Thursday, August 20, 2015

Back to School Supplies For the ATR

   
  With the cruelest of days right around the corner, some new ATRs have called me for advice. In light of the $122 teachers choice largesse, I would start with a list of nessesary items. As an ATR you will most likely NOT get a restroom key and will have to beg any passing teacher to open the restroom door. I've actually had several refuse saying they don't have time or will not allow me to touch their keys. So item number one should be Adult Diapers. This will be especially nessesary when babysitting 4 or 5 periods in row. (As all the other teachers are doing 4 or 5, you will be expected to so as well.)

    Next on the list is are flesh colored or clear ear plugs. You may become subjected to teaching dance classes or Freshman classes that will easily burst your eardrums. Also if you are taking the train and have to walk through any projects in the South Bronx, a bullet proof vest is not a bad investment. Try to think like a bag lady (God bless anyone who's homeless) and travel light- all your possessions (coat, bag, lunch, supplies, etc.) will have to be lugged around as you will have no personal space. Seeking guidance from God is also important as you will find yourself needing calm in the midst of many storms. Patience and a sense of humor (in light of non-stop distain from everyone) is also necessary. Have a great year!

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Why Does Murdoch Hate Trump? Why Should We Care?

                                                         

     Why does Mr. Murdoch, or as I like to think of him - the Snow Miser, hate Trump? Why should we care? Well, as I've mentioned in previous post, the owner of the NY Post wants a new American Economy with Mr. Bloomberg http://atradventures.blogspot.com/2015/06/bloomberg-and-murdoch-modern-day-gilded.html . Their organization basically wants to cut wages across the board for many industries by opening up the work force to those who will work for much less. This new American economy would be paved with donations to wanting and wanton politicians. Mr. Trump brought out the fact that our system is broken and every politician is for sale. This candid remark happened while he was getting hammered by a very biased Megyn Kelly on Fox News (owned by Murdoch)  http://nyti.ms/1IJl9lP . I should also let you know that the NY Post is pushing hard for charter schools, the demise of the UFT and the immediate, if not sooner, end to mayoral control of NY schools http://nypost.com/2015/08/11/de-blasio-seeing-his-chances-of-school-control-fade-away/ . This is all to open up the huge untapped education market here in NYC.
                                                               
     Is Mr. Trump our friend? Is the enemy of our enemy, our friend? In this case, I would have to say yes. He is educating the public to some very shady practices that can lead to the ultimate destruction of public education as we know it. If our union disappears because of an unfavorable Supreme Court ruling, we won't be able to make any contributions that the Miser Brothers (Murdoch and Bloomberg)

most certainly will. That coupled with Murdoch's ownership of the NY Post and Fox News will be disastrous for us.


   

Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Deja Vu: Another Victory for the UFT!


  I got an email yesterday from Bad, Bad LeRoy Barr touting yet again an incredible victory by the UFT. Teacher's Choice has been increased to $122! A horrible contract, charter schools, Cuomo, daily attacks by the NY Post on DeBlasio and Farina (because they are preceived as being teacher friendly) and the dude who publicly refused ATRs their own chapter sends out this asinine email :

We hope you are enjoying your summer.
Every year, you and other New York City educators spend money out of your own pockets on materials you need to do your job in the coming school year.
We’re pleased to tell you that thanks to your advocacy efforts we have won a 62 percent overall increase in the Teacher's Choice funding to $9.65 million to help cover these expenses in the 2015–16 school year. Through social media and member lobbying, you helped to show the City Council the direct impact of Teacher's Choice on student learning. 
The amount for teachers has increased to $122 for the coming school year. We know that many of you spend several times this amount every year on materials. The increase this year will help to offset some of your expenses.
As in previous years, to participate in Teacher’s Choice, you will need to submit receipts as proof of purchase. These receipts must accompany a Statement of Purpose/Accountability form, which you will find under key documents on the DOE’s Teacher’s Choice website. Purchases must be made between Aug.1, 2015 and Jan. 8, 2016 to qualify for Teacher's Choice.
For more information, please see the Teacher’s Choice section of the UFT website.
Sincerely,
LeRoy Barr and Ellie Engler
Staff Directors

   I understand that when a situation is as abysmal as ours even the slightest good news could rally the troops. The only problem is no one is fighting. There's an appearance that the UFT is completely disconnected from what's happening, and worse is allowing it via their inaction. An email like this one only bolsters that view.