Updates 11.24.20

News, Alerts & Events

MEMORANDUM

Memo To: All Buffalo Teachers

From: Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date: November 24, 2020

Subject: Updates

First, on behalf of the BTF Officers and staff, may your Thanksgiving be one that will, despite all obstacles, provide you with the opportunity to remember that for which you are thankful.

Notice of COVID Issues
In response to our concerns, the District has begun to notify staff of incidents of COVID-19 at their school/site.
If this does not occur, please advise us, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and/or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Grading/Hot Spot Issues
While in response to your concerns relating to the late, confusing and problematic grading changes, the District has extended the date for recording student grades to December 2, 2020, the problems were not solved. “Hot Spot” issues were also include. We have sent the attached to the Superintendent and Board for further action (Click Here).

Once again, please stay safe. Take no chances.

Have a “full-filling” Thanksgiving. I know, “Phil, you will starve as a comedian”.

PR:su

The Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) Information

The APPR is a process by which teachers are evaluated in NYS. The intent of APPR is to assist educators to improve the quality of instruction in schools and to improve students' performance for colleges and careers. District APPR plans must meet strict state guidelines and be negotiated with local unions. Under state guidelines, APPR takes into account classroom observations and student performance. Teachers across NYS receive an overall effectiveness rating every year.

APPR is complex and can often be overwhelming. Click here to keep up to date on all the current APPR information.
Opt-Out Information

Teachers and parents share deep concerns about the standardized tests used by NYS for accountability purposes that include; stress on students, in-appropriateness and lack of validity of the Common Core-aligned tests, loss of learning time, and lack of transparency on state test content. Parents who decide it is not in their children’s best interests to take these assessments are part of an “Opt-Out” movement. BTF fully supports parents’ right to choose what is best for their children.

Click here to keep up to date on the "Opt-Out" movement and other information.
COVID-19 Information

For our members, BTF has collected COVID-19 resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, as well as our affiliates, NYSUT, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association. Together we must, and will, be proactive to ensure that Coronavirus does not infect and spread to our students, staff and community.

Click here to view recent information and writen correspondence. The BTF will post more information as it becomes available.

Buffalo Teachers Federation

The Buffalo Teachers Federation is the professional union that represents over 3800 contract, probationary and temporary teachers of the Buffalo Public Schools.

The BTF is proud to be a member of New York State United Teachers and affiliated nationally with the National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers.

We invite you to explore our website for information and resources specifically for our members and retirees.

Calendar

March 2025

13		Executive Committee Meeting - 5:30 pm
13		Council of Delegates Meeting - 7:00 pm
25		BTF Retirement Seminar

April 2025

11		BTF Office Closed at 4:00 pm
14-21		Spring Recess
24		Executive Committee Meeting - 5:30 pm
24		Council of Delegates Meeting - 7:00 pm

Office Information

Mailing Address:

Buffalo Teachers Federation

271 Porter Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14201

Phone: 716-881-5400

Supplemental Benefit Fund:

Phone: 716-881-5462
Fax: 716-881-0580

Hours of Operation:

Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Guests Online

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