A shadow and a candle
by Arjun Janah, July 2013 As the long, dread shadow of Detroit falls over the cities, a flickering candle is lit in Bridgeport, Connecticut.Will we allow it to be blown out, as Arne Duncan and so many who have power, wealth and access to the media would wish? The requirement that a school superinte
Two photos from demonstration against racist principal
Last month teachers and supporters picketed Tweed. They demanded an immediate, rapid and unbiased investigation by the Chancellor’s office into allegations that a Queens Principal called African American teachers she was firing “big lipped,” “nappy haired,” and “g
Coping with the new teacher evaluation
(from the New Action leaflet distributed at the June 2013 UFT Delegate Assembly). For a printable version click: Leaflet 2013 June Coping with the new teacher evaluation The system is here, like it or not. We are immediately faced with complexities: school-based committee to choose local measures, o
Resolution on UFT Elections
(from the New Action leaflet distributed at the May 2013 UFT Delegate Assembly). For a printable version click: Leaflet 2013 June Resolution on UFT Elections Only 18% of our in-service members voted this Spring. We should all be concerned. At the June 3, 2013 exec board meeting New Action introduced
Post-Victory Demonstrations
(from the New Action leaflet distributed at the May 2013 UFT Delegate Assembly). For a printable version click: Leaflet 2013 May Post-Victory Demonstrations UFT and CTU election results in New York City and Chicago gave landslide victories to Michael Mulgrew and Karen Lewis. Mulgrew won with nearly
UFT Elections
(from the New Action leaflet distributed at the May 2013 UFT Delegate Assembly). For a printable version click: Leaflet 2013 May UFT Elections New Action will have 10 seats on the new UFT Executive Board: Keith Fessel, Joel Garcia, Bill Goldman, Regina Gori, Jonathan Halabi, Douglas Haynes, Kate Mar
New Action Opposes the New Teacher Evaluation Plan at the June 3 UFT Exec Board
On Monday, June 3, 2013, New Action co-chair, Jonathan Halabi spoke against the newly imposed teacher evaluation system announced by New York State education commissioner John King. King stated that the new system would make it easier to fire teachers with poor evaluations. Mr. King stated that, “
Notes from the May 6 UFT Exec Board
– Excessed Teachers at Open Mike – UFT taking lead role in MLC demo against Bloomberg – Some questions from New Action members – Political endorsements – Debate on Bangladeshi garment workers resolution –
Teachers in Excess – are we mistaken?
At Monday, May 6, 2013 UFT Executive Board meeting, New Action co-chair Michael Shulman reported that we have received calls from teachers in excess (ATRs) that they have been receiving U ratings for classroom observations from administrators FOR CLASSES IN SUBJECT AREAS THAT THEY ARE NOT LICENSED!
Thanks for SESIS victory
At the May 6, 2013 Executive Board, Maria Ramos, Executive Board At-large, New Action Caucus, read the following letter. It was signed by Maria, but written collectively – all the authors were directly affected by the SESIS decision. I would like to thank Carmen Alvarez, Michael Mulgrew, Vanes