On behalf of my fellow officers and the entire UFT staff, I want to wish you the very best of luck this school year. Your dedication and passion for making children’s lives better and improving the profession are the foundation of all that we do. We know that budget cuts, larger class sizes, excessing and the lack of support from the DOE are major concerns in many schools, as are the struggling economy and the endless attacks from the “blame the teacher” crowd. But we also know that the commitment of our membership has made us strong, and working together we will navigate through the many challenges ahead.
There is much to be excited about and thankful for as we begin this school year, including several recent well-earned victories and smart, forward-thinking agreements. Among them: We secured millions in additional federal funding, which will help offset some future budget cuts. We blocked efforts to go after career teachers through misguided legislation. Teacher’s Choice funds, which were slated for elimination, were saved thanks to the hard work of our political team and volunteers. We reached a landmark agreement with the city to shut down the so-called "rubber rooms" and put a faster, fairer hearing process in place. A new and more objective evaluation system will be on the way once we negotiate it, and we made sure it will include a true teacher improvement plan and limit the emphasis on standardized tests. Crucial charter school reforms were passed that improve access for all students, including ELLs and those with special needs, and drive out for-profits who are pocketing millions in taxpayer funds. And thanks to our legal action, the DOE was forced to comply with the state’s governance law.
We would not have achieved any of this without the efforts of so many thousands of UFT members who worked with parents in their own communities to raise public awareness on issues and lobby their elected officials. From phone banks and leafleting to rallies and demonstrations, UFT members were out in force all across the five boroughs, fighting for their schools and their profession. We also owe a great deal of thanks to the many parents, organizations and elected officials who were willing to stand up and stand with us as partners on our many campaigns.
No one needs reminding that we will again face many challenges this year. We cannot and will not capitulate to the political agendas of those who don't support educators, school staff or public education. We must continue to stand up for our students, parents and school communities, and set the agenda ourselves. This is our time to take back our profession. We must also continue to take on the Department of Education, which all too often refuses to take responsibility for its mismanagement of the system. And the union will once again do all in its power to ensure that members are treated as the professionals that they are, and that they get the support and guidance they need and deserve.
Perseverance, commitment and unity will help us stand apart from others. We are here for you, only a phone call or an e-mail away, and the newly redesigned UFT website is packed with important information as well.
Again, thank you for all that you do.
Sincerely,
Michael Mulgrew
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