UFT Contract Questionnaire

· ed Federation of Teachers
Contract
~
F
c£LEBRAn!iC>
50YEARS Every member fill alit
UnllM Fec!eratlon of Teacf'lers pages 1 thru 7, then:
4 lJr\c1'1ot~_
August 2009 • Teachers, go to page 9
Dear Colleagues, • Per Diem Substitute Teachers,

go to page 13
Even in the best of times, negotiating a contract that protects our members' professional and
• Paraprofessionals,
financial well-being is never easy. In this particular economic climate, with so many of our fel- go to page 15
low New Yorkers struggling, the challenges we face are immense, but the union has always
proven it can accomplish great things when we work together and stick together. • School Secretaries,
go to page 19
Your input in shaping the union's goals and priorities is essential. The enclosed questionnaire
was created by our 350-member negotiating committee, which was assembled to promote as • Guidance Counselors,
much member engagement as possible and to facilitate two-way communication with school- go to page 21
based members during this bargaining round. The committee has representation from every
school level and district, all types of schools, and the functional chapters. • Nurses, go to page 23
The results of this member survey will be an invaluable tool for the negotiating committee as it • Laboratory Specialists,
formulates its demands in the upcoming talks. We are sending you this questionnaire during go to page 25
the summer because we want to engage in serious contract talks as soon as possible. Our cur-
• School Psychologists and
rent contract expires on Oct. 3l. School Social Workers,
It should take you about 30 minutes to fiJI out this survey. Everyone should fLU out the first sec- go to page 27
tion, which contains questions about negotiating priorities, salary, safety and discipline, supplies
• Speech Teachers,
and facilities, paperwork, respect and professionalism, and other matters of concern to all mem- go to page 29
bers. In addition, you should answer the additional questions tailored to your specific job title
or functional chapter (e.g., teacher, paraprofessional, school secretary, etc.) starting on the pages • Occupational/Physical
listed in the box to the right. Therapists, go to page 31
Your response is vital. The union is only as strong as ilS members, and completing this survey is • Adult Education Teachers,
a way for you to playa role in contract negotiations. These negotiations will be tough, but with go to page 33
your participation, the information we gather will help us fight for the salaries, benefits and
working conditions you need for yourself and your students.
Thank you in advance for sharing your views and concerns with us.
~~
Michael Mulgrew, President
Place return survey in the enclosed business reply envelope ASAP

Deadline: August 13
Background Infor,m ation I. Negotiating Priorities
I. Chapter (check one) Listed below are some collective bargaining objectives.
__ Teacher Using the following ll-point scale, please rate each ohjec-
1 tive by circling the appropriate number in terms o./ils
____ Paraprofessional importance to you.!or theforthcoming negotiations. A pri-
2
____ School Secretary ority list will be developed from your responses for use in
3
Cuidance Counselor the negotiations. We realize that all of these iss ues are
important, but please try to distinguish among them by
Nurse giving the highest ratings to the items that are most impor-
5
____ Lab Specia list tant to you. The scale ranges from 1 to 11, wh ere one (1)
6
_ __ Psychologist means the objective is very important, six (6) means the
7 objective is moderately important, and eleven (11) means
School Social Worker the objective is not at all important. Please carefully read
8
_ _ Speech Teacher through all of the negotiating objectives before making
9
__ __ Occupational/Physical Therapist any decision about the individual objectives.
10
Adult Education Teacher
11
2. School Number(s)/Name(s), specify __________________ 1. such salary supplements as tuition reimbursement,! afford-
able housing/child care and others
3. Borough 2345 6 7 891011
____ Brooklyn very important moderately important not at all important

1
Manhattan 2. a substantial salary increase

--3-
____ Queens 234567891011
4
Staten island very important moderately important not at all important

5
4. Level(s)
__ elementary 3. improved professional development activities
1
.____ middle [intermediate/ jhs 1 234567891011
2
___ high school very important moderately important not at all important
3
__ _ K-12
4
K-8 4. an enforceable process to identify and reduce excessive
workload
6-12
6 234567891011
____ citywide special ed [District 75]
7
__ _ other, specify ____ _________________________ very important moderately important not at all important
8
5. Small schooL__ (i.e., fewer than 500 students)
Large school __1_ _ (i.e., 500 or more students) 5. lower class size as a part of the contract, but not if it takes
2 money from salary
6. Years teaching (working) in NYC public schools ____
1 234567891011
7. Years teaching (working) in schools other than NYC
public schools ___ very important moderately important not at all important
1
8. Highest educational level attained ____BA ____BA+30

1 2 6. lower class size as a part of the contract, even if it takes
_ MA _ MA+30 _ MA+45 ____MA+60 ____PhD money from salary
3 4 5 6 7
-T- Other, specify _ __ ___________________________ 234567891011
9. Age group ___Jess than 26 ____26-30 ____31-40 very important moderately important not at all important
1 2 3
__41-55 - 8reater than 55

