Dear PAT Member,

On Friday,  Governor Brown held a press conference at Sitton Elementary to announce that all districts in Oregon will be required to return to in-person instruction, by March 29th for grades K-5, and by April 19 for grades 6-12. She also wrote that “CDL may be offered for individual students when accommodations are necessary for individual student health and safety.”

This announcement, and the forthcoming executive order demonstrates how little our Governor understands public education, or what it takes to open our school buildings safely and equitably. 

We have been pushing for a solution that is safe, that centers students' needs, and that is workable given the realities of our resources and facilities. Adhering to an artificial timeline to put bodies is buildings would upend that work, creating chaos for our staff, our parents, and our students, who have already had more than enough uncertainty in the last year.

Despite Governor’s Brown’s timeline, PAT will continue to fight to make sure that plans for in-person learning are safe and equitable, including honoring the needs of our students who wish to remain in CDL.

At the bargaining table, we have reached important agreements on safety, including proper PPE, air purification, and safe cohort sizes. We will continue to fight for what we need to ensure a safe and equitable transition, including planning time to transition to in-person learning, remote assignments for educators who need to stay remote, and safety committees to hold the District to standards we have agreed on. Please make sure you take the Bargaining Survey so we can gauge the importance of each of these outstanding issues.

Right now, there are lots of questions about what Governor Brown’s mandate will mean for PPS. We are trying to find answers, but one thing we know for sure is that we can’t bring students into classrooms without a plan, and that no plan will be successful without the input of the educators on the ground.

Teachers are not alone in feeling anger, anxiety, and confusion about the Governor’s directive. We are hearing from many parents and community members who share our demand to center safety and equity in plans for spring learning. 

That is why PAT members will continue to stand with parents and community groups fighting for an equitable return to the classroom, including at a rally at 3pm next Saturday at the BESC, organized by MxM Bloc along with concerned parents, students, teachers, and school staff.

We will have more information and next steps in the coming days, so stay tuned.  

This year has been stressful and exhausting for all of us. But we need to continue to stand together if we want to build the best path forward this spring for ALL our students. 

In Solidarity,

Elizabeth Thiel

PAT President

The Portland Association of Teachers Political Action Committee (PAT PAC) is proud to announce its endorsements for the May 18, 2021 school board election.

The PAT PAC endorsement panel consisted of 9 educators along with OEA staff. The panel considered the following criteria while making their endorsements: support for collective bargaining; commitment to educator voice; knowledge of education issues such as standardized testing and disrupted learning; commitment to racial equity; advocacy for strong, fully-funded public schools; and electability.

We look forward to working with these candidates to improve our schools, and better support our students and families.

Herman Greene, in Zone 4, is a long time resident and advocate in North Portland. He has strong ties to the Roosevelt community and supports public education. He works as Senior Pastor at the Abundant Life PDX Church.

Gary Hollands, in Zone 5, is a PPS alumnus and parent. He has deep ties to the North/Northeast Portland community as a business owner and an Executive Director of the Albina Sports Program. He has previously served on the MESD Board and founded Interstate Trucking Academy. 

Zone 6--No Recommendation

In this race, incumbent Julia Brim-Edwards is running against newcomers Max Margolis and Libby Glynn. Your PAT PAC board did not feel we could endorse any of these candidates. We remain concerned about the influence of large multinational corporations on Julia Brim-Edwards’ decisions as a School Board director. Max Margolis and Libby Glynn, both strong parent activists, have a good understanding of the problems of the school system, but do not yet have the experience needed to manage a city-wide campaign. Therefore, we are not able to make an endorsement in this race.

PAT PAC is funded entirely through member contributions, not through dues dollars. Get involved and support great candidates like these: Donate to the PAT PAC here.

Learn more about the PAT PAC here.

Portland Association of Teachers
http://www.pdxteachers.org/

Dear PAT Colleagues,

The ballots have been cast and counted. We are pleased to congratulate the individuals who have been elected to represent PAT members in various positions.

