PAT's Party in the Park- Next Friday, May 30- RVSP Today!
Dear Educator,
PAT’s End-of-Year Party in the Park is happening next Friday, May 30!
Come join us next Friday, May 30th at 4:30 PM at Laurelhurst Park "Area C*" to help celebrate the (almost) end of the school year! Bring your families and friends for food, drinks, music and community with your fellow educators and unionists.
We are crowd sourcing the cooking this year. Please reach out to Alisha at [email protected] if you would like to grill or have a grill to lend us (food handler's cards are required for all cooks). We look forward to seeing you there!
(*this year we will be in "AREA C"- a different area than in past years)
Testify for Class Size House Bill 3652 this Wednesday, March 5th
We have an urgent opportunity to make sure class size and caseloads are a mandatory subject of bargaining in Oregon schools. HB 3652 is up for a hearing this Wednesday, March 5th at 3:00 PM in the House Education Committee, and we need your testimony to make sure lawmakers hear from educators directly!
Submitting testimony is easy! Use the HB 3652 Testimony Template linked below to help structure your message:
🔗 HB 3652 Testimony Template
Testimony can be submitted up to 48 hours after the hearing (by Friday, March 7th at 3:00 PM), but it is most effective before March 5th.
Additionally, if you want to support HB 3357 (Injury Data Collection Bill), which will be heard on Monday, March 3rd at 3:00 PM, you can use the template below to submit testimony:
🔗 HB 3357 Testimony Template
Your voice matters! Help ensure that we can negotiate for reasonable class sizes, caseloads, and safe working conditions for all educators and students in Oregon.
Thank you for taking the time to advocate for these critical issues!
Monday 11/18/24: Core Enrichment and Neighborhood Schools Organizing Meeting
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The amazing work you do everyday supporting our students shows! Thank you to those who were able to attend last months listening sessions. Our CAT will be facilitating an organizing meeting for both groups to support members in creating an action plan based on the issues discussed at the listening sessions The meeting is on Monday, November 18th from 5pm-7pm at the PAT Office (345 NE 8th Ave). Dinner will be provided. Please RSVP, so we can have enough food for everyone! |
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Call for ART Submission for Reclaim MLK 2025
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Ballots are due Today, by 8pm
Have you submitted your ballot yet? If not, please note: * It is now too late to mail your ballot. Ballots deposited in an official drop box must be received by 8 pm today!Your vote has the most tangible impact at the local level. With our new ranked choice voting here in Portland, important county and statewide races, as well as statewide measures on the ballot, we need you to exercise your right to vote. Democracy only works when we work it! Not sure how to vote? Check out our PAT PAC and OEA PAC endorsements! |
Election Night FestivitiesWant to hang with some cool folks as preliminary results come in tomorrow? There is an Election Night Watch party hosted by the Oregon Working Families Party and Portland for All from 5:30pm-9pm. Register for the location HERE. We'd love to see you as we hear results for our first ever Ranked Choice Vote in Portland! |
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Resources Post-ElectionWorried about the outcome of the election? Have concerns about our democracy regardless of who is elected? Not sure how to talk to students about the elections? Check out some teaching resources to support you in conversation with your students about the election:
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The Advocate, September 9th, 2024
The Advocate, September 9th, 2024
Table of Contents
- President’s Message: Big Wins for Substitutes, Strides in Transparency
- Committee and PAT PAC Updates
- Executive Board Bulletins: New Section with Announcements from Your Executive Board!
