Updates 6.1.23

News, Alerts & Events

MEMORANDUM

Memo To: All Buffalo Teachers

From: Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date: June 1, 2023

Subject: Updates

Retro Pay
Retro pay will be in a separate check. The District is working on the payments.

As soon as we receive more information, it will be forwarded to you.

Paystubs
The District is aware that there was a problem resulting in teachers not receiving a “paystub” with your 10% bonus check. The “paystubs” are being sent out.

Seniority Lists
For some reason, seniority lists have been delayed. As soon as we receive them, you will be notified and they will be posted.

There will also be a document to complete if you believe your information/placement is incorrect.

Extended Pay Plan
Changes to your enrollment, direct deposit information, and contributions for the Extended Pay Plan can be made for next school year by completing a new enrollment card. If you would like a hard copy sent to you, please call the BTF office. Completed forms may be mailed back to the BTF office or delivered in person. Changes for next school year must be received by July 31, 2023.

The distribution dates for this summer are: July 14, July 28, August 11, and August 25 and the number of disbursements you will receive is based on the option you selected when you enrolled.

For those currently enrolled who are still receiving paper checks, now would be a good time to consider signing up for direct deposit for this summer. It is safe, secure, and convenient. Contact the BTF office to enroll in direct deposit.

Professional Learning Team Survey
Please complete the Professional Learning Team (PLT) Needs Assessment Survey - Elementary- Spring ‘23 or High School ‘23.

In order to provide the highest quality and broadest selection of professional learning opportunities for educators, it is important to have your input. This survey will provide the BPS Professional Learning Team with valuable information to guide decisions regarding future programming, resources, and the 2023-20234 BPS Professional Development Plan.

Your feedback will help inform programming for the 2023-24 school year.

Please click on the link and follow the steps listed below.

https://buffalo.truenorthlogic.com/ia/empari/tab/CourseCatalog?_ct=CourseCatalog

1. Login to PGS
2. Go to Course Catalog
3. Click this survey's name under the “My Surveys” section.

Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions or concerns.

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.

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