News, Alerts & Events

MEMORANDUM

 

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          March 24, 2023 

 

Subject:    Negotiations Update


Yesterday, we met with the District into the evening.

 

The Board has been asked to provide input so that we can proceed. As soon as that is conveyed to us, we will meet.

 

Please remember, any proposals from the District are considered, by them, “Package Proposals” requiring that “all other proposals made by both the District and the BTF be withdrawn”. In other words, the BTF must agree to all the issues/positions/proposals in the District’s package of proposals and drop ours.

 

Therefore, there are no raises, benefits, etc. that the Board is touting until we agree to all their proposals and drop ours.

 

As soon as we hear back from the Board, we are prepared to meet… tomorrow, the next day… i.e. as soon as possible.

 

There were additional positive verbal agreements yesterday; however, the District has not yet provided them in writing. In the last negotiations sessions, important tentative agreements have been reached that would not have happened if we had agreed to all previous tentative proposals.

 

Please be careful what you say or write that can be used in an attempt to undermine negotiations.


Your patience and solidarity will be rewarded.

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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