- OEA Updates
- Portland and Oregon Solidarity
- PAT Events
- Upcoming PPS Board & Committee Meetings
Contract Alert: Heat Advisory and Mitigation Plans
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The message below was sent to all Reps on Tuesday, September 3rd. With the Heat Advisory, I have a scheduled conversation with the Superintendent this morning to discuss concerns I'm hearing from across the district. If your room is hot and you believe it is above an 80 degree heat index (table below):
I have shared with Dr. Armstrong that we have heard there are similar issues at multiple "new build" HS with half of the HVAC not working, that multiple sites did NOT have the windows opened before they arrived this morning (or have been told they cannot open 1st floor windows), that some places do not have access to 32oz of water for each adult available at all times. Please document and share the data, the Superintendent has committed to reviewing the ALL the data they receive. Do not suffer in silence! In Solidarity, |
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Original Message below: *If you are not a current rep, you have received this email because your building has not had their rep elections or has not yet reported their rep elections. Please pass this information on to the current reps and the rest of your site. Thank you!*This week’s forecast shows the heat is going to reach dangerous levels. Many of you have reached out to see what contract protections and district protocols are in place for the upcoming heat. I have already communicated with Genevieve Rough from Employee and Labor Relations who has shared that the PPS Risk Management has already met and is reviewing the early release thresholds for tomorrow and Thursday, as well as the school closure thresholds for Friday. As of now, the National Weather Service (NWS) reports:
What should we do? Thresholds
Notes
The decision to close schools will be on an individual basis, as our schools have varying HVAC and A/C systems. That is why it is CRUCIAL you communicate with your administrators the temperatures at your site in writing. After documenting the temperature, the first step is to contact your administrator in email with the conditions of your classrooms. Using the PAT thermometers or the district provided measurement tool, send the heat index to your principal and request relief. Here is a template email to share with administrators about the heat for the week, and a template email to share with admin as the temperatures heat up. Please see below for additional information and links. |
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Environmental Safety Contract Language 9.12.4 Mitigation and Relief Plan 9.12.4.1 The District will provide an actionable plan that provides immediate relief for an/or mitigation of issues identified during the initial Safety Committee Inspection Checklist conducted at each building by the Safety Committee. The actionable plan will include:
Specifically about heat: 9.13.3 When temperatures reach below sixty (60) degrees and/or the heat index reaches above eighty (80) degrees in a professional educator’s work setting (for example, classroom or office) the following shall occur: 9.13.3.1 The educator will inform their administrator of the conditions outlined in 9.13.3 in writing; 9.13.3.2 The District will provide relief according to the process outlined in 9.12.4 and PPS Heat Mitigation Plan; 9.13.3.3 If the temperature cited in 9.13.3 occurs during the student day, the district will provide an alternative space for learning as outlined in the PPS Heat Mitigation Plan; 9.13.3.4 If the temperatures cited in 9.13.3 occur outside the student day, the professional educator will have the ability to complete their work duties and planning in an area without temperature stress. The professional educator will inform the administrator of their new location in writing. 9.13.3.5 If all of the above do not occur and the hazardous environment continues, educator may use article 9.12.1, if applicable. National Weather Service (NWS)’s forecast and Heat Index As always, please reach out to the Executive Board Director/Zone liaison for your zone with questions. You can email their personal email or reach out to [email protected] for help. In Solidarity, |
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The Advocate, January 10, 2024
The Advocate, January 10, 2024
- President’s Message: New Year, New Lessons
- Know Your Contract: Conferences, Retro Pay and Evaluations
- PAT Committees
- PAT Elections Information
- PAT Substitute Representative Elections -- REOPENED
- OEA Elections
- Membership Updates
- PPS Solidarity
- Oregon Solidarity
- Political News: OEA PAC
- Community Spotlight
- Important Dates (Live PAT Calendar)
Media Advisory: Press Conference to Announce Results of Portland Educators Strike Authorization Votes
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Contact: Samantha Winslow
Phone: (971) 373-7584
Email: [email protected]
Press Conference to announce results of Portland Educators strike authorization votes.
Where: PAT Headquarters, 345 NE 8th Ave, Portland.
When: Friday, October 20, 10:00 a.m.
PAT will announce the results of strike authorization votes in a press conference at PAT headquarters, at 345 NE 8th Ave, Portland. Members have been voting at their school sites and at the PAT office regarding authorize a strike after almost a year of bargaining. Portland Public Schools management has been unwilling to respond to increasing student needs in Portland’s schools while stockpiling resources that should be going directly to serve students.
PAT leaders continue to urge PPS to shift its budget to increase funds that go toward student-centered priorities, outlined in PAT bargaining proposals. In yet another bargaining session this week, PPS failed to bring any serious proposals that would benefit students. Meanwhile PPS revealed in previous sessions that it has an additional $16 million available in recurring state funds to add to its budget but would not yet put it towards a settlement with Portland educators that would offer more mental health support and smaller class sizes for students.