The new members of your PAT Executive Board, serving a two-year term beginning July 1, 2021, are:

• Angela Bonilla, Instructional Specialist, Scott Elementary School
• Tina Lamanna, 2^nd Grade Teacher, Markham Elementary School
• Beyoung Yu, ESL Teacher, Rosa Parks Elementary School
• Shannon Foxley, Counselor, da Vinci Arts Middle School

These members are elected as your delegates to the July 2-6, 2021 National Education Association (NEA) Representative Assembly:

These members will join the group of previously-elected delegates to serve as PAT delegates to the spring 2021, 2022, and 2023 Oregon Education Association (OEA) Representative Assemblies:

Write-in candidates with two or more votes for NEA RA Delegate and OEA RA Delegate will be contacted by PAT in March. Please contact Nominations & Elections Committee Chair Ailien Tran if you have any questions ([email protected]).

Thank you to all PAT members who participated in our democratic process by running for office and/or casting a vote in this election!

PAT Colleagues:

As PPS plans for next school year, changes in enrollment, funding, or programs may result in a reduction of staff in a particular building or program area.  If that occurs, your PAT/PPS contract (Article 18) provides a process for determining which educator(s) will be “unassigned” from their current worksite, as well as procedures for their transfer to another site/program.  

An unassignment does not mean that the educator loses a job at PPS.  It simply means they will be transferred and assigned to a different position. 

In general, the least senior educator licensed in the affected subject area will be unassigned.  There are some important exceptions:

• The administrator must first ask for volunteers. Volunteers will be unassigned and transferred instead if they are appropriately licensed in the affected grade level or subject matter area (and are not on a Program of Assistance).
• The administrator may request an exception to retain educators of color to maintain a racial balance of educators to students at the site.
• The administrator may request an exception to maintain a gender balance of educators at the site.
• The administrator may request an exception to retain an educator with bilingual or multilingual ability relevant to the assignment.

Unassigned educators are eligible to apply for vacant positions during the internal transfer process.  All unassigned educators in a subject area must be assigned before PPS may consider any outside applicants.

Find more information here: FAQ: Unassignments and Transfers, FAQ: Applying for Positions 

Here is the timeline:

• PPS Informational Meeting for Unassigned Educators (details to follow) - March 18 & March 19, 4:30-6:00 p.m.

• Internal Phase Vacancies Posted - Apply Now - March 29 - April 2
• Interviews - April 5 - 7
• Remaining Unassigned Educators Notified of Assignments - Mid-April
• External Phase Opens – April 20

Find more information on our Know Your Contract page.

The Advocate, February 24th, 2021

1. President’s Message
2. Diverse Educator Reimbursement
3. Getting a Substitute to Support Students
4. Getting Paid for LIPI
5. Climate Justice Workshop, February 25th
6. PAT Members in Solidarity with Black Lives Matter
7. PAT Scholarship: Aspiring Educators of Color
8. Advocacy Committee Update: SpEd Classes & Drop-In
9. PAT Election Reminder: Vote by February 25th
10. OEA Relief Fund Open for Substitute Educators
11. Upcoming Events 

Dear Educator,

We know you are getting a lot of questions about what Hybrid Instruction would look like for students. We don’t have all the answers, because PPS has not yet shared a detailed plan.

In the linked document (also shown below) are our best responses to some common questions that families may have, based on what PPS has presented, and on the safety parameters described in ODE’s  Ready Schools, Safe Learners Document, Version 5.5.0, January 19, 2021 (RSSL).

We hope it will be helpful in creating a clearer picture of what students would experience in a Hybrid learning environment.

Portland Association of Teachers
http://www.pdxteachers.org/

What Will K-5 Hybrid Instruction Look Like in PPS?

We are getting a lot of questions about what Hybrid Instruction would look like for students. We don’t have all the answers, because PPS has not yet shared a detailed plan. Below are our best responses to some common questions that families may have, based on what PPS has presented, and on the safety parameters described in ODE’s Ready Schools, Safe Learners Document, Version 5.5.0, January 19, 2021 (RSSL).

