met teachers who have decided it's best that they "play the game" by passing everyone. No back bone.
@953 pm...yes it is.
He sure does deserve the benefit of the doubt. Why wouldn't he?
@8:58 pm... i hear you. It is kinda funky.
8:58PM As sit here on my chair of red, I do believe that you have a point
8:48 yes they were smart to leave.they were attacked for trying to do their jobs.and yes, they probably would have been let go for trying.so I agree.i forget which chancellor loudly gave advice to future chancellirs:don't come.
Nobody cares about the kids except some good admins and some good teaching staff:certainly not the people at tweed. My heart goes out to the parents who can't afford to move out of nyc or pay for private school.they are stuck with rot for their children.
James,
I am encouraged that you now describe our Union as only potentially powerful. Members need to know the truth: ours is a weak union, and our increased numbers and thus our bigger budget makes us weaker not stronger.
The narrative of the powerful teacher's union is written by and shared by those within the union (Unity & Co.), who are and have been engaged in collective concession bargaining, and those who oppose the union (Adams ... Bloomberg & Co.), who are and have been engaged in funding and defunding projects that undermine and weaken the teacher unions.
Unfortunately, the narrative that admits that the union is weak, and merely potentially powerful, can't get elected or have any significant impact on concession bargaining.
Or can it?
Maybe this time is different. We have to give it a go.
Admitting our weakness is a big step. Now we need to figure out how to fight as an underdog.
Good Luck, James.
Any school that can pick their own students always "looks" better than public schools that serve everyone, including those with no interest in learning and needy disabled youngsters shunned by charters.
Does anyone know what happened with the arbitration hearing about spring break 2020 pay?
I know the UFT it was supposed to be happening around now. Anyone know?
I give up reading this blog. Complaints are not solutions. Insults are not constructive. Ignorance is not an excuse.
I want United for Change to work but it's obvious to me that before United for Change we had small groups with different opinions. Now we are one group divided over different opinions. Nothing has changed. Nothing will.
UfC will have to do better than that. How, exactly, are you going to get all these goodies. Pay raises are limited by pattern bargaining. We know Mulgrew plays the political game well. If UfC nominates a dog, or a Communist, I'm voting for Mulgrew. I think most people feel he may not be perfect, but he's careful. Some fool could drive us over a cliff.
832. Different opinions exist in all groups. It isn't about group think, it's about group action. We may disagree along our path but we move forward to reach the same desired goal... a union that responds to the needs and wants of the rank and file. We are United in throwing out Unity caucus. We are United for Change. If you truly want this to work, then Vote for Change! and tell your colleagues to do the same!
1012. Mulgrew is only careful not to jeopardize his political alliances or his private insurance alliances. We are well over the cliff, gasping for air on the rocks below. Only change can bring change, not exactly a novel concept. The status quo, voting for Mulgrew, will keep everything the same.
Voting for Unity and Mulgrew will not not keep everything the same. Mulgrew and Unity do not maintain the status quo, they concession bargain, giving away wages and benefits while undermining teacher agency in schools.
The status quo doesn't means you get to keep your job at lower wages while your work conditions deteriorate.
Especially not when workers are in short supply and jobs are everywhere. Workers are getting raises and better work conditions unless they are represented by a corrupt union.
We can change that.
Shelly it isn't two separate things. Concessions, undermining agency, allowing for the deterioration of working conditions, is the status quo for our Union.
We can change it.. we can change the status quo by voting out corrupt leadership.
Hahaha when the parents demand change, change will come. Nyc parents seem to love things the way they are. Not one protest in nyc over grade fraud. Parents are always the problem and the solution.
Waitingforsupport - So everything is a racist system thing? Ok so lets assume that is true... what is your answer to fixing that? In the end, it takes the people in the system to have personal accountability. That goes for admin, teachers, parents, and students. I think when we just blame it all on racism it leaves us without answers that make sense. Im open to hearing why Im wrong about this but I just dont see what the answer is when we just say its all about a racist system.
@7:05 am... well you're correct that parents are the solution. Many are protesting by leaving public education. That's a form of protest,giggles. By the way if you're theory is correct, NYC teachers seem to love the DOE and Mulgrew because teachers haven't left the DOE or voted Mulgrew out. As a matter of fact, many teachers have not only turned a blind eye towards the RACIST system but are in cahoots with the system for the sake of ahem "my piece of mind", "it's too draining" "parents don't care" oh and the new excuse is "it's their culture".
@11:40 am... I wish I had the magic answer. This sh^tting story would end. However one thing I would suggest is that people need to start seeing each other as individuals. Imo it would take at least 2 generations for any changes to begin to work. I would begin with including the accomplishments of ALL people into our curriculum. Why? Because while we can't policy the beliefs of people, when all cultures are recognized for ALL of their contributions, people's beliefs can change. When black history,Hispanic history, Asian history are not an event that takes place in a month but fully and honestly incorporated into US history--every child will see themselves and their possibilities. It's what is best for our country. Children grow up to be policy makers. What do you think will happen if all children saw the accomplishments of all cultures. Change maybe? A system is made up people and their experiences and what they know.
@1140 pm...P.S. thanks for the question. It's a good one! Happy holidays
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