“PAT educators are standing up for Portland students by taking strike votes this week. Our students deserve safe buildings, smaller class sizes and added mental health specialists, and educators won't give up until we for our students.” Angela Bonilla, PAT President.
PPS’ most recent financial reports show the district cut educators while growing administration and has let its general fund increase to $105 million to start the 2023-24 school year. Oregon Department of Education data shows Portland spends less of its overall budget on support for Portland classrooms than other large districts, spending 8% less than Beaverton last year. If district leaders realign the PPS budget, as a state audit has directed them to, that would free up millions of dollars redirected towards meeting student needs and settling this contract.
“As an educator and parent of two kids in Portland Public Schools, I’m frustrated by class sizes that are too big! In my 3rd grade class, I have 31 students in a classroom, when a few years back there were 23 students. More students mean more needs to address, more hours of prepping, more hours on the phone with parents, and less time with each kid. There isn’t enough room in the classroom, so I have to turn a heater into a desk. I use bookshelves and stools to make seats. I have kids sitting on the windowsill.” Tiffany Koyama Lane, educator, Sunnyside Elementary School.
“My 5th grader loves school and I want that to continue. As a parent and volunteer at my son’s school, I see our teachers working hard every day to support our students. Post pandemic, so many kids need extra support, whether it’s for stress, anxiety, or special education support. I support PAT educators and their fight because our kids need smaller class sizes and more mental health specialists.” Isabel Johnson, parent at Glencoe Elementary School.
To interview PAT officers, educators, and PPS parents, contact Samantha Winslow.
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The Portland Association of Teachers (www.pdxteachers.org) is the largest teachers’ union in Oregon,. Members of PAT are demanding safe, properly maintained and fully resourced schools in every neighborhood.
The Advocate, August 29th, 2023
The Advocate, June 5th, 2023
- President’s Message: Ending the Year Strong!
- Know Your Contract
- Bargaining, the latest news
- PAT Interim Election- Results
- Donate to the Sick Leave Bank
- Upcoming Events and & Committee Updates
- June 15th, Party in the Park
- External Organizing-
This Thursday! Bargaining Cancelled, Time to Rally
Rally for Strong Public Schools!
Dr. Prophet Education Center
Thursday, 4:30PM-6:30PM
Wear Blue!
Families welcome!
RSVP Here!
Dear Educator,
Late Monday afternoon, PPS management canceled bargaining scheduled for this Thursday. On the agenda: educator compensation.
This meeting would have been our 8th bargaining session since January, when we first shared our bargaining platform and proposals. By this point in negotiations, we expected to be discussing issues that matter most to educators and coming closer to resolution. Instead, PPS management has come to the bargaining table with little to say about the issues we’ve raised. On the issue of compensation, they’ve suggested that 2.5% cost of living adjustments would be all that it takes to ensure that jobs in PPS are competitive and attractive.
Hundreds of educators had already RSVP’d yes to attend bargaining this Thursday to show PPS management our unity behind our bargaining team and vision. It is shameful that instead of meeting with educators, they canceled without rescheduling.
PPS Management’s actions mean much more than their words. By canceling bargaining for this Thursday and refusing to discuss the issues most important to educators, they are choosing to run away from us, hoping we’ll give up and give in to their vision.
Here’s what we have to ask ourselves:
- Are we willing to settle for 2.5% cost of living adjustments?
- Are we willing to settle for no change in class size or caseloads?
- Are we willing to settle for the status quo?
If your answer is NO to any of these questions, then we hope you’ll join us for a rally outside of Dr. Prophet Education Center (501 N. Dixon). Let’s make sure PPS Management knows we’re United for Strong Public Schools and refuse to be silenced!
Rally for Strong Public Schools!
Dr. Prophet Education Center
Thursday, 4:30PM-6:30PM
Wear Blue!
Families welcome!
RSVP Here!
PAT 💙 WEEK OF ACTION ✊🏾 for Safe, Sustainable & Equitable Schools💙✊🏾
Mark your calendars!
PAT Week of Action, April 24th-28th
Continue reading
PAT 💙 WEEK OF ACTION ✊🏾 for Safe, Sustainable & Equitable Schools💙✊🏾
Mark your calendars!
PAT Week of Action, April 24th-28th
Dear educator,
Our union has been in contract negotiations for safe, sustainable and equitable schools since January. Our union put together a bargaining platform, based on surveys from educators, that lays out a path ensuring high quality and strong public schools now and for years to come.
