Groundhog Week

An aerial view of the ATR

I have to say that I did not get much out of the Open Hiring System.  Citywide, there were only 8 positions for a computer teacher and 3 of them were for high schools. The last time I looked, two days ago, there was only one school left on the list that still had a vacancy, and I didn't get a response from the principal.   The way this hiring system works leaves me with little hope of securing a position in the fall. I suspect,  therefore, that I will have a secure position in the ATR pool come September.

 

 This dismal prospect gives me all the more reason to look at what is going on in my new ATR assignment.  For starters: what is the rationale behind the mandate that all teachers in the ATR  be assigned to a different school each week?  The UFT/DOE claim that by doing so, the "excessed" teacher will have an opportunity to meet the principals of the different schools in the district.  What for? Are we going to have a coffee together?  If there is a position at the school, they should just post it like their supposed to. If there is a position available, then offer it at the job fair.  Really, by the time September rolls around, each school should have their staff in place.  We are all waiting around to be picked for the dance but the music will end soon and many of us will never get out on the dance floor. I guess we are too expensive/experienced to be a valued addition to a teaching staff. But even if this idea of being a surplus, not a substitute, teacher was deemed financially necessary then why the directive of a different school each week.  Just what does that really accomplish and who does it serve.  It certainly makes the teacher's job all the more difficult since every week is the first week of school.  Yeah, it does sound like Bill Murray's Groundhog Day.  I imagine it is also additional work for the administration: having to come up with a schedule or assignments each week for teachers of different talents and skills, having to keep track of the attendance of employees you hardly recognize.  As for the students, well picture this middle school lunch period: you are assigned to the lunchroom to keep order - you don't know any staff and the students don't know you.  Have a nice week.