tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post513573081291179488..comments2024-03-14T13:50:26.981-04:00Comments on Chaz's School Daze: A Thumbnail Sketch Of The UFT Caucuses.Chazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09964739497720364749noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-66650568269683649082016-01-18T18:10:19.153-05:002016-01-18T18:10:19.153-05:00Chaz, MORE is not going to get it. They just don&#...Chaz, MORE is not going to get it. They just don't get that their messages do not resonate with the majority of the active and retired members. <br /><br />They don't care. All they want is to use the election to build their numbers. Not to win, not to bring great change we need, but to just merely grow and get numbers. For who? For what? <br /><br />I spent countless futile hours on phone conferences, email threads, MORE steering committee meetings and they just don't want to hear it.<br /><br />I just came home from a video shoot for a Solidarity campaign video. We had three teachers from across the spectrum come speak and none of what said is on MORE's platform. When you see it Chaz, you'll say "Yes..That's the problem. That's what our union needs to fix. Solidarity gets it and is the only group on the ballot that is even talking the talk."<br /><br />I can't tell you how smooth it is over at Solidarity. No infighting and three day email threads, covered in red tape, not aligned to member issues. There were over 100 emails back and forth about MORE and Sharpton's March for Justice in 2014. Over 100. That's more than there was about ATRs, workplace bullying and attacks on probationary teachers combined.<br /><br /><br />A request is being made for a debate. We hope New Action/MORE agree to it. <br />Francesco Porteloshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03249197982072281997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-24804877784252646812016-01-18T15:33:57.130-05:002016-01-18T15:33:57.130-05:00Anon 3:10
Are you telling me that MORE has no pla...Anon 3:10<br /><br />Are you telling me that MORE has no plank for "SOCIAL JUSTICE"? How about RESTORATIVE JUSTICE"?<br /><br />I think you need to read the MORE 2016, its obvious you must have missed it.Chazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09964739497720364749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-26549652106643058722016-01-18T15:10:15.335-05:002016-01-18T15:10:15.335-05:00The charges vs MORE in this blog post and in the c...The charges vs MORE in this blog post and in the comments have no basis in fact. Not based on platform or official statements on the MORE site.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-58265233688282759402016-01-08T21:15:31.820-05:002016-01-08T21:15:31.820-05:00I'm the Solidarity representative on the UFT E...I'm the Solidarity representative on the UFT Election Committee. Calling Solidarity "dominated by one person" is saying MORE is dominated by three bloggers. If you rejoined Solidarity, would that make us dominated by two people? Putting aside celebrity appeal for a moment, there are members of our caucus with decades of experience, members with their own insane fights they have waged against the DOE. We have democratic bylaws and nobody gets steamrolled by the Presidential candidate, please get that straight. Thanks for mentioning us in the roll call, since the other democratically run caucus isn't democratic enough to acknowledge that other unions besides them are allowed to exist.Quinn Zannonihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13298967285306844168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-60353370876875211762016-01-08T16:20:40.845-05:002016-01-08T16:20:40.845-05:00If I remember correctly, didn't New Action sup...If I remember correctly, didn't New Action support Al Sharpton's march against the police? A top "social justice" issue? However, I will wait to see what the MORE/NAC coalition actually states when it is published.Chazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09964739497720364749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-74805565391458894192016-01-07T21:14:51.160-05:002016-01-07T21:14:51.160-05:00Chaz,
disagreeing on an issue is one thing - disa...Chaz,<br /><br />disagreeing on an issue is one thing - disagreeing on facts is something else.<br /><br />New Action will have three Exec Board seats. MORE will have four. It takes five signatures to introduce a resolution. The comment about "controlling interest" makes no sense.<br /><br />New Action has a history. We supported divestment from Apartheid South Africa. We opposed Stop and Frisk. We press the union to take up the fight against abusive administrators. We support teachers in rotation. We oppose teacher evaluation based on tests. You know much of the rest. <br /><br />But judge us on what we stand for and what we have done. Judge the joint slate on what it stands on - a common program, yet to be published, based on these seven broad topics - Abusive Administrators, Teacher Evaluation, ATRs, Tenure/Discontinuances/Probationers, Opt Out/High Stakes Testing, Union Democracy, Mobilization for the next contract. To imply more, to impute to us positions that we have not taken, to ignore the terms of the joint slate - that is letting your take on some of MORE's positions cloud your ability to reason.