During the ongoing pandemic, Oregon schools must follow the required guidelines set out by ODE in RSSL. In this document, the bullet points are taken directly from RSSL guidelines, and unless otherwise noted, schools are required to follow them.

Q&A

Q. Why hybrid? Why can’t my student go to in-person school, 5 days a week?

A. Hybrid instruction is an attempt to give students as much in-person instruction as possible, given the safety guidelines that must be followed, and the resources that schools currently have. The RSSL guidelines require 35 square feet per person. Most classes in PPS have 25-30 students per teacher, but most classrooms can accommodate only 10-14 students with safe spacing.

Teacher and Student Relationships

Q. If I choose hybrid instruction, will my student have the same teacher and class they have now?

A. Unknown. PPS has said they would try to keep students with their current teacher, but this could depend on many factors, including the number of students in the class, how many students choose Hybrid or Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL), the size of the classroom, and the model of hybrid instruction that PPS designs.

Q. If I choose Comprehensive Distance Learning instruction, will my student have the same teacher and class they have now?

A. Also unknown. See above. If teachers are instructing more than one cohort of Hybrid learners, it is unclear when or how they would have time to support CDL learners.

Q. Will the teacher be able to assist my student?

A. The teacher will do their best to assist your student. Following RSSL guidelines, the teacher and students must wear masks. Teachers must also maintain a 6 foot distance from your student as much as possible. In a simulcast model, the teacher would be instructing students who are at home and participating through video-feed at the same time that they would be instructing the students in the physical classroom.

Classroom Capacity & Spacing

Q. Can my student move freely around their classroom?

A. No. Six feet of distance must be maintained at all times. The District has rearranged student desks and other seat spaces so that staff and students’ physical bodies are six feet apart to the maximum extent possible while also maintaining 35 square feet per person; RSSL guidelines outline assigned seating so students are in the same seat at all times.

Q. Will my student participate in group or partner work? Can my student sit somewhere different than their assigned desk?

A. Students are to have the same seat at all times. Other furniture and group carpet options have been removed from classrooms. Any group or partner work would need to be done from assigned seats, which are spaced 6 feet apart. Further, RSSL guidelines include:
“Consider removing upholstered furniture and soft seating and replace with surfaces that can be wiped down and cleaned easily.” Recommended, Page 40

Mask Policy

Q. Will my student need to wear a mask while they are at school?

A. Yes, even when outdoors.
“Face coverings should be worn both indoors and outdoors, including during outdoor recess.” Required, Page 30
“Some exceptions for ADA, IDEA, etc.” Accommodations, Page 30

Q. Will the teacher be wearing a mask? How will that work for instruction?

A. Yes, everyone must wear a mask. Educators will do their best to communicate with students, but must wear a mask for everyone’s safety. In a simulcast model, the teacher will be wearing a mask while teaching CDL students, as there would be in-person students in the room at the same time.

School Supplies

Q. Can students share supplies and other classroom manipulatives?

A. No, students will need their own supplies. Anything that is shared must be disinfected between uses. RSSL guidelines state:
“Avoid sharing of community supplies when possible (e.g., scissors, pencils, etc.).” Required, Page 40
“Clean, sanitize, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces (e.g. door handles, sink handles, drinking fountains, transport vehicles) and shared objects (e.g., toys, games, art supplies) between uses multiple times per day.” Required, Page 45

Recess

Q. Will my student be able to play with others during outside recess?

A. Yes, but 6 feet of distance is to be kept, even when outside. Students also need to stay within their stable cohort, even when outdoors. RSSL guidelines include:
“Maintain physical distancing requirements, stable cohorts, and square footage requirements.” Required, Page 41
“Before and after using playground equipment, students must wash hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60-95% alcohol.” Required, Page 41
“Design recess activities that allow for physical distancing and maintenance of stable cohorts.” Required, Page 41
“Designate playground and shared equipment solely for the use of one cohort at a time and sanitized daily.” Required, Page 41

