The DOE's OMTS (Open Market Transfer Scam), by Chaz

Really, I shouldn't complain about the Open Market Transfer System, the DOE's online system for helping excessed teachers find vacancies.  I found my job through this system.

So why do I complain?  Because it took over three years for me to find a position; because I had to apply to literally hundreds of positions to find just one; because I know darn well that many of the positions posted on the OMTS were there only for show--the principal really intended to give the the position to some young kid at bargain-basement salary.

I could go on and on, but someone's already done a better job at it than I could.  His name is Chaz, and his angry but accurate appraisal of the Open Market Scam is on his blog, Chaz's School Daze.  Check it out.   

Job Fair Tale No. 2, in which the ATR teacher doesn't get any cookies

ANOTHER  JOB  FAIR  TALE

by Life in Limbo

I received an invitation to a job fair for members of the Absent Teacher Reserve (ATR) from the Teacher Hiring “Support” Center (THSC) about a week ago. After I overcame my shock at actually being INVITED to a job fair intended for people just like me, I figured, sure, I’ll go. I mean the “job fair” I attended last week was a complete waste of time and effort, so why not spend another day of my vacation engaged in yet another exercise in futility? My inner masochist could hardly contain herself. 

While this job fair was allegedly for Brooklyn and Queens only, I noticed that there were several schools from the Bronx and Manhattan in attendance as well, with the majority of schools being middle schools and elementary schools. There were very few high schools. 

So here are a few of my thoughts and observations: 

*ATR teachers were given blank sticky name tags on which to write our names and license areas. Teaching Fellows, on the other hand, were given pre-made computer-generated clip-on name tags in little plastic sleeves. Makes it pretty easy to separate the cheap, untenured newbies from the pack, doesn’t it? 

*I was at this fair for about three hours. I only got to speak to FOUR people. The lines for interviews were not particularly long, but the principals were speaking to candidates for 15–20 minutes at a time. I waited on line for an average of ½ hour for each interview, usually with only one or two people ahead of me. If anyone from THSC is listening, maybe a time limit for these meet-and-greets could be set, because I doubt any candidate could have met with more than 4 -5 principals in the four hours of the event. This is unfair. 

*There were MANY empty tables where schools had not shown up and many principals had sent representatives from their network to the fair instead of attending in person or sending an AP or two. 

*As I waited on line, I saw THSC people walking around serving plates of fruit salad and cookies to the interviewers (none of whom had their actual NAMES on their name tags–they just said, “INTERVIEWER”). The candidates, however, were only given access to two small water dispensers located in a far corner of the room. And no one ever brought me any. I just got it myself. 

*Many of the crowd of job-seekers (with the exception of the Teaching Fellows) were experienced, older (read: over 40) teachers and there were MANY Reading teachers seeking non-existent vacancies. I also spoke to math, science, ESL and Special Ed teachers who told me that they have been unable to find positions in spite of applying for many (some up to 100) vacancies. Others told me of vacancies in their license areas that they covered last year only to find that the job was given permanently to a newbie with a connection.

*My most interesting conversation, however, was with a very friendly UFT representative. I wanted to discuss my child care situation if I am sent to a school that requires a commute of over one hour. She suggested that I apply for a "Special Accommodation," which is usually reserved for people with disabilities, but might be worth a shot in my case. In addition, the UFT representative flat out told me that she does not think that they will really send teachers to different schools every week–the logistics of reassigning everyone are too complicated and the principals don’t want an “ATR of the Week” situation any more than the ATRs want to be in that situation. So now I have to wonder if the UFT knows something about this agreement that we “regular” people do not. In light of NYCATR’s post yesterday, I think it is possible. 

The results of this endeavor for your humble blogger? I had four interviews, one  with the school I was excessed from (listing an ELA vacancy). All went very well, with two showing what appeared to be genuine interest. I also received a call this afternoon and have an interview set up at one of the schools on Friday, so maybe it wasn’t an exercise in futility after all. But then, I have been down this road before, so while I will try to be optimistic, my inner pessimist will continue to give the finger to the powers that be who created this horrendous and degrading situation.

NYCATR is pro-UFT

To prove my point that NYCATR is pro-UFT, here is a little gem from today's New York Daily News.  It is a letter from a wise woman named Regina Castro, a woman who knows the difference between friend and foe.

UFT is on our side 

Brooklyn: As a city school parent, I dispute the Daily News' contention that teachers unions are a leading force in hindering parental involvement ("Lessons in deception," editorial, Aug. 5). The United Federation of Teachers joined with parents to stop devastating budget cuts to our schools this year. It has worked to secure parent associations in charter schools. And it partnered with parents to reform middle schools in low-income neighborhoods. The leading force in trampling parental involvement is the Department of Education. Whether it's school closings, co-locations or PCBs, the DOE shuts parents out every step of the way.

      Regina Castro

Is the UFT sugarcoating the new ATR deal?

We recently summarized an official DOE document that gives the nitty-gritty details of the new rules for deployment of the Absent Teacher Reserve (ATR).  

