#6(2007-08), September 21, 2007

MTEL Prep Course: The BPS Office of Human Resources is sponsoring preparation workshops for BPS staff who are taking the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure. The catalogue of workshops may be obtained online at MyBPS->Central Admin->HR->Educator Licensure and in school offices.  The next MTELs will be given on October 27 (Communication and Literacy Skills Test only) and on November 17, 2007.  The late registration deadline for the Communications and Literacy Skills Test on October 27 is October 5.  The regular registration deadline for the MTELs to be given on November 17 is October 5. For additional information, write nbalasalle@ boston.k12.ma.us.

Tuition Assistance: Paras with five or more years and permanent teachers who are not yet receiving their first career award are eligible for a 500 annual tuition reimbursement. The school department circular has not yet been reissued, but will be soon.

The Peer Assistant Program is up and running, and the joint team composed of BTU and BPS members has hired three Peer Assistants, who are available presently to help and assist teachers, who on a voluntary basis, seek help in improving their craft. This is a good program, albeit in its infancy, and we look forward to helping people who are receiving unsatisfactory evaluations. The program is strictly voluntary, and one of the first in the country that places union members in  positions whereby they can provide peer assistance to their colleagues. The program is jointly managed by a 3-2 committee, with BTU members in the majority. The contact person is Mike McLaughlin ; please call Mike (617-288-2000) or email him if you have received any unsatisfactory evaluations and you wish to discuss the program. We are very excited about this program and its ability to help our members.

Reminders:

Para and substitute paychecks are due today, with the 3% salary increase built in.  For paras, another $300 (built into the base salary)  is due 2/1/08. For substitute teachers, a 3% differential (effective 9/1/07) on base pay is awarded to those who hold an active state teaching certification. Note to substitute teachers: Make sure you alert the school department to your certification.

Pilot School Overtime Pay: Those who work in Pilot Schools, teacher and para, will receive their correct salary, including pay for hours in excess of 100, on October 5 th. The paycheck will include retroactive back to 9/1/07. Teachers get paid at the contractual hourly rate, paras at their hourly rate. Here's how an individual's pay is calculated: The number of projected  hours above and beyond the 100 is compensable and must be calculated. (The '100' drops to '95' next year. Until 2/06, all hours were uncompensated.)  So, for example, if you are scheduled for 170 hours in 2007-08, you will get paid for the additional 70 hours, divided over 26 paychecks (unless you receive 22 paychecks). If you would like to confirm that the calculation (that the number of 'extra' hours is accurate) is correct-and everybody should as a rule do this-you first have to calculate how many hours, if any, you are working in excess of the typical non-pilot school teacher's schedule. You can get that information and do your calculations by looking at   http://www.btu.org/pdf/07_School%20Year.pdf. If you need assistance, please call the union office.

Welcome Back Party for all on 10/12/07 at the BTU, with food, music, and cash bar.

Class size:   BTU members can now file a class size grievance on-line. The form is easy and efficient. Grievances at both superintendent's schools and traditional schools can be grieved electronically. File any violations here . And check out the class size limits here.  Remember: Class size in all regular education classes at superintendents' schools have decreased by two students in every grade level . All class size enforcement powers are intact in superintendent's schools. You may still complete the traditional form, though we would appreciate that you do this on-line, and submit it to Pat Connolly, BTU Vice President by mail or fax(617) 288-0024.

BTU Building Rep. Information

BTU Building reps are asked to submit their rep election results ASAP. If you need another election form , you can obtain one here by scrolling down.

Heads Up:  The BTU membership last Wednesday passed a motion calling for a building survey seeking renovations in all schools . The exact text of the motion is:

MOTION: To ask Boston teachers and paras through their building  representatives to survey Boston school facilities and submit a request, pursuant to the state's new repair and renovation program under the auspices of the Massachusetts School Building Authority, that will seek to repair and renovate all schools, as needed, to provide top-notch facilities to promote the best in teaching and learning.

You may recall in the summer the BPS submitted an application to the state to fix and renovate seven schools it had chosen that were in need of repair. The application process was part of the state's first renovation project ($500 million) in years. We wondered why the Boston School Department had chosen only seven schools, while other districts (e.g. Springfield, Brookline)  submitted applications for all schools in their respective districts. We thought we'd help out the school department, even though the application deadline has long passed by submitting a wish list of building renovations to the state. Instructions will be forthcoming in mail to all building reps in compliance with the membership motion.