4 5
7. improved facilities
10. Family status_ _single___single with dependents
1 2 234567891011
__married __married with dependents
3 4
very important moderately important not at all important
__domestic partnership
5
2 Continue
8. adequate equipment and supplies 18. improved working conditions in after-school and summer
2 34567891011
activities
234567891011
9. strengthen grievance procedures
234567891011
19. relief from involuntary coverages
234567 8 91011
10. address concerns regarding use of 37 ~ minutes
2345678 9 1 0 1 1
Use the space below to briefly list up to three (3) addi-
tional negotiating objectives not covered above. Rate
very important moderately important not at all important each of these objectives as you did with the objectives
above, keeping in mind the relative importance of all of
11. job security (no layoffs) the objectives.
20.speci~ __________________________________________
1 2 345 6 7 8 9 1 0 1 1
12. improved safety procedures 23456789 10 11
234567891011 very important moderately important not at all important
very important moderately important not at all important 21. s peci~ __________________________________________
13. a strong, enforceable student discipline code

234567891011
234567891011
14. more effective enforcement of the UFf contract
23 4 567891011
22. specih1)T__________ ______________________________ __
15 more oppo[[unities for professional input in 234567891011

decisions made at the school/site level
2 34567891011
16. less restricted use of sick days

234567891011
17. stronger contract language requiring supervisors to honor

program preferences
2345 6 7 8 91011
Continue 3
From among the above objectives, please indicate below Part of the salary package should be used to ...
which are your top three priorities for the forthcoming 1. provide for a su bstantial salary increase
contract negotiations. Place a "1" next to the objective
that is your highest priority, a "2" next to the objective 2 3 4 5 6 7
that is your second-highest priority, and a "3" next to the
strongly support neutral strongly oppose
objective that is your third-highest priOrity.
2. provide for a c ost of living increase

Rank 2 3 4 5 6 7
(1)____such salary supplements as mition reimburse-
ment/affordable housing/child care strongly support neutral strongly oppose
(2t___a substantial salary increase
3. proVide new salary differentials for members who
(3)___ jmproved professional development activities
have completed additional credits beyond their mas-
(4)____an enforceable process to identify and reduce ters degree plus thirty credits (e.g., MA +45).
excessive workload
2 3 4 5 6 7
(5)___ lower class size as a part of the contract, but not if
it takes money from salary strongly support neutral strongly oppose
(6)___ Jowe r class size as a part of the contract, even if it
takes money from salary 4. grant credit toward longevity increases whether or not
the teaching (work) experience claimed was earned
(7)___ jmproved facilities
inside or outside of the New York City DOE
(8)____adequate equipment and supplies
2 3 4 5 6 7
(9L___strengthen grievance procedures
(10)____address concerns regarding use of 37 Yz minutes
(ll)___ job security (no layoffs)
5. provide for paid maternity leave
(12L_jmproved safety procedures
2 3 4 5 6 7
(13)____a strong, enforceable student discipline code
(14)___ more effective enforcement of the UFT contract
(15)____more opportunities for professional input in
6. provide for paid paternity leave (i.e., a short-term paid
decisions made at the school/site level
leave for fathers to care for their newborn)
(16)___Jess restricted use of sick days
2 3 4 5 6 7
(17)____stronger contract language requiring supervisors
to honor program preferences strongly support neutral strongly oppose
(18)___jmproved working conditions in after-school and
summer activities 7. provide additional tuition reimbursement
(19)___jelief from involuntary coverages 2 3 4 5 6 7
(20)____ speci~1 ___________________________________ _
(21)____specify _____________________________________ _
(22)____s peci fy ________________________ _ _________ 8. provide additional child care options
2 3 4 5 6 7
II. Salary
The following items are designed to elicit your priorities for
the salary package monies. Rate each item by circling the 9. provide more opportunities for affordable housing
appropriate number that best reflects your opinion about
2 3 4 5 6 7
the item. A priority list wiJl be developed from your
responses for use in the negotiations. Rate each salary item strongly support neutral strongly oppose
in terms of its relative importance to all the other salary
items. The scale ranges from 1 to 7, where 1 means you From among the above options, please indicate below
strongly support the item, 4 means that you have neutral which are your top three priorities for use of the salary
feelings about the item and 7 means you strongly oppose package monies. Place a "1" next to the option that is
the item. Carefully read all of the salary negotiating topics your highest priority, a "2" next to the option that is your
before mal<ing any decision about the individual items.
4 Continue
second-highest priority, and a "3" next to the option that IV. Safety/Discipline
is your third-highest priority.
Using a five poinr scale, ,",,'here 1= strongly agree,
Rank 2=Somewhat Agree, 3=No Opinion, 4= Somewhat
(l )____ provide for a substa ntial salary increase Disagree and ,)=strongly disagree, please indicate the
(2)____provide for a cost of living increase extent to which you agree or disagree 'Ivith each of the
following statements about safety/discipline.
(3)____provide new salary differentials for members who
1. More SAVE rooms (i.e., rooms dedicated for students
have completed additional credits beyond their
masters degree plus thirty credi,ts (e.g., MA +45) who experience episodic behavioral problems and
require alternative settings) are needed in my
(4)____grant credit toward longevity increases whether school/site.
or not the teaching (work) experience claimed
was earned Lnside or outside of the NYC DOE 2 3 4 5
(5)____prov ide for paid matern ity leave strongly agree strongly disagree
(6)___provide for paid paternity leave
2. 111e N'{C DisCiplinary Code, SAVE Plan and School
(7t___ provide additional ruition reimbursement
Safety Plan for my school/site should be distributed to
(8)____provide additional childcare options all members
(9)____provide more opportunities for affordable housing 2 3 4 5
strongly agree strongly disagree

