While it is hard to fathom this happening at a school like ours, it is still important to know about how disciplinary actions work that may result in loss of a job or removal from a school. Article 21C talks about Section 3020-a of the State Education Law that relates to more serious allegations against pedagogues. In some instances, this law removes teachers from the classroom while investigations are made; in others, they are removed from their jobs. The key thing is to let the UFT Borough Office know if you ever have this happen to you - they have the experience and expertise to defend you and ensure a fair process is followed. 

The UFT caucus Solidarity has a detailed guide on their website.

I wrote a previous email about our consultation committee and its structure to help support staff to ensure our rights are maintained and that our school can function well. An additional support that we have is one hierarchical level above that committee: a group from the UFT that helps support consultation committees in making sure that our issues are properly addressed. In the case that something is not addressed fully at consultation, the chapter leader can send the issue to this more central committee to advocate on our behalf. This often involves the superintendent, who will then come back to principals to push for a swift resolution. While we have not had to use this tactic at BCS, it is good to know that we have the option at the ready. 

​As you all know I think it is important for us to know and understand all pieces of our contract. To that end sometimes I'll share things that might seem like they are coming because "something happened at school." I assure you this piece below is purely informational and not because anyone has been injured at BCS.

To that end, you may have heard in other schools where a pedagogue has been 'injured in the line of duty.' This is a technical term used to determine fault and payment of medical expenses. A summary is located at this website but essentially this coverage is provided by the UFT and DOE in the case of an "unprovoked attack by a student, parent, or stranger" on the pedagogue. While I do not wish this to happen to any of us at BCS, it is important to know that if you are hurt in one of these situations, your financial and health related matters will be covered as you recuperate. For anyone curious about the technical language, please see Article 21, Section K of our contract.