Despite our proposals and compelling testimony, PPS managers seem to believe that the status quo is working and should be maintained for years to come. It is time we take action to show PPS management that maintaining the status quo is not how we create great public schools.
How much longer are we willing to wait for safe, sustainable and equitable schools?
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WHAT IS GOOD FOR STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS |
Educators Proposal |
Management’s Proposal |
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Class sizes & caseloads |
Hard caps and increases in planning and prep times |
status quo |
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Competitive salaries & cost of living adjustments |
Keep up with inflation & offsetting PERS cuts |
2.5% per year |
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Just cause: protection against unjust discipline or firing of educators |
Maintain our current protections |
Remove Just Cause protections to make discipline and firing less transparent |
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Expanded mental health services |
School psychologists, qualified mental health providers, nurses and counselors for ALL schools |
No Response |
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Additional Special Education services |
Smaller caseloads & more Tier 2 and 3 interventions |
No Response |
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Safe and healthy schools |
Buildings must be between 60℉ and 90℉, schools free of mice and mold, de-escalation spaces for students in crisis |
No Response |
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Racial equity and restorative justice |
Fully fund restorative justice programs, educator-led professional development, culturally relevant curricula, accurate collection of racial disparity data |
No Response |
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Expanded early childhood learning & preschool |
Safe staffing ratios, greater professional development, play-based curriculum |
No Response |
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More teaching, less testing |
No standardized tests before 3rd grade, no additional testing beyond state-mandated tests |
Struck most of our proposed language |
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Housing assistance |
New emergency services for PPS families facing eviction and families with housing needs |
No Response |
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Real community connections
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Expand parent-teacher home visit program and greater transparency around school budgeting |
No Response |
What patterns do you notice? One clear pattern is that PPS believes the status quo is what best serves our students and schools. It is time we reject this argument. Why? This flies in the face of what we experience each and every day in our schools.
This is why we’re taking action during the week of April 24th-28th, to show PPS management that maintaining the status quo is not how we create great public schools. We do this by responding to the needs of our students and families and create the safe, sustainable and equitable schools our community deserves.
More details coming soon from your head building representative or internal organizer. Make sure someone from your worksite attends our Wednesday, April 19th Representative Assembly to learn more. If you have questions, please write to our Internal Organizing Leads Erika Schneider ([email protected]) or Matt Reed ([email protected]).
Take care and enjoy your weekend!
In Solidarity,
Portland Association of Teachers
http://www.pdxteachers.org/
The Advocate, April 21st, 2023
The Advocate, April 21st, 2023
- President’s Message: The Revolution will not be Televised
- Know Your Contract
- Rep Elections
- Run for Interim Eboard Director or Interim Secretary by May 17!
- Committee Updates
- Donate to Sick Bank
- Upcoming Events
The Advocate, March 24th, 2023
The Advocate, March 24th, 2023
- President’s Message: Spring has Sprung!
- Upcoming Events
- March 26th, La Casa Comun Solidarity Event
- March 27th, Public Hearing on HB 2895
- March 29th, OEA Student Loan Forgiveness Seminar
- April 4th & 13th, PAT/PPS Bargaining
- April 15th, Professional Development by OHS and JAMO
- April 27th, An Evening with Nichole Watson
- May 6th, Labor Notes Troublemakers School
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Upcoming PAT Committee Meetings/Events
- PAT Office Closed Spring Break
- Know Your Contract
- Committee Updates
- Internal Organizing
- External Organizing
- Racial Equity
- PAT PAC
- Substitute Committee
-
Legislative Committee
- Postcard Action
- Lobby Action
Friday, January 27th, 10:00AM and 6:00PM: Community Listening Sessions at Rigler and Scott
Join PAT and community members to discuss a shared vision for the future of our public schools!
RSVP today and share with parents!
See our fliers here and below.
PAT Training Opportunities this January and February
Thursday, January 26th, 4:30 PM: Racial Equity Training, Part One
RSVP here to save your spot.
We're excited to continue our training program with our first Racial Equity training session on Thursday, January 26th at 4:30PM at the PAT office. Please see our flier for all of the exciting trainings we're offering our members this year!