<br /><br />Jonathan<br /><br />Jonathanhttp://jd2718.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-38841494982623811142016-01-06T23:25:17.854-05:002016-01-06T23:25:17.854-05:00If you have little to no faith in New MORE please ...If you have little to no faith in New MORE please join UFT Solidarity Caucus!!! We are in it to win it! We don't charge dues and we accept all UFT members even if you've joined other caucuses! So come on board! Fighting for ATRs as ATR Alliance since 2014 and for all abused and harassed educators as Don't Tread On Educators; created ANOI list of hazardous supervisors! We walk the talk!!! UFTSolidarity2016!<br />!!! catt55https://www.blogger.com/profile/16288948632081507818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-18564595076444990902016-01-06T18:29:24.386-05:002016-01-06T18:29:24.386-05:00Jonathan::
My understanding is that if MORE/NAC d...Jonathan::<br /><br />My understanding is that if MORE/NAC does win, MORE will have the controlling interest and even if New Action does not have "social Justice" as part of their agenda, MORE does and do you really think MORE will abandon the social justice plank? Dream on if you really believe that.<br /><br />Look, we cannot agree on this issue. You have your view and I have mine and any group that allows social justice issues to cloud their view is a problem with me and many others.Chazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09964739497720364749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-6325228287861707362016-01-06T12:53:16.542-05:002016-01-06T12:53:16.542-05:00Chaz,
I want to give you the benefit of the doubt...Chaz,<br /><br />I want to give you the benefit of the doubt. New Action and MORE have agreed to:<br /><br />5. Joint program with broad topics, and some specific proposals. Each group will use the joint program, yet be able to add as it sees fit, within agreed upon parameters. The following list of broad topics is in development: <br />Abusive Administrators, Teacher Evaluation, ATRs, Tenure/Discontinuances/Probationers, Opt Out/High Stakes Testing, Union Democracy, Mobilization for the next contract.<br /><br />Beyond that, each caucus has the right to add what they see fit.<br /><br />You have read a document MORE published, and ascribed, incorrectly, to New Action, several times now. Please stop.<br /><br />New Action has not published an election document this year. The election period does not officially open for at least a month.<br /><br />But you can read any or all of our literature, including past campaigns, to get a sense of where we stand. We have a long history.<br /><br />JonathanJonathanhttp://jd2718.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-51386048618011385442016-01-06T12:31:26.725-05:002016-01-06T12:31:26.725-05:00I'm an ATR and would like to know which caucus...I'm an ATR and would like to know which caucus, if any, plans to address the Do Not Hire coding in the system that prevents principals from hiring ATRs that they feel were railroaded but completely capable of doing their jobs. the principals are supposed to be in charge of hiring - except when that hiring is of an ATR. Principals shouldn't have to fight with legal to hire a teacher they want. Legal also should not be able to tell that principal they can't hire the ATR because they're a "problem". I'm tired of spinning my wheels and being told by field assassins that I must be a horrible teacher since I can't get a permanent position when nothing could be further from the truth. ATRs are targeted and problem coded. I could have had several positions, one immediately after I was placed in the ATR pool two years ago, and I was told by the principal that he couldn't hire me because I had charges. It didn't matter that the most of the charges had been dismissed or that I had fulfilled the requirements of the decision. I was and still am being punished for allegedly being incompetent, even though I have had my hearing and was not terminated. I am now on a leave, in essence, to protect my license because if I get another field supervisor operating under the instruction to give me a U - regardless of my ability - I will be brought up on incompetency charges again and certainly terminated because the union I pay dues to does not fight for its members. Even felons get a chance at rehabilitation and given a second chance, but not in the DOE/UFT! You don't even have to do anything wrong... administrators can make up things because even when they are caught lying they get away with it! At this point I'm ready to walk away from almost 20 years of service (3 as a school aide) because I refuse to be the punching bag for incompetent and vengeful administrators who get off on abusing their workers. I'm willing to walk away from "retro" and the only thing I have ever wanted to do in the world - the only thing I have experience doing because this system is just too corrupt and I don't hear anyone talking about this injustice to ATRs. At least Solidarity is reaching out to ATRs. I have been jerked around in this system for almost 9 years and I never even heard of MORE or NA. It is said that they've been fighting for ATRs for over