News, Alerts & Events

MEMORANDUM

 

 

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          August 25, 2022

 

Subject:    Solidarity Picketing / Special Board Meeting


We have just learned that there will be a Special Board of Education Meeting:

DATE:   August 31, 2022
TIME:   4:00 pm
PLACE: 
  Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts (See Below)
  450 Masten Avenue Buffalo, NY 14209

 

It will apparently be to ratify the Engineers’ contract.

 

While this is very short notice and we know many are still at work, if you can make it with a sign, thank you.

 

We are still suggesting school /site picketing this Friday, September 2, 2022.

 

School/Site Picketing Date Change

Based on concerns relating to picketing on the first day of student attendance and the usual confusion, (which will probably be worse this year), we are suggesting beginning school/site “pre-entry” picketing on Friday September 9, 2022 instead of Tuesday September 6, 2022.

 

Next Rally

We will plan for a solidarity rally before the next regular Board Meeting.

 

DATE:   September 21, 2022
TIME:   4:00 pm - Meeting starts at 5:30
    We will attend the meeting – I will address the Superintendent and Board
PLACE:   Buffalo Academy of Visual and Performing Arts (See Below)
  450 Masten Avenue Buffalo, NY 14209

 

Solidarity Day – Fridays

We encourage teachers to wear BTF identification often, and as always, on Fridays, everyone should be wearing something with the BTF logo. If you need additional BTF logo “stickers”, Delegate Chairs please advise us of the number you will need. You can pick some up or we will put them in the Pony to you. Shirts, etc. are available at BTF headquarters.

 

 

Picket Signs

Thank you to the Delegate Chairs who have already picked up signs for your school. Many are here awaiting a pick up. If you have not had a chance to schedule a pick up, please email Hazel at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

Negotiations

We will be submitting our issues to the Fact-Finder this week unless issues arise. They will not be shared with the District until October 7, 2022. That is when they are due. Unlike the District, we are ready for Fact-Finding now.

 

We have just received a response from the District re: resuming negotiations on issues we believe can be resolved prior to a Fact-Finder’s Report.

 

Once again thank you, for on very short notice, turning out for our Rally. The District was taken aback.

 

Well Done!

 

Stay Tuned.

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.

Guests Online

We have 48 guests and no members online

        Did your home address, email address or phone number change? Please let us know!                           Update Here