Eating

Q. Can my child eat at school?

A. Only during designated times with distance protocols in place. PPS is planning for “Grab and Go” meals that would be eaten off campus. RSSL guidelines state:
“At designated meal or snack times, students may remove their face coverings to eat or drink but must maintain six feet of physical distance from others, and must put face coverings back on after finishing the meal or snack.” Required, Page 42

Moving in Hallways and other Activities

Q. Will my student get to use different spaces and resources within the building?

A. No. You can expect your child to stay inside the classroom. Movement inside the school building will be limited. RSSL guidelines state:
“Limit transitions to the extent possible. Create hallway procedures to promote physical distancing and minimize gatherings.” Required, Page 39

Q. Will my student be able to participate in traditional field trips or school assemblies?

A. No, those activities do not allow for needed physical distancing requirements. RSSL guidelines state:
“Cancel, modify, or postpone field trips, assemblies, athletic events, practices, special performances, school-wide parent meetings and other large gatherings to meet requirements for physical distancing.” Required, Page 39

Transportation

Q. Can my student take the school bus to get to campus?

A. Busses will have a limited capacity. RSSL guidelines state:
“Face coverings for all students.” Required, Page 44
“Take all possible actions to maximize ventilation: Dress warmly, keep vents and windows open to the greatest extent possible.” Required, Page 44
“Provide at least three feet of physical distance between passengers. Potential exposures on a bus are significantly reduced by three feet of distance, in combination with face coverings, and open windows for ventilation.” Recommended, Page 44

Q. What if a child who appears to be sick is on the bus?

A. Bus drivers are required to pick up any student who is waiting to get on the bus. If a student gets on the bus and appears sick or is exhibiting symptoms, they will be asked to sit in a designated place on the bus, close to the front.

Dear Educator,

You should have received an electronic ballot on Monday and again a few minutes ago for PAT elections. They were sent to your PPS email address at about 5:45 pm, with the subject "2021 PAT Elections."

Only PAT members may vote in PAT elections. If you don’t see your ballot in your PPS email inbox, please check your “Spam” and “Junk” folders. Once you find it, please mark it as "Not Junk" so that future ballots will go to your inbox. If you still do not see your ballot, or if you are not a member and would like to join in order to vote, please contact Jennifer Dixon ([email protected]).

Candidate statements, video speeches, and candidate answers to four member-generated questions are linked in the ballot. You are able to view them once you open your ballot, and you can then re-enter your ballot to vote at a later time, if you wish. 

BALLOTS MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN 5:00 pm on Thursday, February 25, 2021.

The Advocate, February 10, 2021

1. President’s Message
2. Black Lives Matter at School
3. What is Limited In-Person Instruction?
4. Using Leave Time for Your COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment
5. Elect Your PAT Leaders
6. MAP Testing Answers
7. IPD Committee Update
8. Bargaining for Racial Equity: Contract Language to Attract, Support, and Retain Educators of Color
9. PAT Scholarship: Aspiring Educators of Color
10. Know Your Contract: Upcoming Dates
11. Portland Jobs with Justice Solidarity Pledge
12. Beating Apathy Training--Saturday, February 13th, 4:00-5:30 pm
13. Other Upcoming Events

Dear Educator,

Last week, PPS announced an intention to move toward a Hybrid model of instruction in April.

As schools begin making plans to open buildings for in-person instruction, members of our union have expressed a deep concern for how reopening buildings, while Covid-19 is still spreading, will negatively impact our students of color, whose families have been most impacted by the pandemic.

These concerns are underscored by the fact that, to our knowledge, neither PPS nor ODE have gathered meaningful and widespread input from families of color to learn if the goal of returning to live instruction is in line with the needs and wishes of families of color in our district.

Looking at other large school districts around the country, there is a pattern that when schools have reopened, families of color have been the least likely to choose to attend live classes. In other words, in order to provide an in-person option, those districts are shifting resources away from students of color remaining in distance learning, in order to create an opportunity that will most likely benefit white students. Rather than closing the opportunity gap, the likely impact in these cases is to widen it. 

The PAT Executive Board sent the attached letter to state and district leaders. It asks the District to intentionally seek the input of educators and families of color, and to be transparent about the results, before shifting resources toward the goal of implementing a Hybrid instructional model.