a decade. maybe that's true but it hasn't worked. things have gotten worse... much much worse. I hope that Unity is ousted because that is the only way I will return to teaching for the DOE. Such a shame... I'm a graduate of LaGuardia - a specialized HS - and a product of the city in which I want to teach, but the same institution that told me I could be anything and do anything with my life is now actively suppressing my ability to teach in NYC public schools. How can I stand in front of students who think education is their way out of poverty knowing the obstacles that are set up for them before they ever even graduate?I can't do it. I can't lie to them. I never thought I would walk away from teaching,but I am and it is heartbreaking because it's all I ever wanted to do and I am very good at it. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-70766692887671566842016-01-06T08:07:10.234-05:002016-01-06T08:07:10.234-05:00Brooklyn Ed Council Votes to Rezone, Integrate PS ...Brooklyn Ed Council Votes to Rezone, Integrate PS 307 and PS 8<br />Here lies your live Patch dispatch from Tuesday night's madly anticipated CEC13 vote on rezoning — and desegregating — two Brooklyn schools.<br /><br />http://patch.com/new-york/williamsburg/s/fj63s/live-blog-ps-307-and-ps-8-rezoning-vote?utm_source=alert-breakingnews&utm_medium=email&utm_term=schools&utm_campaign=alert<br /><br />Should teachers be interested and involved in issues like this?<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-45339739816494246772016-01-05T23:00:24.449-05:002016-01-05T23:00:24.449-05:00Did Chaz hit a nerve? Even if he is not totally c...Did Chaz hit a nerve? Even if he is not totally correct the social justice issue is a red herring for the MORE/NA coalition. You would think MORE's poor showing in the last election would have taught them about using the social justice issue? <br /><br />MORE/NA gave Solidarity the issue they can hammer the coalition with.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-92184652378516628702016-01-05T22:32:20.416-05:002016-01-05T22:32:20.416-05:00Jonathan:
According to you the social justice pla...Jonathan:<br /><br />According to you the social justice plank was joint, If true, than NAC is no better protecting teacher rights than MORE since the social justice plank muddles the message. <br /><br />Most teachers want a teacher-centered union not playing politics or advocating an ideology that is divisive and not inclusive and social justice does just that!<br /> <br />Chazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09964739497720364749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-24483002181475253692016-01-05T20:00:23.473-05:002016-01-05T20:00:23.473-05:00The ATR issue is structural. It was not caused by ...The ATR issue is structural. It was not caused by MORE and it will not be resolved by a MORE platform plank. Cuomo and his ilk would like a revolving door of teacher novices and the concomitant reduced pension liabilities. Veteran teachers are being targeted and harassed in cities all over the country. It is unrealistic to think that seniority preferences and transfers will be restored to New York City teachers by a UFT election.<br /><br />Abigail ShureAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-65091586515190628562016-01-05T18:42:13.622-05:002016-01-05T18:42:13.622-05:00It's not necessary to make stuff up. Norm is c...It's not necessary to make stuff up. Norm is correct. It was our (New Action's) proposal.<br /><br />We suggested that the slate be split evenly, but that the presidential candidate come from MORE's ranks, subject to approval by New Action's executive board, which is exactly what happened. <br /><br />In fact, the first meeting didn't feel very much like a negotiation at all. We came to quick agreement on all major issues, and spent the remaining time chatting and discussing strategy, details, etc.<br /><br />Here's the actual language on the composition of the slate:<br /><br />3. Allocation of Slots<br />• The allocation of slots, in general should reflect both the relative strength of the caucuses, and the history and significance of the caucuses<br />• The number of delegate slots is sufficient that both groups may supply as many delegate candidates as they wish; we are unlikely to run out of space.<br />• The number of officer, divisional and at-large slots should be divided evenly, except where there is an odd number (eg, 7 high school slots) the extra seat will be filled by MORE. <br />• The presidential candidate will come from MORE’s ranks, and be agreed to by both groups.<br />• In the case of other officer candidates, and the divisional executive board candidates, the groups will review each other’s choices and agree to the specific candidates. If there are specific objections, the groups will discuss. In all other cases the individual group may choose its candidates without consulting the other group.<br /><br />Jonathan<br />Jonathanhttp://jd2718.