News, Alerts & Events

Press Release
For Immediate Release
February 28, 2019
 

BTF RELEASES DISTRURBING McKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL SURVEY


The BTF, today, released a survey of Buffalo teachers at McKinley High School that reveled a very disturbing current assessment of the teaching and learning conditions at McKinley High School.

 

The “Climate Survey” was sent to each teacher’s home. The completed survey is placed in a “secret ballot” envelope by the teacher and then sealed. The “secret ballot” envelope is then placed into an outer envelope that the teacher signs to ensure the survey was completed by a teacher at McKinley High School. Once received, all the “secreted ballot” envelopes are removed from their outer envelope and placed unopened in a pile. Each “secret ballot” envelope is then opened, individually, so that on one could know who completed each survey.

 

The anonymous results and comments are then tabulated by a BTF secretary.

 

“Despite the fact that 94% of the teachers reported that they couldn’t “voice concerns without fear of reprisals from the principal” and were heard saying, that even though the survey was anonymous, they were concerned and chose to not complete it. The results of those who completed it are very disturbing.” stated Phil Rumore, President of the Buffalo Teachers Federation.

 

The BTF focused on several disturbing responses:

 

Learning Environment
90% Answered Poor and Non-Existent (80% Poor + 10% Non-Existent)
 
Administrative Leadership
92% Answered Poor and Non-Existent (72% Poor + 10% Non-Existent)
 
Staff Moral
86% Answered Low and Very Low (81% Low + 5% Very Low)
 
 
Agree     
Disagree     
Comment                              
5%     95% There are clear and consistent procedures/policies in place relating to student behavior.
         
6%     94%
Clear and consistent rules/policies are followed by the administration when dealing with student misconduct.
         
6%
    94%
Actions taken in response to student behavior referrals are appropriate and consistent.
         
22%
    78%
Actions taken in response to student behavior referrals are taken in a timely fashion.
         
89%
    11%
Teachers are concerned for the safety of the students at the school.
         
6%
    94%
There is detention or similar consequences for students who are continually late for school.
         
13%
    87%
Teachers feel that their concerns are addressed professionally.
         
6%       94%   Teachers feel that they can voice concerns without fear of reprisal from the principal.
         
14%        86%   A good working atmosphere exists in the school.
         
3%       97%   Teachers are informed in a timely manner of administration response to student behavior referrals.
         
27%       73%   The principal is visible in the building and assists with supervision (in hallways, at buses, in lunchrooms).
         
80%       20%   Teachers are in constant fear of retributions from principal.
         
13%       87%   The principal considers the impact of dealing with a large ELL/ESL/Special Education tracking student achievement.
 

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

 March 2025
 13   Executive Committee Meeting - 5:30 pm
 13    Council of Delegates Meeting - 7:00 pm      
 25   BTF Retirement Seminar
 
 April 2025
  11   BTF Office Closed at 4:00 pm
14-21   Spring Recess       
  24   Executive Committee Meeting - 5:30 pm   
  24   Council of Delegates Meeting - 7:00 pm      
     

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
 
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