We know that reopening our school buildings for live instruction is a complex issue, and that the conditions and dynamics are constantly shifting. We will be surveying all members in the coming week to hear your perspective on a Hybrid opening. Look for it in your email.

Elizabeth Thiel
http://www.pdxteachers.org/

PAT is hosting a forum tonight from 5:00 to 7:00 PM to identify concerns and to do our best to address questions pertaining to the District’s plan to move to a hybrid model. Please register as soon as possible and participate in this meeting. A registration link is in your e-mail. Please contact [email protected] if you have not received this registration link. After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the meeting. We want to ensure the discussion is between PAT members only. Please do not share your meeting link when you receive it.

Dear Educator, 

We want to make sure you know how to get the information you need about vaccines. PAT has not had a role in planning the vaccine timeline or rollout, and the information we have is the same as what has been shared with you.

You should have received two emails in your PPS account today regarding vaccines. Please read them carefully and follow the instructions. 

We know that many of us have questions and concerns about the order in which Oregon is allowing people to get vaccines, and have questions about why educators have been prioritized before the elderly, communities of color, people with pre-existing conditions, and essential workers who have been working in-person all along. The decision about this order was made by Governor Brown, and has not been open to discussion or revision. 

Please know that refusing to get vaccinated during this phase will NOT help to get the vaccine to others faster, and may actually slow down the process for others. We encourage you to follow the instructions provided by OHA and PPS to get your vaccine during the appropriate “wave.” 

The first “wave” to have access to vaccination includes our PPS custodians, nutrition workers, bus drivers, and community partners who have already been working in-person, in addition to educators who are providing LIPI, and early-childhood educators. The PPS email from this morning has more information about upcoming waves.

How to get answers to your questions: 

• Visit the PPS vaccinations webpage
• Attend the PPS “Virtual Vaccination Panel Conversation with Multnomah County and the Coalition of Communities of Color” on Friday, January 29, from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. 
• Refer to the PPS Vaccine FAQ
• Email [email protected]

Portland Association of Teachers
http://www.pdxteachers.org/

Dear PAT Educator,

Tonight, at the January 26th School Board meeting, Superintendent Guerrero and district staff will be presenting an update on the District’s plan to shift to hybrid instruction. 

We wanted to make clear that PAT had not seen these plans prior to today, when district leaders briefly presented it to all PPS union leaders. At this point, we have more questions than answers.

One thing we do know is that the District remains obligated to negotiate over how any shift to a hybrid model of instruction will affect working conditions of PAT members, including issues pertaining to safety and workload. 

We encourage members to join us in watching tonight’s School Board meeting starting at 6:00 PM. You can tune in live here. 

PAT will be hosting a forum this Thursday, January 28th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM to identify concerns and to do our best to address questions pertaining to the District’s plan to move to a hybrid model. Here is the link for our January 28th meeting. 

As we weather this pandemic, and the barrage of shifting plans, guidelines, and pressures, thank you for your constant support and advocacy for your students, your colleagues, and our community.

Portland Association of Teachers
http://www.pdxteachers.org/

The Oregon Health Authority has released a lengthy list to answer the incalculable questions regarding the coming vaccine and COVID-19. We have listed some of their answers below, but please click here to see the whole document. Please also visit OHA's website for more information.

General
Q4. How soon after the second dose will the vaccine become effective?
A4. Clinical trials measured the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. Each vaccine
requires two doses.
• The Moderna vaccine is 94% effective two weeks after a person receives the
second shot. The Pfizer vaccine is 95% effective one week after the second
shot.

Q5. Will I still need to wear a mask after I get the COVID-19 vaccination?
A5. The vaccine will keep you from getting sick, but it still may be possible to get,
carry and transmit the virus. Preventing illness and severe illness is certainly a
reason to get vaccinated. It will also take time for us to get everyone vaccinated.
We don’t yet know when we’ll be able to stop wearing masks and maintaining
physical distance, but OHA will continue to watch the spread of the disease in
Oregon. When the spread of disease is low enough, these additional protective
measures can be stopped.