III. Health
3. The NYC Disciplinary Code, SAVE Plan and School
1. There should be more sick days added each year for Safety Plan for my school/site should be strictly
UFT members. enforced.
234 5 2 3 4 5
------ ------------------------
strongly agree strongly disagree strongly agree strongly disagree
2. Member sick banks should be able to exceed 200 days. 4. Alternative placements out of the school building are
needed for repeat offende rs
1 234 5
2 3 4 5
3. The City should provide more money to welfare funds
so that payment schedules for medical care, dental 5. There should be an increase in the number of School
care, etc. can increase. Safety Office rs in my school/si te
.______2_ _______3_ _______4 _______5_ 2 345
----------------
4. Increase the ability to transfer CAR (Cumulative 6. School Safety Officers in my school/site require addi-
Absence Reserves) to terminaIly ill members on a one- tional training
to-one basis. 2 3 4 5
2 4 5
7. If accusations of corporal punishment or verb al
5. Expand coverage of childhood illnesses co ntracted in abuse are rul ed to be unfounded, all records must be
school (eg., Hl Nl, Fifth's disease, lice). immediately expun ged from the schoo l/site person-
nel fil es and the members immediately returned to
1 2 3 4 5
their normal duties.
strongly agree strongly disagree 2 3 4 5
----------
Continue 5
V. Supplies, Materials, Facilities 8. Increase Teacher's Choice money.
2 3 4 5
Using a five point sea·le, ""here 1= strongly agree,
2=Somewhat Agree, 3=No Opinion, 4= Somewhat
Disagree and 5=.5trongly disagree, please indicate the
extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the 9. Create Day Care Centers in distric t.schools for use of
following statements about supplies, materials and facili- staff with young children.
ties. 1 234 5
1. Additional money is needed for instructional materials,
supplies and furniture.
2 3 4 5
VI. Paperwork
1. Approximately how much of your instructional/clinical
2. Additional computers should be placed in classrooms, time pe r week is spent on completing mandated
clinical rooms and other rooms as needed. paperwork (hours per week)?
2 3 4 5 ____none ____approximately one hour _ __ tv-'o hours
2 3

three hours four hours - --- five hours
5 6
six or more hours
7
3. Adequate space should be made available v-'here 2. Comparing this year to previous years. do you spe nd
members may safely store work-related materials and more instructio nal/clinical time, less instructional/
supplies clinical time or about the same amount of instruction-
2 3 4 5 al/clinical time on mandated paperwork?
more less about the same
strongly agree strongly disagree 1 2 3
Using a five point scale, where 1= strongly agree,
4. Adequate space should be made available where mem-
Disagree and 5=strongly disagree, please indicate the
bers may sa fely store their personal belongings
extent to which you agree or dis agree with each of the
(including coats).
following statements about paper work
2 3 4 5 3. The current paperwork burden is excessive.

5. Each school/site should supply a work area(s) contain-
ing adequate equipment and supplies, including but
not limited to duplication and computer elluipment to 4. There should be an e nforceable process to identify
aid in the production of materials necessary for work and reduce excessive paperwork
2 3 4 5 2 3 4 5
6. In addition to the above-described work areas, each VII. Hours Spent Outside of the
school/site should provide appropriately furnished
School Day/Work Dayan Work-
and air-conditioned rooms to be used as fa culty
lounges. Related Activities
2 3 4 5
1. Approximately how much time per week do you
strongly agree strongly disagree spend o lltside of the schOOl/work day:
a. calling parents ___none ____ 1 hour ____2 ho urs
1 2 3
7. If DOE mandates a program (e.g., balanced literacy),
____3 or more hours ____ not relevant to my job
they should provide training and all materials neces- 4 5
sary to implement the program without cos t to the b. preparing lessons ____none ____1-2 hours,
1 2
member. ____3-4 hours ___4-5 hours ____ more than 5 hours
3 4 5
2 3 4 5 ____not relevant to my job
6
strongly ag ree strongly disagree

