Teacher Times #1
September 3, 2013

Primary Election

The primary election for City offices will be held on September 10, the day after school opens onSeptember 9. If necessary, a run-off election will be held on October 1. The general election will be held on November 5. Be aware of the following guidance and requirements throughout this time period:
 
§  You must ensure that students learn in an environment free of partisan political influence in accordance with Chancellor’s Regulation D-130. Your staff members are encouraged to discuss the importance of elections, to expose students to as many political viewpoints as reasonably possible, and to link these discussions to relevant course studies. However, while on duty or in contact with students, you must maintain a posture of neutrality with respect to all candidates and may not wear or distribute any items advocating a candidate or political organization.

• Candidates for public office cannot visit schools. However, subject to your approval, an elected official seeking re-election may visit a school when the reason for the visit is directly related to the official’s responsibilities and is not used for political purposes. You must notify your superintendent and network leader if an elected official requests permission to visit.
• Campaign material cannot be posted in your building. However, unions may place campaign materials in staff mailboxes or on union bulletin boards located in areas where students are not permitted.
• School facilities, equipment, and supplies may not be used for the benefit of any particular candidate. No rallies or programs for the benefit of a candidate may be held in your building. Candidate forums may be held in school buildings during non-school hours, as long as all candidates running for public office are invited to participate. If your school decides to host a candidate forum, you must indicate that all candidates have been invited to participate on the permit application that you complete.

Teacher's Choice Program

Like last year, your teachers and other eligible staff will have the opportunity to purchase instructional materials and supplies for use in their classrooms through the Teacher's Choice Program. Click here to view specific allocation levels for teachers and staff who are eligible, click here to see key dates for the program, and click here for the Request for Non-Participation (Opt-Out Form). Additional details, including updated guidelines, FAQs, and forms pertaining to the program, will be provided on theTeacher’s Choice website in September.  
 
For questions, contact teacherschoice@schools.nyc.gov or 718-935-3304.

Procedural Reminders

Professional Development and Student Opportunities

Professional development and student opportunities are posted on the PD and Student Opportunities page. This week’s highlights include:
 
§  Participate on September 4: Teacher Team Lead Webinar - Best Practices in Setting up Teacher Teams
§  Participate on September 20-22: NY State Marine Education Association Annual Conference for STEM Teachers
§  Register by September 27: Project Chess Teacher Training Workshop
§  Ongoing: Skills and Achievement Commencement Credential Webinar

Citywide Curriculum Professional Development

• Register by September 13 for curriculum team sessions for Code X, and CMP3.
• Register by September 13 for curriculum team sessions for middle and high schools that did not purchase Core Curriculum materials. These sessions will focus on shifting pedagogy in the core content areas.
• Register by September 20 for general sessions for ReadyGen, Go Math!, Code X, and CMP3. Note that a limited number of make-up sessions for the general sessions that were offered over the summer are also available.
• Register by September 20 for state curriculum workshops for Core Knowledge, Expeditionary Learning, and Common Core, Inc.; registration links will be shared in next week’s Teachers Weekly.