StudentsFirstNY, a statewide education reform group, and TNTP, a national education reform group, has released a new report outlining their recommendations for changes to the Buffalo Teachers Federation contract. The report is endorsed by the Buffalo Niagara Partnership, but many of the proposals are unlikely to be readily agreed to by the teachers union.
Their seven-page report recommends higher starting salaries for teachers -- an increase from $32,897 to at least $45,000 -- but it also recommends that many changes that would require givebacks from the BTF, including teacher contributions to health insurance, a devaluation of teacher seniority, merit-based pay, longer school days, a more rigorous tenure process, and fewer sick days.
The report overview states, "In many ways, the current agreement actually makes it harder for teachers to get the pay and respect they deserve, and harder for Buffalo’s schools to ensure that students are afforded effective teachers who can provide a high-quality education."
Do they even read the garbage they write?
They write: "In many ways, the current agreement actually makes it harder for teachers to get the pay and respect they deserve."
Their remedy?
"An increase from $32,897 to at least $45,000 -- but it also recommends that many changes that would require givebacks from the BTF, including teacher contributions to health insurance, a devaluation of teacher seniority, merit-based pay, longer school days, a more rigorous tenure process, and fewer sick days."
Yeah, that'll get quality people to sign on to teach in Buffalo (or anywhere else they push this garbage.)
This is the second "report" out this week from an ed reform hack group calling for higher teacher pay to be offset with other "reforms."
NCTE also touted one.
You can see the framework for teachers contract going forward here - massive givebacks in every area for a little chunk of change in the beginning.
This one goes for the moon - seniority devaluation, merit pay, longer school days, tenure "reform," fewer sick days and cuts to health benefits for a little over $12,000.
No thanks.
Good luck selling that to prospective and current teachers as a sign of "respect."
I wake up every day and think, who needs less sick days? Why of course, teachers, doctors, nurses, hospital staff. You know, all the people who are exposed to hundred of sick germ carriers every day. Brilliant! They're finally getting smart. I won't even touch on the rest of the proposed changes.
ReplyDeleteStudentsFirst and TNTP's new contract proposals?
ReplyDeleteEat shit and die, unionized teachers...
Students first people I have a message for you all:
DeleteROT IN HELL DOGS go get a real job
Isabella,
DeleteI am in Newark. The only advice I can offer is to maintain a low porfile and smile a reformy smile. Take copious notes on whatever PD crap they present to you. Work on your faith in the existence of the Hereafter.
Now would be the perfect time to attempt to fight back against the hedge fund-driven privatizers who are attempting to take over our Buffalo School District and all of the urban districts in the US. All of the players are in place. The Board majority is "deformist" to the core. The Board President is past Executive Director of a group called "Buffalo ReformedEd". They are allied with DFER and have brough TFA to our district this year. Our local wealthy masterminds have been dabbling for years trying to bring in charter schools. I could go on, of course. Buffalo is just about to go off the cliff! However, I wonder if Zephyr Teachout and her new public policy group would like to come and help us. Teachers are powerless in this current climate. If any readers have suggestions for action or ways to fight this plague, please respond. As urban districts go down in flames to the corporate takeover, it would be nice to begin an effective campaign to fight back. Deformers and ALEC have a "playbook" and they are calling all of the shots now according to their rules.I would like to see Buffalo become the birthplace of the fight to save public education. OR is resistance really futile?
ReplyDeleteKeegan we may just have to go Dr. Steve Perry on their buttocks and start threatening head injuries to ne'erdowell privatizers.
ReplyDeleteEven better, target their homes, coomunities and "legitimate" businesses which operate as a front for this crap.Hit em hard where they live work and plsy and don't be sftsid to heap well desrrved shame and oppobrium on em.
ReplyDeleteFeckless Corporate Stooges
ReplyDelete