          *click here for a link to the DOE document

               *click here to see NYCATR's summary

Now, the latest edition of the UFT's newspaper, the New York Teacher, has provided their own summary of the ATR agreement (see page 3 of the August 4th edition). 

The problem is that there seems to be a discrepancy between the DOE's version and the UFT's version.  

The DOE says that vacancies created by long-term absences will be covered by ATR teachers on a "trial basis," prior to a school using a per-diem substitute;  a principal may remove an ATR teacher from such a "trial" at any time, at which point a per-diem substitute may be hired.

     *In other words, there is no guarantee that any ATR teacher will ultimately land the long-term assignment.  If, after subjecting an ATR to a trial, the principal still prefers a per-diem  candidate, Ms. Per-Diem gets the gig.

The UFT reports: "Every long-term absence or leave must be filled by an ATR.  Two ATRs must be sent for consideration for placement to any school that has at least one vacancy.  The principal can accept them or not." (Italics added by NYCATR.) 

     *This sounds like the assignment will definitely be given to an ATR teacher; the only question is which of the ATR teachers will win the beauty contest. 

And so, we wonder:

*Did the UFT have access to a DOE document that NYCATR

hasn't seen yet?

*Does the UFT know how to read?

*Is the UFT trying to sugarcoat a lousy deal

that they negotiated for the ATR teachers?

The author of this blog is pro-UFT, but he is an equal-opportunity questioner. Any answers out there?

The Newest DOE Bureauspeak: TOTTTAGAN (Try-Out-The-3-Tokens-And-Get-A-Newbie)

In yesterday's post, NYCATR offered his brilliant, but pessimistic, analysis of the new rules for deployment of teachers in the Absent Teacher Reserve (ATR).  

Today, our intrepid contributor, Life in Limbo, weighs in on this new deal.  Brilliant young woman that she is, her analysis sounds a lot like NYCATR's.

There are more loopholes in this agreement than in those super-high top Converses the kids are wearing. And until the Fair Student Funding issue is dealt with, the incentive to hire cheap newbies is too strong, especially when the agreement makes it so darn easy to do so. Just interview the 3 token ATRs, who will come in all eager to please in the hopes of being able to be in a place long enough to get a bathroom key, say you don't like any of them, and hire your friend's nephew.

And what about those of us in areas like Literacy? How many vacancies/leave replacements will there be since the cuts have forced principals to eliminate remedial reading programs whether they want to or not?

I guess I'll be leaving the kids at home in the morning, alone, and hoping my GPS doesn't screw up as I locate one new school after another. 

In addition, I doubt the provisional option will be used much--once you agree to keep the ATR teacher after two weeks, he/she is on YOUR payroll at full price. Much easier to use the TOTTTAGAN method: "try-out-the-3-tokens-and-get-a-newbie."

I just want to vomit at this point.

The Low-Down on the Nitty-Gritty of ATR Deployment

In our last post, "The Nitty-Gritty Details," we summarized the new rules for the deployment of teachers in the Absent Teacher Reserve (ATR).  

Now, as promised, we will attempt a little analysis.

The rule that ATR teachers can be shifted from school to school on a weekly basis needs no comment: IT STINKS.

But what about some of the other provisions that discuss "tryout" assignments for ATR teachers?  Here is our humble analysis; parental caution is advised.  

1. POINT: Vacancies created by long-term absences will be covered by ATR teachers on a "trial basis," prior to a school using a per-diem substitute.  A principal may remove an ATR teacher from such a "trial" coverage at any time, at which point the teacher will remain in the school until the end of the week.

COMMENT: Principals will still be able to give a long-term substituting assignment to a friend, or to a friend of some higher-up in the CFN, or to some young lady they would like to befriend. All they need to do is to let an ATR cover the position for a day or two, declare it a bad fit, and go ahead with their friendly little favor.  

2. POINT: "Clear vacancies" will be be offered to 3 ATR teachers on a "tryout" basis, prior to using a substitute. The tryout period has no minimum duration; the ATR teacher may be removed from the tryout position at any time.

COMMENT: This sounds a lot like the first item; wait, though, it get's worse when you see POINT 3.

3. POINT: A school may hire a non-ATR candidate to permanently fill a clear vacancy, without previously trying out any ATR teachers.

COMMENT: In other words, which crazy principal would try out an ATR for a "clear" position if he already has a cheaper  (or better-looking) alternative waiting in the wings?

4. POINT: The Division of Human Resources will arrange for all schools to interview at least two appropriately licensed ATR teachers per term.

COMMENT: Sorry, Mr. or Ms. ATR, you will be schlepping around for a bunch of meaningless interviews.

SUMMARY: If a principal is amenable to hiring from the ATR, the new deal will provide opportunities for ATR teachers to showcase their talents during a trial assignment. If, however, a principal prefers to hire from the outside, this deal provides ATR teachers with nothing but empty, pro forma tryouts.

The Nitty-Gritty Details of ATR Deployment

It has been nearly impossible to get specific information about the new agreement regarding the deployment of teachers in the Absent Teacher Reserve (ATR).  One UFT representative sent me some details she remembered from a meeting, but asked me not to publish them; a city councilman I petitioned for help told me I should speak to the UFT.  

