BTF Transfer Process and the “Professional Conversations”
BTF has received several phone calls from teachers engaging in the transfer process. In the interest of providing clarity about this process and what you are required to do while engaging in it, below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we have received in the last 15 days:
Q. Why do principals call the professional conversation an interview?
A. Article 3. U. of the administrators’ contract says, “Principals shall be afforded opportunities to interview teachers about to be assigned to their staffs…” However, this can be misleading. The District is your employer. The school is your assignment location. Your employer has already interviewed, vetted, and hired you as a teacher for the Buffalo City School District. This is why the BTF refers to this as a “professional conversation”, not an interview.
Q. Whose responsibility is it to schedule the professional conversation?
A. Nothing precludes a teacher from reaching out to a principal. However, it is the obligation of the principal to schedule such a conversation within two or three (2 or 3) business days of the teacher’s transfer window. If the building principal fails to contact a teacher applying for a transfer to their building within two or three (2 or 3) business days, the teacher’s application for transfer shall be granted and effectuated without a professional conversation. In-person, virtual, or telephone meetings shall be acceptable for the completion of a professional conversation, based on the mutual availability of both parties.
Q. I have heard that some principals are asking teachers during the professional conversation to provide a resume, sample lesson plans, and even to teach a lesson. Am I required to do this in order to accept a transfer?
A. In a word, no. You may do so at your sole discretion. Ultimately, transfers are granted based on your seniority, with few exceptions relating to specialized qualifications.
Q. What happens if a principal tells me I am "not a good fit" for his/her school?
A. HR will only entertain “not a good fit” requests from principals if the teacher posting for the transfer does not have the proper certification or qualifications. All things being equal, transfers are granted based upon your seniority within your given tenure area. If a principal tells you that “you are not a good fit”, you need only say, “I am invoking my contractual rights to this position.”
Click HERE to read the complete 2026-2027 Teacher Transfer MOU.