Continue
6
c. grading papers ____ none ____ 1-2 hours, __Counseling memos must be used before a LIF is
1 2
__3-4 hours ____4-5 hours _ _ more than 5 hours 9 issued for non disci plinary matters pertaining to vio-
3 4 5 lations of rules, regulations, policy, etc.
__not relevant to my job
6 __ ]estore "letter in the file " grievance procedures.
d . on mandated paperwork __ none ____1-2 hours 10
1 2
____3-4 hours ____4-5 ho urs __ more than 5 hours
3 4 5 Quality of Life.:.
2. On average, approximately how many hours per month
do you spend outside of the regular school/work
schedule participating in committees/ workshops for __Administrators sho uld not be able to questio n any
which you are not paid? 1 UFT member who needs to take a pe rso nal day.
____ none ___._ 1-2 hours __3-5 hours _ _ 6-10 hours _ __The school/work calendar should include designated
1 2 3 4
2 snow days, which are returned to members if no t
____11-20 hours ____21-30 hours _ _ more than 30 hours
5 6 7 used.
3. On average, approximately how many hours per month
__"Flex" Time scheduling (i.e., later or earlier hours)
do you spend outside of the regul ar school/work
J should be offered to those with childcare and/or
schedule participa ting in committees/ workshops for
eldercare needs.
which you are paid?
____Estabish a procedure to deal \-\lith verbally abusive
____ none __ 1-2 hours ____3-5 hours
, 2 3 4 supervisors.
____6-10 ho urs ____ 11-20 hours ____ 21-30 hours
4 5 6
____ more than 30 hours
7
4. On average, approximately how many days per month
do you spend outside of your school/site attending
conferences or workshops for which you are not paid?
____ none _ 1-2 days _ 3-5 days __6-10 days
1 2 3 4
____mo re than 10 days
5
5. On average, approximately how many days per month
do you spend outside of your school/site attending
conferences or workshops for which you are paid?
____ none _ 1-2 days _ 3-5 clays __6-10 days
, 2 3 4
___ more than 10 days)
5
VIII. Miscellaneous and

Quality of Life
Which of the fo llowing statements clo you strongly sup-

port? (Check all that apply)
__ _ If UFT members witness wrong doing they should
, not be retaliated against for reporting it.
____Assure that grievances are conducted in a timely
2
manner.
____School ad ministrators must attend grievance
3 hearings.
____Chapter Leaders should be able to file grievances on
4 issues that affect the Chapter.
____Chapter Leaders should have additional time to carry
5 out their responsibilities.
____Create a Dispute Reso lution Team.

6 (Superintendent/ DR meet mon thly to settle disputes
qUickly)
____School Ch apter Leaders o r their designees ought to
7 be mandato ry members of all school committees.
_ _ Medically certified absences should not be con-

a didered in disCiplinary actions.
Stop 7
Continue to your section only
• Teachers, next page
• Per Diem Substitute Teachers - page 13
• Paraprofessionals - page 15
• School Secretaries - page 19
• Guidance Counselors - page 21
• Nurses - page 23
• Laboratory Specialist - page 25
• School Psychologist and School Social Workers - page 27
• Speech Teachers - page 29
• Occupational/Physical Therapists - page 31
• Adult Education Teachers - page 33
8
TEACHERS
9
IX. Class Size 2. Individual pre-observation conferences for the lesson
. to be observed should be required for any observation
report that will go in the member's personnel file.
Using a five point scale, where 1~ strongly agree,
2~Somewhat Agree, 3°"io Opinion, 4~ Somewhat 2 3 4 5
Disagree and 5~strongly disagree, please indicate the
extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the
following statements about class size.
3. Teachers should be involved more in shared decision-
1. Class size limits should be lowered in all grades and making.
subject classes.
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
4. A professional committee of teachers at the school

2. All class size loopholes should be eliminated (e.g., class level should be available to review lesson observation
size limits should be maintained: even if there is no
reports at the teacher's request.
space available to permit scheduling additional classes;
even if it would result in half-classes; etc). 2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5 strongly agree strongly disagree

5. "U" ratings should be based upon an entire rating peri-
od and must show progressive discipline.
If you are a classroom teacher who is providing 37.5
minutes of tutoring Mondays through Thursdays to small 2 3 4 5
groups of children, to what extent do you agree that:
3 This small group tutoring activity is an effective strategy
for improving student achievement. 6. Teachers should participate in the evaluation of their
2 3 4 5 administrators.

4. Establish a student teacher load for music and physical
education classes. 7. School-wide bonus programs should be expanded.
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
4. Teachers have adequate access to computers and are 8. Interim assessments are a valuable tool in guiding a
given work time and training necessary to use student teacher's instruction.
data to inform instruction.
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
9 Unsatisfaction ("U") rating appeals should be heard by

X. Respect and Professionalism an impartial arbitrator whose decision will be binding
on the DOE.
Using a five point scale, where 1~ strongly agree, 2 3 4 5
2~Somewbat Agree, 3~No Opinion, 4~ Somewhat
Disagt"ee and 5~strongly disagree, please indicate the strongly agree strongly disagree
following statements about respect and professionalism.
1 Instructional methodologies should be left to the
teacher's professional discretion provided the teacher
is following State guic.lelines.
2 3 4 5

