News, Alerts & Events

Press Release
For Immediate Release
December 22, 2020
 

TEACHERS, PARENTS AND STAFF SHOULD APPROVE SCHOOL REOPENING PLANS


The Buffalo Teachers Federation Executive Committee and Council of Delegates (representatives from all schools) approved the following resolution.


“WHEREAS: Providing for the safe and finest education possible for our students entails ensuring that teachers, parents, administrators and staff, who know best and first hand what is important, have input into and have confidence in the reopening plan for their school/site.

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: Buffalo teachers call for said reopening plans be approved by each school’s/site’s Site Based Decision Making Team.”

 

Each school’s Site Based Management Team (SBMT) is composed of:

  • One (1) Administrator *
  • At Least Five (5) Parents*
  • At Least Five (5) Teachers*
  • Teacher Aides/Assistants
  • Other School Staff
  • Students (Grade 5 and Above)

 

    * Mandated Members By Law

 
“There must be delineated guidelines, procedures and safety measures established by the District; however, since each school/site is, in many ways different, each School Site Based Management Team (SBMT) must provide the final approval for the reopening plan for their school/site.


They are the people who know what is best for their school/site and who will be working together to provide for our students.


The exclusion of Teachers, Parents and Staff from making this decision is unacceptable and can harm the education and well-being of all.” stated Philip Rumore, President of the Buffalo Teachers Federation.

 

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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