News, Alerts & Events

MEMORANDUM

 

Memo To:   All Buffalo Teachers

From:         Philip Rumore, President, BTF

Date:          March 29, 2023 

 

Subject:    Negotiations Updates


As per our last correspondence (March 24, 2023 – Click Here), the District is preparing written responses to the issues in our last negotiating session. We will respond as soon as they are received and update you.

 

Although we have made significant progress in our last sessions, we still have issues to resolve. Some of which are:

  • Diminished healthcare for current and future teachers when they retire.
  • Bell-time changes.
  • Extended school year 42 to 43 weeks.


Allows district to decide when school starts/ends, when in-services, etc. can be scheduled. Currently teachers must approve a calendar over 42 weeks. We have always negotiated a calendar to which both BTF and District agree.

 

In anticipation of having a contract proposal for your review as soon as possible, we are working with Kleinhans for available dates after the spring recess for a ratification meeting.

 

Important Information

  • The Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) Information 

    The APPR is a process by which teachers are evaluated in NYS. The intent of APPR is to assist educators to improve the quality of instruction in schools and to improve students' performance for colleges and careers. District APPR plans must meet strict state guidelines and be negotiated with local unions. Under state guidelines, APPR takes into account classroom observations and student performance. Teachers across NYS receive an overall effectiveness rating every year.

     

    APPR is complex and can often be overwhelming.  Click here to keep up to date on all the current APPR information.

  • Opt-Out Information 

    Teachers and parents share deep concerns about the standardized tests used by NYS for accountability purposes that include; stress on students, in-appropriateness and lack of validity of the Common Core-aligned tests, loss of learning time, and lack of transparency on state test content. Parents who decide it is not in their children’s best interests to take these assessments are part of an “Opt-Out” movement. BTF fully supports parents’ right to choose what is best for their children.

     

    Click here to keep up to date on the "Opt-Out" movement and other information.

  • COVID-19 Information


    For our members, BTF has collected COVID-19 resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, as well as our affiliates, NYSUT, the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association. Together we must, and will, be proactive to ensure that Coronavirus does not infect and spread to our students, staff and community.
     
    Click here to view recent information and writen correspondence. The BTF will post more information as it becomes available.

Buffalo Teachers Federation

 officers 2023
 
The Buffalo Teachers Federation is the professional union that represents over 3800 contract, probationary and temporary teachers of the Buffalo Public Schools.

 The BTF is proud to be a member of New York State United Teachers and affiliated nationally with the National Education Association and American Federation of Teachers.
          
 We invite you to explore our website for information and resources specifically for our members and retirees.

Calendar

 May 2025
 20   BTF Retirement Dinner - 5:30 pm
 20   Council of Delegates Meeting
 22   Executive Commttee Meeting - 5:00 pm         
 26   Memorial Day - BTF Closed
 
 June 2025
 10   Executive Committee Meeting
 10   Council of Delegates Committee Meeting       
 19   Juneteenth Holiday - BTF Closed

Office Information

Mailing Address:
Buffalo Teachers Federation
271 Porter Avenue
Buffalo, New York 14201
Phone: 716-881-5400
 
Supplemental Benefit Fund:
Phone: 716-881-5462
Fax:     716-881-0580
 
Hours of Operation:
Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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