10 Teachers continue
XI. Student Assessments and Tests 3. School Leadership Team members and other commit-
tee members should be paid per session rates for
attendance at committee meetings held hefore or aftel'
the school day.
Disagree and 5=strongly disagree, please indicate the 1 234 5
following statements about student assessments.
1. There are simply too many required student assess-
4. PSAL coaches should receive per session payment for
ments.
hours worked during the per session :lctivities.
2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2. Efforts should be made to streamline assessments

through the use of computers (e.g., to generate pre-
printed labels, to organize data, etc.).
XIII. Circular 6R (DOE Memorandum
2 3 4 5
regarding the elimination of
strongly agree strongly disagree administrative duties and provision
of professional activity options)
3. My school ensures adequate classroom coverages dur-
ing ECLAS, EPAL, and other such assessments.
Using a five point scale. where 1= strongly agree,
2 3 4 5 2=Somewhat Agree, 3=No Opinion, 4= Somewhat
strongly agree strongly disagree Disagree and 5=strongly disagree, please indicate the
extent to which you agree or disag l'ee with each of the
following statements about the provisions of Circular 6R.
4. If assessments of student work were prepared every
six weeks (as is currently being proposed by the 1. There are si mply too many ad ministrative duties at the
DOE), this would be a valuable tool to guide a expense of profeSSional activities in my school.
teacher's instruction. 2 3 4 5
2 3 4 5
2. Change ratification of SBO's (School-Based Options)
from a 55% to a 65% vote of the membership.
2 3 4 5
XII. Per Session Activities
strong Iy ag ree strongly disagree
following statements about per session activities.
1. Now that the Union has won pensionabiltiy on per XIV. New Teacher (1-3 years)
session, per session activities should be compensated
atpro rata pay.
2 3 4 5 2=Somewhat Agree, 3=No Opini on, 4= Somewhat
onglyagree strongly disagree
following statements.
::! •.-\11 contractual requirements relating to class size, safety,
1. Provide an additional preparation period or declicated
ere -hal l apply to per session activities.
time during the school day for new teachers and their
2 3 4 5 mentor to meet.
srrongly agree strongly disagree 2 3 4 5
Teachers continue 11
2. Mentors must be available for first year teachers and in Additional Issues and Comments
the second year where needed.
2 3 4 5 Please write below any additional issues you believe
should be addressed in the forthcoming negotiations.
3. First year middle school and high school teachers

should be assigned classes only in license.
2 3 4 5
4. First year teachers should be relieved of all administra-

tive assignments.
2 3 4 5
------------- - ------------- - --------------------~--
Thank you for contributing to our contract negotiations
12 Stop
PER DIEM
SUBSTITUTE
TEACHERS
13 .
Pier Diem Substitute Teachers Additional Issues and Comments
Using a five point scale, where 1= strongly agree, Please write below any additional issues you believe
2=Somewhat Ag['ee, 3=No Opinion, 4= Somewhat should be addressed in the forthcoming negotiations.
Disagree and 5=strongly disag ree, please indica te the
1. The Sub Central registry provides sufficient job oppor-
tunities.
2 3 4 5
2. Substi tute teachers are t['eated professionally by the

su b registry.
2 3 4 5
3. The previous system where schools called the sub-

stitu e directly is better than the sub registry.
2 3 4 5
4. All schools should be required to use the sub registry.

2 345
5. When no longer called to work in a school that regular-

ly employed the per diem substitute, a ['eason shou ld
be given .
2 3 4 5
---------
6. When having difficulty managing students, support

should be provided by the administration without fear
of reprisals
2 3 4
7. The DOE should provide professional development

specifically designed for substitute teachers.
2 3 4 5
- ------ ------- - - - - -- - - -- ----- --
Thank you for contribllting to our contract negotiations
14 Stop,
--.-- ROFESSIONALS
1.5
XV. Paraprofessionals Respect and Professionalism
The fo llowing ite ms are designed to elicit your priorities. 7. Parap rofessionals shou ld participate in staff develop-
Rate each item by circling the appropriate number that ment meetings with the teacher with whom they are
best reflects your o pinion about the item. A priority list working and should receive all materials.
will be develo ped from your responses for use in the
2 3 4 5 6 7
negotiations. Rate each item in terms of its relative -- - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - -
imponance to all the o ther items. The scale ranges from strongly support neutral strongly oppose
1 to 7, where 1 means you st rong~v support the item , 4
means that you have neutral fee lings about the item and Supplies, Materials, Facilities
7 means you strongly oppose the item. Carefully read all
of the negotiating topics before making any decisio n
about the individu al items. 8. Establish a "Choice" program for paraprofessionals.
Pension 2 3 4 5 6 7

l. Automatic e nro llment in pension upon hire.
2 3 4 5 6 7 9. Provide reimbursement or a stipend for supplies pur-
chased by paraprofeSSionals.
4
2 3
- _._5 - - -
6
- 7
Health strongly support neutral strongly oppose
2. Include other ch ildhood diseases contracted in class Assessments

(e.g., pink eye, H1N1 , Fifth's Disease, shingles, lice),
with coverage for absence. 10. Provide additional incentives fo r paraprofeSSionals to
2 3 4 5 6 7 become teachers (career ladder, student teaching).
2 3 4 5 6 7
strongly support neutral strongly oppose - - ------
3 Hepatitis B shots should be offered for new hires.
2 3 4 5 6 7 Per Session
11. Increase per sess ion jobs for paraprofessionals and
establish retention rights.
Safety and Discipline
2 3 4 5 6 7
- - - - -_._ - - - -- - -- -- - -
4. Paraprofess io nals should have the right to cons ult with strongly support neutral strongly oppose
teachers and o the rs in completing "stud ent removal"
forms. 12. Provide sepa rate checks to pay paraprofessionals fo r
2 3 4 5 6 7 per session jobs.
- - --.- - - - - --
strongly support neutral strongly oppose 2 3 4 5 6 7

5. If attacked by a student the paraprofessional may not
be assigned to work with that student aga in. Miscellaneous
2 3 4 5 6 7
strongly support neutral strongly oppose 13. Provide aniculation time fo r pa raprofessiona ls.
2 3 4 5 6 7
6 Additi onal training fo r crisis management parapro-
fessionals. strongly support neutral strongly oppose
2 3 4 5 6 7
16 Paraprofessionals continue ,
14. Establish a lO-year longevity for paraprofessionals. Additional Issues and Comments
2 3 4 5 6 7
Please write below any additional issues you believe
strongly support neutral strongly oppose should be addressed in the forthcoming negotiatio ns.
15. Provide pre-service training for paraprofessionals.

