Colleagues,
1) EWA Update: Over the last few weeks, the NTU has been working closely with Interim District Superintendent Gregory about our concerns regarding Election to Work Agreements, both in terms of long term changes and how EWA’s were handled this year. During our monthly NTU/NPS Consultative Meeting this week, we presented the results of our survey and had a lengthy conversation with the Interim Superintendent.
While there still is a lot of work to be done, NPS reached out to us yesterday with the following updates:
- We will be working closely with the district on evaluating the EWA system as it exists now through surveys, focus groups, and reviewing data to make determinations about what the afterschool programs will look like in Newark moving forward. We will be counting on the participation of members at these schools to assist us in the effort.
- On a more immediate basis, the Superintendent has agreed that “[NPS will] compile the names, titles, certifications, and email addresses of teachers who did not sign the EWA by the deadline last Friday, April 6th and send their information to all principals at schools that don’t have an EWA. This would allow all non-signers a high level of visibility for principals looking to fill anticipated vacancies prior to the launch of our transfer period which begins on April 27, 2018.”
Thank you to our members who submitted surveys and followed our instructions over the last few weeks. It is also refreshing to have a superintendent with whom we can sit down, have these kinds of conversations, and the superintendent giving them real consideration and take action, not just providing lip service.
2) NTU Legal Update: Our General Counsel, Eugene Liss asked that we send you over these examples of some recent legal cases throughout the state to demonstrate some important lessons that school staff should keep in mind:
- Bernard Township v. Bruni - Unbecoming Conduct:
Teacher received two months suspension without pay. The teacher was charged with eluding the police, possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Lesson to be learned: Criminal activity out of school on your personal time can cause tenure charges to be brought against a teacher seeking termination.
- Wayne Board of Education v. DeMarco – Unbecoming Conduct:
Teacher terminated for locking and confining students in bathroom and referring to special education students in derogatory way to other teachers not the students. The concern was students could harm themselves.
Lesson to be learned: Teacher didn’t use derogatory words to students but to faculty! Do not confine a student where a student can be harmed. No derogatory language to students or faculty about students. Simply put, be there with them. No humiliation of students. They will be the first to report you. Remember, the hall cameras can both help you and harm you. They provide a record of what happens in the school hallways and corridors.
- Carteret Board of Education v. Lusky – Unbecoming Conduct:
Teacher terminated for being under the influence of drugs and being inebriated in view of students and staff. Sarcastic comments in front of students. Teacher had a history of such conduct.
Lesson to be learned: What you do outside school can be carried into the building. Alcohol and drugs levels remain a significant period of time in your boy and can affect your conduct in school. Think seriously about the use of illegal drugs and how it can cause your behavior to be unprofessional as well as the use of alcohol.
In 2017, 76 licensed New Jersey Educators had their licenses revoked whereby they could no longer teach. Some went to jail. The revocations were mainly in the following categories:
- Sexual incidents verbal and physical;
- Hitting, kicking and verbally abusing and humiliating students;
- Drug and alcohol offenses within and outside of school and school hours;
- Theft of time and property; and
- Participating in student test cheating.
NTU Outreach – Don’t forget to visit our website (http://newark.nj.aft.org) and follow us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/NewarkTeachersUnion)/ for updated information, forms, and resources!
Other Information
- NTU Building Policies – In order to protect the safety of our members and the NTU staff, the NTU will be making some changes to our Building policies.
- Anyone entering the NTU Building must sign it at the front desk and show a picture ID.
- Only members of the NTU Bargaining Unit (Full Member and Agency Shop) will be allowed onto the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th floor without prior permission.
- When possible, NTU Members should call in advance and make an appointment.
- DYFS – Attached is information on NTU’s Child Abuse Neglect Prevention and Protection Program. Please review this document! It could save your career! We have been seeing a large number of DYFS cases every week.
- NTUniversity: If you are interested in presenting a workshop to your fellow NTU members, please review the following requirements and draft a submission. All presenters will be given a stipend of $50.00/session
- Kudos – The NTU website is regularly updated with a wide variety of important information. If you have anything you’d like added to the website (kudos, pictures/videos from your school, etc), just send it to mmaillaro@newarkteachersunion.com.. There a lot of amazing things going on in the Newark Public Schools, and it’s important to highlight them!
Important dates:
- Newark Board of Education Special Meeting - April 16, 5:30 PM - 765 Broad
- NTU Executive Board Meeting – April 18, 4:00 pm – 1019 Broad Street.
- Newark Board of Education Meeting - April 24, 6:00 PM, Belmont Runyon School
- RESCHEDULED NTU Building Rep Meeting –April 26, 4:00 pm – 1019 Broad Street.
- NTU Hall of Fame Dinner – May 15, 2018, 6:30 PM – Robert Treat Hotel