News, Alerts & Events

MEMORANDUM

 

 

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          March 22, 2021

 

Subject:     Reopening/Transfer Deadline Extension


We have and we will continue to work together to ensure that our schools are and remain safe.

 

Yes, teachers want to be back with students and colleagues. The public and some administrators have no understanding of the hours and hours of work and stress that you are under to help your students.

 

However, we need to ensure the safety of all.

 

With your help, we have:

  • Had major modifications made to some schools/sites.
  • Increased the cleanliness of some schools/sites.
  • Worked to ensure that there are some health and safety procedures in schools/sites.
  • Worked to provide more access to the vaccine for educators.
  • Worked to ensure that the reopening of schools for students is done carefully (in some cases, not carefully enough.)
  • Worked on Local, State and Federal levels to slow down the political pressure to unsafely reopen schools/sites.
  • Worked on a State and Federal level to secure a major increase in funding for our schools.

 

Indeed, we have been successful in having Federal Legislation prevent local governments from cutting back on their share of funding.

 

We have done much together; however, we can not rest until our schools are providing a safe education for all.

 

Therefore, we ask for your support again.

 

We ask that Delegate Chairpersons and Building Committee members, who have, with your input, provided invaluable information, once again complete the attached BTF Health and Safety Assessment. (Click Here) This is a copy of what will be sent to your representatives.

 

It will be sent today to those representatives for whom we have information. If you do not receive an Assessment by Tuesday, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

With your help, we have accomplished much; however, we can’t end our vigil.

 

No one will know the loss of lives or serious injuries our actions have prevented.

 

We have and will continue to act in the best interests of all.

 

We are Buffalo teachers.

 

Transfer Deadline Extended
A memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed today extending the date to apply for a transfer from March 23, 2021 to April 16, 2021.

 

It was sent to the District previously but somehow was lost in their computer system.

 

PR:su

Important Information

  • 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

 officers 2023
 
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.

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