2 3 4 5 6 7
16. Provide add itional time for school paraprofessional

representatives to work on UFT-related issues. ---------- - -- - -
2 3 4 5 6 7
17 Provide ongoing training/staff develop ment for para-

professionals.
2 3 4 5 6 7
18. Provide computer literacy training for paraprofessionals.

2 3 4 5 6 7
19. Provide more summer jobs for paraprofessionals.

2 3 4 5 6 7
20. Provide the right for paraprofessionals to apply for a

hardship transfer.
2 3 4 5 6 7
21. Suspension/arrests-paraprofessionals should be treat-

ed the same as teachers.
2 3 4 5 6 7
Thank YOIl for contributing to our contract negotiations
Stop 17
18
SCHOOL
SECRETARIES
19
XVI. School Secretaries 8. On-the-jo b ass istance for pro ba tio ners who are in
trouble professionally.
The following items are designed to elicit your priorities. 23456 7
Rate each item by circling the appropriate nu mber that
best reflects your opinion about the item. A priority list
will be developed from yo ur responses for use in the
nego tiations. Rate each item in terms o f its rela tive 9. Extend the Secretaries Choice Pro r3m to elementary,
impo rta nce to al l the other items. The scale ranges from middle and junior high schools.
1 to 7, where 1 means you strongly support the item, 4 2 3 4 5 6 7
means that you have neutral feelings about the item and
7 means yo u strongly oppose the item. Carefully read all strongly support neutral sirongly 0 pose
of the negoti ating topics before mak ing any decisio n
about the individu a l items. Additional Issues and Comments
1. Establish a salary differential for a Bachelor's Degree.
2 3 4 5 6 7 Please write belo"'· 3. :1 ~- ad ditional issues you believe
should be add res ed 111 he fo rthcom ing negotia tio ns.
2. Contractu al language that states that on ly licensed

School Secreta ries ca n perfo rm secreta rial duties in
schools.
2 3 4 5 6 7
------------- -- --- ---- -
3 Tuition reimbursement for 30 cred its towards obtain-

ing a license.
2 3 4 5 6 7
4. Promo tional career opportunities (Le., caree r ladder)

within license (e.g., secretary men tor, secretary traine r,
etc.)
1 234 5 6 7
-----------------------_._-_. - - -- -
5. Promo tio nal career opp ortunities (i.e., career ladder)
to pursue other titles (e.g., teacher, counselor, etc.).
2 3 4 5 6 7
6. Reinstate health sabbaticals for Secretaries.

2 3 4 5 6 7
7. Additional training for new Secretaries before or soon

after they begin working in a school.
2 3 4 5 6 7

20 Stop
GUIDANCE
COUNSELORS
21
XVII. Guidance Counselors Additional Issues and Comments
1. Do you have adequate space to do counseling? Please write below any additional issues you believe
___Yes No should be addressed in the forthcoming negotiations.
1 2
2. Do you have proper resources to do your work effectively?
____yes No
1 2
3. Is there meaningful professional development at the ------------ --- -- -
Regional level?
____yes No Don't Know
1 2 3
4. Is there meaningful professional development at the
school level?
No Don't Know
1 2 3
5. Is there mentoring for new counselors?
____yes, ___No ____Don't Know
1 2 3
6. Regarding the information you need in order to per-
form your duties, are you getting...
a. memos about deadlines for high school articulation?
1 2 3
b. information on the scholarships that your students
can apply for?
1 2 3
C. information on ciry-wide meetings?
___Yes No Don't Know
1 2 3
d. postings of available positions?
Yes --2- No 3 Don't Know
- ~-
7. Are personnel other than licensed counselors perform-

ing guidance duties at your school/site?
1 2 3
Using a five point scale, where 1- strongly agree,
2-Somewhat Agree, 3-No Opinion, 4- Somewhat
Disagree and 5-strongly disagree, please indicate the
8. Caseloads for Guidance Counselors are unacceptably
high.
1 234 5
9. Additional time in the schedule is needed in order to

case conference with teachers.
2 3 4 5
10. A Guidance Referral Process, similar to the School

Safery Plan, should be implemented in all schools.
234 5
22 Stop
NURSES
23
XVIII. Nurses 9. Provide proper office space.
2 3 4 5
-~ -------
Using a five point scale, where 1~ strongly agree,

2~Somewhat Agree, 3~No Opinion, 4~ Somewhat
Disagree and 5~strongly disagree, please indicate the
extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the 10. Provide resources to do the job affectively.
following statements. 2 3 4 5
1. Establish sabbaticals for nurses.
2 3 4 5
Additional Issues and Comments

2. Establish additional longevity increments (or pari ty
with teachers).
2 3 4 5 should be addressed in the forthcoming negotiations.
3. Establish a salary differential for a BS +30 credits.

