Happy F*cking Birthday UFT

Apparently today is the big b-day bash for the United Federation of Teachers.  50 years.  40 of which were spent building the rights and benefits of hard working educators.  The last 10, systematically destroying everyone of those gains.

I have been a dues paying member for 20 years now.  I have watched as my union leaders sold out their membership for the promise of future members.   Those future members are the ones who come here, work for 2 years, gain a free Masters Degree and then leave.  They are the same TFA's & Fellows who are brainwashed into thinking they are superior to those of us who were here before their programs began. 

I have watched as they gave away our seniority rights, our working hours, our ability to earn overtime (in the form of per session), and our contractual right to have unionized public schools with their support of charter schools.

So, back to the party...

So far the reported guests include:

Randi Weingarten, the woman who almost single handedly destroyed what used to be one of the most powerful locals in the country.

Bill Clinton, who I'm assuming is being paid speaking fees with our dues.

and for the win...

Mayor for Life, Mike Bloomberg, otherwise known as Public Enemy #1.

Again, who is paying for this shindig?  I know I'm asking for a refund, and am seriously thinking it's time to go Agency Fee.

Spring Semester

Last week in January:  No new schedule.

Decision is made to change classes after Winter Break to accommodate school-wide events.

 New schedules are promised for 1st week in February.  

We are now 1 day away from vacation and I have no idea what classes I am teaching on the Monday we return.

I don't know the grades.  I don't know the days or times.  I therefore don't know the rooms/equipment available for said classes.  My lesson plans are completely dependent on this information.

Obviously, I cannot plan.

After many weeks and many requests for the information...I officially give up!

I will not spend my vacation worrying about the deficiencies of those chosen to lead.  I will not worry about what to do with my classes on February 22nd.   I'm thinking we should all just put our heads down for an hour. 

Snow Drift Thursday

Apparently our M4L lives in the land of delusion, where streets are plowed, sidewalks shoveled, and curbs passable.    If only I could afford to live there as well.

3 foot snow drifts, and snow plows re-plowing them in just before the bus arrives!

The NYC Housing Authority didn't seem to see the need to shovel the pathways through their properties.

Today's commute: treacherous!