Thanks to our friends at ednotesonline, we now have a link to a DOE presentation that explains to principals the details of the agreement: click here for the complete audio presentation. 

Here are a few of the key points:

* ATR teachers may be deployed to different schools within their district on weekly basis, based on the needs of the DOE.

* The weekly assignments will begin in early October of the 2011-2012 school year. 

* Vacancies created by long-term absences will be covered by ATR teachers on a "trial basis," prior to a school using a per-diem substitute.

* A principal may remove an ATR teacher from such a "trial" coverage at any time, at which point the teacher will remain in the school until the end of the week.

* "Clear vacancies" will be be offered to 3 ATR teachers on a "tryout" basis, prior to using a substitute. 

* The tryout period has no minimum duration; the ATR teacher may be removed from the tryout position at any time.

* A school may hire a non-ATR candidate to permanently fill a clear vacancy, without previously trying out any ATR teachers. 

* At the conclusion of a 2-week tryout period, the ATR teacher may be hired by the principal either provisionally for the remainder of the school year, or permanently, or may be returned to the ATR for assignment to another school. 

* The Division of Human Resources will arrange for all schools to interview at least two appropriately licensed ATR teachers per term.

* Questions may be addressed to:

          ATRAgreement@schools.nyc.gov

Confused? So am I.  NYCATR will attempt some analysis in the near future.  In the meantime, your comments are welcome. 

Job Fair Tales, by Life in Limbo

Our ace contributor, Life in Limbo, reports about the DOE's job fairs, where thousands of ATR teachers have wasted millions of hours. 

One of the singular privileges of being an ATR teacher is the opportunity to attend “job fairs” hosted by the Teacher Hiring Support Center (THSC). Usually held at the Brookyn Museum, they are a type of speed-dating where ATRs walk around, resumes in hand, and stand on line for interviews with schools with vacancies in their license area, while admiring fine art.

The first of today’s job fair stories begins in late May. I had realized that I hadn’t gotten any emails from the THSC recently and decided to check the their website myself. After a considerable amount of digging, I found a calendar of four job fairs, none of which had been brought to my attention! Two of the dates had already passed without my knowledge that these events were happening! I read further and saw that these events were by “invitation only."  

No problem, I thought, I’ll just request an invitation. I emailed the THSC of my intention to attend the next job fair and requested my invitation. I checked my contact information in the website (all correct) and waited. The following day, I was sent an email by THSC stating that my qualifications were being reviewed and that the event was by invitation only; should THSC feel that I am a good match for this event, I would certainly receive an invitation. The invitation never came. When I asked the THSC why I never received it, I was told to “Watch your email for invitations to future events!” 

Apparently, I was not the only ATR who was not notified of this event, as fellow blogger Chaz has noted.  I also heard from a UFT representative that this fair was for Teaching Fellows only, and that there would be separate events for ATRs over the summer. This made me wonder why the new hires were getting first crack at vacancies while ATRs (who are ALREADY DOE EMPLOYEES) were being forced to pick over the crumbs after the newbies got first crack at the jobs. My borough UFT office said they’d look into this and get back to me. I am still waiting. 

The second of today’s job fair stories begins a few weeks ago, in early July. I was up at my UFT borough office on a simple, unrelated errand. My eye wandered to a stack of handouts on a table bearing the THSC logo. I picked one up and saw that it was a flyer announcing five summer job fairs for ATRs, some by borough, others for schools throughout the City. Since the flyer stated that ALL ATRs would be invited to attend, I took a copy of the flyer and began checking my email for the invitations. No invitations ever came. 

I was able to attend the job fair last Tuesday, however, and did gain entry by having the representative at the check-in desk look me up on the computer. (What happened at the job fair is another post for another day.)  But the question kept nagging me: Why is it so difficult to get invited to job fairs that are allegedly being held FOR YOU?? And how many other ATRs who, like me, WANT to find permanent placement, are not being told of these events? Why would the THSC, and by extension, the DOE , NOT want us to attend these events they go to the trouble and expense of organizing? Is it possible that they do not WANT us placed? I think so.

If we are not aware of these fairs and do not attend them, the Post, then News, and every op-ed piece will focus on the lazy ATRs who didn’t bother to show up for the six job fairs the DOE so painstakingly organized JUST FOR THEM. This, in turn, strengthens their position that the ATRs should be the first to go during layoffs and that seniority rights must be eliminated to make this happen. After all, they must be lazy and unmotivated if they can’t be bothered to attend six job fairs held in their honor. 

Are we being used as pawns in Bloomberg’s “End LIFO” battle and set up to look lazy and unmotivated?  It certainly looks that way from here.  

By the way, I requested an invitation to the next job fair. Anyone want to guess how it turns out?

MSNBC's Lawrence O'Donnell Stands Up for Teachers

Am I dreaming?  Is a mainstream media outlet actually defending teachers?  Check it out!

Thanks to www.accountabletalk.com for bringing this video to our attention.

Photo of the Day: Teach or Test

Courtesy of http://ednotesonline.blogspot.com/