2 3 4 5
4. Establish a salary differential for qualified certifications

(e.g., National School Nurse Certificate).
2 3 4 5
5. Establish caseload parity between District 75 nursing

supervisors (currently 65-70 nurses) and Regional
nursing supervisors (currently 30-35 nurses).
2 3 4 5
6. Explore methods to equate summer work responsibili-

ties between Regional nurses and District 75 nurses.
2 3 4 5
--------------------------- ----
7. Receive "on call" money for having to remain in the

bUilding during lunch time in case of emergency.
2 3 4 5
8. Add illnesses to be covered HINI o r any other pan-

demic illness.
2 3 4 5

24 Stop
LABORATORY
SPECIALISTS
25
XIX. Laboratory Specialists 9. Improved lab facilities and lab safety
1 234 5 6 7
The following items are designed to elicit your priorities.
strongly support neutral
Rate each item by circling the appropriate number that
will be developed from your responses for use in the 10. New and improved edition of haboratory Specialist
negotiations. Rate each item in terms of its relative Duties.
importance to all the other items. The scale ranges from 2 3 4 5 6 7
1 to 7, where 1 means you strongly support the item, 4
means that you have neutral feelings about the item and strongly support neutral strongly oppose
7 means you strong0! oppose the item. Carefully read all
of the negotiating topics before making any decision Additional Issues and Comments
about the individual items.
1. Mandating the position of Laboratory Specialist in Please write below any additional issues you believe
every Junior High, Intermediate and High School in should be addressed in the forthcoming negotiations.
New York City.
2 3 4 5 6 7
2. The number of Laboratory Specialists in each school

should be based on each individual school's enrollment,
but there should be at least one in each discipline.
2 3 4 5 6 7
3. A set working policy for Laboratory SpeCialists in mini-

schools with several different administrators.
2 3 4 5 6 7
4. A second salary differential.

2 3 4 5 6 7
5. Hazard pay for working with hazardous materials.

2 3 4 5 6 7
strongly support neutral strong Iy oppose
6. A set policy for observations.

2 3 4 5 6 7
7. Health sabbaticals restored.

2 3 4 5 6 7
8. Improved profeSSional development opportunities.

2 3 4 5 6 7
26 Stop
SCHOOL
PSYCHOLOGISTS
AND
SCHOOL SOCIAL
WORKERS
27 .
xx. School Psychologists! 9. Return of responsibility for evaluations and place-
ments to the central administration.
School Social Workers
2 3 4 5 6 7
The following items are designed to elicit your priorities. strongly support neutral. strongly oppose
best reflects your opinion about the item. A priority list 10. Computerization of psychological test scoring.
will be developed from your responses for use in the
negotiations. Rate each item in terms of its relative 2 3 4 5 6 7
importance to all the other items. The scale ranges from
7 means you strongly oppose the item. Carefully read all 11. Purchase of adequate test kits and test protocols.
of the negotiating topics before making any decision 2 3 4 5 6 7
1. A return of the previous clustering procedures.
2 3 4 5 6 7 12. Up-to-date referral information for social workers.

2. Strict enforcement of the Jose P Stipulation.
2 3 4 5 6 7 13. Reduction of pressure to conduct "flexible" assessments.

3. Appropriate in-discipline supervision.
2 3 4 5 6 7 14. More time to consult with teachers, write IEP's, call in
"first attend" dates
2 3 4 5 6 7
4. Appropriate space.
--------------------.-----
2 3 4 5 6 7
Additional Issues and Comments

5. Sufficient access to computers.
2 3 4 5 6 7 Please write below any additional issues you believe
6. Sufficient clerical assistance.

2 3 4 5 6 7
7. Additional UFT time for Borough Leaders.

2 3 4 5 6 7
8. No contracting-out of regular allocated psychologist

and social work positions.
2 3 4 5 6 7

Thank you jor contributing to our contract negotiations
28 Stop
SPEECH
TEACHERS
29
XXI. Speech Teachers 9. Purchase adequate and appropriate speech and lan-
guage assessment and therapy materials.
2 3 4 5
Disagree and 5=strongly disagree, please indica te the
extent to which you agree or disagree with each of the 10. Staff development for new speech teachers before or
following statements .. soon after they begin working in a school.
1. Provide appropriate work space. 1 234 5
2 3 4 5 strongly agree strongly disagree
-----------------
2. Establish designated time to complete triennials, re- Additional Issues and Comments
evaluations, progress reports and write IEPs.
2 3 4 5
--- - - should be addressed in the forthcoming negotiations.
3. Establish limits in the number of split postions for

individual speech teachers.
2 3 4 5
strongly agree strongly disagreee
4. Reduce redundant paperwork.