Q6. How much will it cost for me to get the COVID-19 vaccination?
A6. For now, vaccine doses will be given to everyone at no cost.

Q7. Will there be enough COVID-19 vaccine for everyone?
A7. The vaccine may be scarce at first, so distribution will be prioritized. But as
COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing ramps up, eventually there will be enough
vaccine for everyone. This timing depends upon how many vaccines are approved
and the total supply of vaccine available through manufacturers. We hope by fall
2021, everyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccination can get one.

Q8. How will Oregon ensure equitable vaccine distribution?
A8. As COVID-19 vaccine becomes available, Oregon Health Authority (OHA) will
ensure the distribution process is based on community involvement that will
provide an equitable system challenging the roles of power, privilege and racism—
informed by a newly assembled COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee (VAC).
The individuals who may receive vaccinations in Phase 1a are specified in
Oregon’s Phase 1a Vaccine Sequencing Plan which can be found on the OHA
COVID-19 vaccine website: https://covidvaccine.oregon.gov.

Q9. How will Oregon implement Phase 1a?
A9. Oregon’s Phase 1a Vaccine Sequencing Plan can be found on OHA’s
COVID- 19 vaccine website: https://covidvaccine.oregon.gov

Q10. Will OHA force me to get a COVID-19 vaccination?
A10. OHA does not plan to require the COVID-19 vaccination, but we do strongly
recommend vaccination for the safety and health of the entire community.
OHA 2390U (1/22/2021) 3

Vaccine distribution in Oregon
Q1. When will the COVID-19 vaccine be available in Oregon?
A1. COVID-19 vaccine arrived in Oregon on Dec. 15, 2020. The first rounds of
doses are going to health care workers who are exposed to COVID-19 through
their work. This includes people who work in hospitals or EMS staff. Also, people
who work or live in long-term care facilities are included in the first round.

Q4. Who decides which workers will get the vaccine first?
A4. OHA is committed to an equitable distribution of vaccine. OHA’s community
engagement team assembled a COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee to listen to
community members and provide input on how to prioritize vaccine distribution. This
committee will identify and prioritize which critical workers will receive vaccine first,
knowing that, in time, there will be enough vaccine for everyone who wants one.

Q5. I am an education worker. When will I get vaccinated?
A5. Child-care and K-12 school and school district staff will be in the first group of
Phase 1b, after Phase 1a is complete. Information on where and when to get
vaccinated will be provided as soon as it is available.

Vaccine details:
Q1. I’ve already had COVID-19 and recovered. Do I still need to get vaccinated
with a COVID-19 vaccine when it’s available?
A1. According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccination should be offered to people
regardless of a history of COVID-19 infection, with or without symptoms. They
don’t recommend testing to check for prior infection when deciding to get the
vaccine.

Q2. I’m pregnant. Can I get a COVID-19 vaccination?
A2. CDC doesn’t have any COVID-19 safety data on pregnant women, though
animal and human studies are ongoing, and more are planned to begin in
Jan. 2021. mRNA vaccines are not “live virus” vaccines. If a woman is part of a
group (i.e., health care worker) recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine and is
OHA 2390U (1/22/2021) 5
pregnant, she may choose to get the vaccine in consultation with her medical
provider’s help in making an informed decision. Things to consider:
• Level of COVID-19 in the community and the risk of transmission
• The personal risk of acquiring COVID-19 (occupation or other activities)
• The risk of COVID-19 to her or her fetus
• The efficacy of the vaccine
• The side effects of the vaccine
• The lack of data about the vaccine during pregnancy
• Women who take the vaccine and have fever as a side effect should take
acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Routine testing for pregnancy before vaccination is not recommended

Q3. Are the vaccines interchangeable?
A3. Though Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are made the same way, people must
get the same second dose from the same manufacturer of the first. Both are
equally effective and stop the spread of virus in the same way, so the people
should take whichever vaccine is available to them.