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-85907268899938746852016-01-05T14:08:24.300-05:002016-01-05T14:08:24.300-05:00The caucuses are acknowledged by the UFT leadershi...The caucuses are acknowledged by the UFT leadership. You don't need a petition, but rather notify the UFT leadership that you have a group of like minded members and are forming a caucus. At first it appeared we were ignored and then we were responded too and invited to joint election meetings.Francesco Porteloshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03249197982072281997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-53527130717161185472016-01-05T10:17:12.486-05:002016-01-05T10:17:12.486-05:00NO CAUCUS CAN BE ALL THING TO EVERYONE. Chaz is ju...NO CAUCUS CAN BE ALL THING TO EVERYONE. Chaz is just pointing out what he doesn't like and people of that caucus should not be so sensitive.<br /><br />I don't like many issues but I realize that I will eventually vote for the people who are closest to my philosophy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-57319042228491118832016-01-05T09:42:47.730-05:002016-01-05T09:42:47.730-05:00"They want democracy, but told New Action tha..."They want democracy, but told New Action that only MORE can choose the presidential candidate. Now that's democracy. "<br />New Action proposed to MORE that the presidential candidate come from MORE subject to approval by New Action. New Action was invited to all meetings to discuss that choice. <br />Just one more lie from the pro-apartheid presidential candidate who mocks New Action for proudly making a stand on that issue. You sure ain't no Nelson Mandela.ed notes onlinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15018047869059226777noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-11545337953906603382016-01-05T08:55:39.887-05:002016-01-05T08:55:39.887-05:00Solidarity has much more potential to make bring t...Solidarity has much more potential to make bring the UFT back to protecting its members. MORE beats around the bush and never makes a dent and new action is a bit old school and doesn't have the grit to take down the unity snakes. Solidarity will be ruthless and that is what is needed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-22909311699442624522016-01-05T04:27:25.619-05:002016-01-05T04:27:25.619-05:00If you're tired of the same old same old debat...If you're tired of the same old same old debate getting us nowhere join #uftsolidarity2016 and make your mark! Lots of room and seats available for all members, young, mid career, experienced and newbie. Not to mention activist retired members! Don't be afraid to take that big step towards freedom from rhetoric and nitpicking! Go www.solidarity.org and read our extensive platform and meet our candidates! catt55https://www.blogger.com/profile/16288948632081507818noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-21119797017157444742016-01-04T20:28:43.871-05:002016-01-04T20:28:43.871-05:00It is a joke.It is a joke.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-18646580879568057852016-01-04T19:26:59.647-05:002016-01-04T19:26:59.647-05:00Are these caucuses registered within the UFT? Did ...Are these caucuses registered within the UFT? Did you need petitions of teachers to get them started? And do you have voting power within the UFT?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-67026957921756999392016-01-04T18:31:28.190-05:002016-01-04T18:31:28.190-05:00Chaz,
you responded to my comment without publish...Chaz,<br /><br />you responded to my comment without publishing it. And you are wrong about "the main plank of your coalition."<br /><br />This is the language MORE and New Action agreed to:<br /><br />5. Joint program with broad topics, and some specific proposals. Each group will use the joint program, yet be able to add as it sees fit, within agreed upon parameters. The following list of broad topics is in development: <br />Abusive Administrators, Teacher Evaluation, ATRs, Tenure/Discontinuances/Probationers, Opt Out/High Stakes Testing, Union Democracy, Mobilization for the next contract.<br /><br />Jonathan<br />Jonathanhttp://jd2718.orgnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-25803326676084172432016-01-04T18:04:40.544-05:002016-01-04T18:04:40.544-05:00Jonathan:
The MORE plank is the main plank of you...Jonathan:<br /><br />The MORE plank is the main plank of your coalition not New Action. While both groups claim to support ATRs, I would like to see it in the coalition plank not dance around the issue.<br /><br />Norm: <br /><br />Then why dance around the ATR issue as the MORE plank does? Furthermore, "social justice" is a top issue for all Socialist parties. It's teacher rights not restorative justice or student rights that only muddle MORE's message.Chazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09964739497720364749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20674128.post-63693371354400855012016-01-04T16:22:48.814-05:002016-01-04T16:22:48.814-05:00While Solidarity is a new caucus, we are doing wha...While Solidarity is a new caucus, we are doing whatever it takes to be in as many places as possible. Since we are a small group, we have to cover ground in different ways. Thanks to social media, we are able to make up some of the difference in our numbers. We are determined to find ways to show UFT members that the current leadership is disconnected from the needs of its members. Zukemaniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14210375859963157689noreply@blogger.com