2 3 4 5
5. Establish a dispute resolution procedures for case-

load/ workload disputes.
1 234 5
6. Establish a citywide system to work with a clinical fel-

low to obtain their Certificate of Clinical Competence.
1 2 3 4 5
7. Renegotiate program preference sheets to select

schools in a district.
2 3 4 5
8. Provide meaningful speech professional staff develop-

ment and mentoring by and for speech teachers and
therapists.
2 3 4 5
--------
30 Stop
OCCUPATIONAL/
PHYSICAL
THERAPISTS
31
XXII. Occupational Therapists/ Additional Issues and Comments
Physical Therapists (OTs/PTs)
The following items are designed to elicit your priorities.
will be developed from your responses for use in the
negotiations. Rate each item in terms of its relative
importance to all the other items. The scale ranges from
7 means you strongly oppose the item. Carefully read all
of the negotiating topics before making any decision
1. OTs/ PTs should have parity with Teachers regarding

salary steps, longevities and differentials.
2 3 4 5 6 7
2. OTs/ PTs should have parity with Teachers regarding

personal business days, religious observance days,
non-attendance days, borrowing days, sick bank (CAR)
days and all leaves.
2 3 4 5 6 7
3. OTs/PTs should have permanent pedagogue status.

2 345 6 7
4. The City should support the inclusion of therapists

into the New York City Teachers Retirement System
(TRS).
2 3 4 5 6 7
Thank YOIl for contribllting to ollr contract negotiations
32 Stop
ADULT
EDUCATION
TEACHERS
33
XXIII. Adult Education Teachers Additional Issues and Comments
Using a five point scale, where 1= strongly agree, Please write below any additional issues you believe
2=Somewhat Agree, 3=No Opinion, 4= Somewhat should be addressed in the forthcoming negotiations.
1. The contract should reflect a priority for creating full-
time schedules for Adult Education Teachers with
morning and afternoon sessions.
2 3 4 5
2. Seniority in Adult education should be used to make

teaching assignments.
2 3 4 5
,- - -- - - - - - - ------
3. Adult Education Teachers should work the same
school calendar as Day School Teachers.
2 3 4 5
4. Adult Education Teachers should get salary credit for

Day School Service.
2 3 4 5
- - -. . ---
5. Adult Education Teachers should have preparation

periods as part of their regular assignment.
2 3 4 5
6. Adult Education Teachers should have the right to take

a sabbatical.
2 3 4 5
- - - --- -----
7. Adult Education Teachers should be provided with

non-instructional time as part of their calendar in order
to complete quarterly updates.
2 3 4 5
8. Adult Education Teachers should be provided with suf-

ficient basic instructional supplies and books.
2 3 4 5
strongly agree strongly disagree Thank you for contributing to our contract negotiations
34 Stop
35

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· ed Federation of Teachers

August 2009 • Teachers, go to page 9

Dear Colleagues, • Per Diem Substitute Teachers,

Place return survey in the enclosed business reply envelope ASAP

____ Brooklyn very important moderately important not at all important

Manhattan 2. a substantial salary increase

Staten island very important moderately important not at all important

8. Highest educational level attained ____BA ____BA+30

__41-55 - 8reater than 55

very important moderately important not at all important

12. improved safety procedures 23456789 10 11

234567891011 very important moderately important not at all important

13. a strong, enforceable student discipline code

very important moderately important not at all important

15 more oppo[[unities for professional input in 234567891011

very important moderately important not at all important

16. less restricted use of sick days

very important moderately important not at all important

17. stronger contract language requiring supervisors to honor

very important moderately important not at all important

2. provide for a c ost of living increase

strongly agree strongly disagree

strongly agree strongly disagree

strongly agree strongly disagree

strongly agree strongly disagree strongly agree strongly disagree

strongly ag ree strongly disagree

VIII. Miscellaneous and

Which of the fo llowing statements clo you strongly sup-

____Create a Dispute Reso lution Team.

_ _ Medically certified absences should not be con-

4. A professional committee of teachers at the school

strongly agree strongly disagree

strongly agree strongly disagree

9 Unsatisfaction ("U") rating appeals should be heard by

strongly agree strongly disagree

2. Efforts should be made to streamline assessments

strongly agree strongly disagree

3. First year middle school and high school teachers

strongly agree strongly disagree

4. First year teachers should be relieved of all administra-

strongly agree strongly disagree

------------- - ------------- - --------------------~--

Thank you for contributing to our contract negotiations

strongly agree strongly disagree

2. Substi tute teachers are t['eated professionally by the

strongly agree strongly disagree

3. The previous system where schools called the sub-

strongly agree strongly disagree

4. All schools should be required to use the sub registry.

strongly agree strongly disagree

5. When no longer called to work in a school that regular-

6. When having difficulty managing students, support

strongly agree strongly disagree

7. The DOE should provide professional development

strongly agree strongly disagree

- ------ ------- - - - - -- - - -- ----- --

Thank you for contribllting to our contract negotiations

strongly support neutral strongly oppose

Health strongly support neutral strongly oppose

2. Include other ch ildhood diseases contracted in class Assessments

strongly support neutral strongly oppose

strongly support neutral strongly oppose

15. Provide pre-service training for paraprofessionals.

8. Highest educational level attained BA BA+30