Q4. Is the COVID-19 vaccine a live virus?
A4. The mRNA vaccines are not a live virus.

Q8. When should I get the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
How will I remember?
A8. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine require two doses to promote a full
immune response. The second dose of the Pfizer vaccine should be administered
21 days after the first dose, and the Moderna vaccine should be administered 28
days after the first dose. The ALERT IIS vaccine system will help make sure you
get a reminder.

Q9. Can a person receive the COVID-19 vaccine while they are sick?
A9. Those with mild illness may receive the vaccines with no effect on vaccine
safety or effectiveness. However, it is better that you recover from your illness, with
no symptoms, before getting vaccines to keep from spreading your illness to health
care workers who are administering the vaccine.

Q10. If one spouse or partner qualifies for a vaccine (i.e., over 65, doctor, nurse)
would the other spouse who does not fit qualification criteria also get the
vaccine?
A10. No. There will be very limited quantities of the vaccines in the early days of
distribution, so only those who are in priority groups in the first phases, such as
health care workers, identified workers, older adults and those with underlying
medical conditions will be able to receive the vaccines.

Q11. Are both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine the same amount? Is the second
dose less or more than the first dose?
A11. Both doses are the same amount for the Pfizer vaccine. The Moderna
vaccine also uses two doses that are the same.

Q15. Do I need to be vaccinated in the same county I live in? Or work in?
A15. If you are eligible to receive a vaccination, you are encouraged to get
vaccinated in the county you live in but you can get vaccinated in any county in
Oregon.

PAT Educators-

We know there have been a lot of questions surrounding Limited In-Person Instruction (LIPI). To help provide some clarity, we put together a list of answers to Frequently Asked Questions about LIPI. The FAQ's are listed below (or click here for a PDF):

Limited In-Person Instruction (LIPI)- Frequently Asked Questions

Since the start of the school year, the Oregon Department of Education (“ODE”) Guidelines has allowed “Limited In-Person Instruction” (LIPI) for any local school district that is offering a fully Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) model of instruction to offer some in-person supports for students. Because of our collective bargaining power, PAT was able to negotiate parameters under which LIPI must operate moving forward in PPS. 

WHAT IS LIPI and WHERE DID IT COME FROM?

Q- What is LIPI? 

A- LIPI stands for Limited In-Person Instruction. When a school district is in Comprehensive Distance Learning, LIPI includes any live interaction between school personnel and students, whether this is inside or outside a building.  

Q- What are the state guidelines for LIPI? 

A- You can read the full Guidance for Limited In-Person Instruction During CDL HERE, but here are the key points:

• LIPI cohort groups are limited to no more than 20 students.
• Students cannot be part of more than two cohorts (including transportation) in any given week. 
• Any one staff member (even in multiple roles) cannot interact with more than three cohorts in a given day and five in a week. 
• LIPI cannot take the place of any CDL instruction. You can read the full Guidance for Limited In-Person Instruction During CDL HERE

Q- When does LIPI start?

A- Governor Brown has stated that she expected all school districts to offer some in-person instruction by February 15. PPS is in the process of adding LIPI components and has stated that certain schools will be offering new LIPI opportunities as early as next week.

PPS has been participating in some LIPI all year. Any in-person offering for students while we are in CDL between March of 2020 until today falls under the LIPI category. The District has been offering the following ongoing in-person activities:

• Athletics workouts 
• Lunch program
• Library book distribution
• Special Education evaluation centers
• Limited in-person assessments  

Q- What kinds of activities count as LIPI? 

A- According to ODE, LIPI could be provided to:

• Address connectivity issues (allow school-access for students with limited or no internet access)
• Provide academic support 
• Access assessment (for instance, SpEd Testing Centers)
• Provide social, emotional, or mental health support (for instance, small affinity groups, outside social interaction, counseling groups)
• Build educator-to-student relationships 
• Support live peer-to-peer interaction (for example, athletic workouts at high schools)
• Support ongoing engagement and attendance
• Build school community and culture
• Ensure culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogy
• Prepare for a return to in-person instruction
• Provide voluntary supplemental supports

Q- Who is in charge of designing the specific LIPI program at my school?