Professional Development Opportunities

The AFTMA will be holding a  Education conference at the BTU this year on Saturday, November 3,  for all statewide members. Present will be the newly-appointed Chairman of the Mass Board of Education, Paul Reveille, as well as Toni Cortese, Executive Vice President of the American Federation of teachers, Topics include: NCLB, Extended Learning Time, Early Childhood Education, SPED and more. Continental Breakfast at 8:15. Email Patricia Armstrong, parmstro@btu.org to learn more and to register.

Purchase of Private Time for Nurses' Retirement Credit

On 9/27 at the State House, there will be heard a Creditable service Bill for nurses at 10:30 AM

S 1508, if passed, will allow School nurses to buy back up to three years of private nursing time.

Please call your State Representative and State Senator .

Hold the date:

On October 12th at Moakley Field, in South Boston, at Hyde Park vs.  South Boston football game, there will be a 7:00 PM dedication ceremony for Bob Lerro, former coach and teacher at South Boston High school. Bob passed away suddenly this summer.

Community Event

The Friends of the Mattapan Library are holding a Back to School book sale/bake sale fundraiser on September 29 2007, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. at the Mattapan Library, 10 Hazelton St Mattapan. The Friends of the Mattapan Library group are also recruiting new members, and welcome any BPS teachers-working or retired -interested in supporting the library's work.

School Reunions and the Like

Channing Elementary School is celebrating its 80th Year of being a part of Boston Public Schools.  A celebration is being planned for May 2008 and your help is needed.  We are looking for alumni of the Channing School who are interested in joining or making a donation to the Alumni/Event Planning Committee.  If you know of a Channing alumnus, or would like to make a donation to the cause, please contact Mr. David R. MacDonald, Comm. Organizer/IT Teacher @ the Channing Elementary School, 617 635 8722 x 115, or via email dmacdonald@boston.k12.ma.us .  All donations are tax deductible.  Thank you for your assistance.

Mario Umana Harbor School of Science & Technology , Class of 1982 

25-Year Reunion
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Hilton Boston Logan Airport, One Hotel Drive, East Boston, MA

Cocktails & Hors D'oeuvres 7 - 8PM
Dinner & Dancing 8 - 1AM
$75 per person

Please make checks payable to Umana Tech Class of 1982 and mail to

John Buckley, 19 Beethoven Avenue, Walpole, MA 02081
For more information, call John Buckley at 617-799-8581.

Volunteer Opportunities

Boston Partners in Education is looking for retired teachers to share their classroom experience and expertise with current teachers and students in the Boston Public Schools during the 2007-2008 academic year. Founded in 1966, Boston Partners in Education is a non-profit organization that enhances the academic achievement and nurtures the growth of Boston's public school students by providing them with focused, individualized in-school volunteer support.  Our volunteers work one-on-one with students in grades K-12 during the school day in the areas of math or English Language Arts.  Volunteers meet with their students in the classroom at least one hour each week for the entire academic year.  Volunteers come from local businesses, colleges and universities, professional organizations, parent groups and the community.

The volunteer application process involves an interview and training. Teachers can request volunteers for their students by completing the volunteer request form on our website www.bostonpartners.org/vol_req_form.html . For more information, please contact Jordan McCarron, Recruitment Manager, at jmccarron@bostonpartners.org or 617-451-6145 x 603.

Retirement Parties

Maryann Norton

•  Wed, Sept 26th  4-7pm @ the Marina Bay Waterclub
•  30 $ per person
•  Checks payable to Tynan School Fund
•  Send checks to: Tynan Elementary School c/o Linda McGrath.

Marilyn Saba

•  Friday, November 2, 2007 5-10pm at Lombardo's, Randolph, MA
•  Hor D'Oeuvres, Dinner, Dancing, Cash Bar @ $50  including gift by 10/5
•  Checks payable to Florri Aversa, 91 Alban Street, Dorchester, MA 02124

Our Condolences

We regret to announce the recent passing of Ms. Denise Willingham, a Student Development Counselor at the Hyde Park Education Complex in the Engineering Academy. Ms. Willingham leaves four children, Reginald Jr. , Rashawn, Ryan and Raquelle, and one grandchild, Khalil. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and colleagues.

We also regret to announce that Francis Daly, husband of former BTU Executive Board Member Rita Daly, passed away yesterday, September 20, 2007.  Fran, know to all as the person who looked like Santa Claus, was also a member of Local Union 25 Teamsters.

Richard Stutman
President
Boston Teachers Union
617-288-2000

home: richardstutman@comcast.net )
work: rstutman@btu.org

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