A- The District has charged building administrators with making LIPI plans.

Building administrators are obligated to develop and organize LIPI in a way that is compliant with all the terms of the signed agreement between PAT and PPS, and with guidance provided by the Oregon Department of Education. 

OUR AGREEMENTS AROUND LIPI

Q- What did PAT negotiate regarding LIPI?

A- Your PAT bargaining team negotiated the terms of working conditions and safety protocols. Because the ODE has given all school districts the ability to conduct LIPI whenever a district believes it is necessary, PAT could only bargain the safety guidelines and working conditions under LIPI.  You can read the signed agreement here. (More specific info is addressed later in this document)

Q- Do I have to teach LIPI?

A- No. It is at the discretion of every single educator whether or not they will volunteer to do LIPI. After volunteering, if an educator feels that conditions at their school are not safe enough, they can withdraw from volunteering by providing five (5) workdays’ notice to the District. 

Q- If I volunteer to do LIPI, is this on top of my CDL work? If so, how will that work and when will it happen? 

A- Educators who provide both LIPI and CDL, and who provide LIPI during teacher-directed time, can do an equivalent amount of teacher-directed time plus one hour per week to plan LIPI instruction outside of the work day. The additional time shall be compensated at their hourly rate.

Q- If we volunteer for LIPI and get COVID, do we have to use our own sick time for quarantine, etc.?

A: Not necessarily. If you need to quarantine due to exposure to COVID, you cannot teach LIPI.  If you can still perform your work for CDL, you do not need to take any sick leave. If you are unable to work in CDL due to illness, you would use your sick leave. 

Q- If I’m only doing CDL, do I have to plan for LIPI and/or meet with educators working with my students in LIPI?

A- No. If you are only doing CDL, then you only plan for CDL. The educators providing LIPI will plan for LIPI. At this time, PPS has not provided time for CDL and LIPI educators to meet, so this is NOT an expectation.

Q- How will LIPI impact those of us that have been teaching from our classrooms?

A- Our agreement requires the building administrator to prioritize you staying in your classroom, unless they cannot find adequate space for LIPI activities. Admin is obligated to make real efforts to find alternative space and is required to demonstrate that they did so before using the classroom of any educator that has been using the space for their CDL work. 

Q- If I do not volunteer, will I suffer any negative consequences?

A- No.

OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT LIPI

Q- Do all students have to attend LIPI? Is it okay for me to help families understand that it is optional?

A- LIPI is optional for all students and does not replace CDL. If any families need help in understanding this, then you should provide as much clarification and accurate information as you can to them.

Q- How were school sites chosen for LIPI?

A- The District stated they "are beginning with schools that have child care on site as well as CSI schools and two high schools. The general timeline that we are working from at this time is that the next round to begin in early February will be TSI/Title schools, and everyone else will begin sometime in mid-February. Secondary schools are focusing on students who have not been engaging in CDL or are in need of credit recovery".

Q- Is there an expectation for any certain number of teachers to volunteer? What if no one volunteers?

A- No. Building administrators will prepare their LIPI plan based on student need. Then, they will ask educators at their school if they would like to volunteer. If not enough educators volunteer, the District may employ substitute educators. 

Q- Do I have to be vaccinated to volunteer for LIPI?

A- No, this up to the discretion of the individual educator. As of January 21st, there are NO requirements that educators receive vaccinations in order to work.

Q- If my students are receiving reading or another academic area during LIPI, does that mean they do not need to do the CDL work for that academic area?

A- No, LIPI is supplemental to CDL. Students must still complete their CDL work.

Q- Do students have to wear masks if they are participating in LIPI?

A- Yes. According to the new ODE Ready Schools Safe Learners guidance, “Students who abstain from wearing a face covering, or students whose families determine the student will not wear a face covering during On-Site instruction must be provided access to instruction. Comprehensive Distance Learning can and should be provided when this decision is values-based. However, additional provisions do apply to students protected under ADA and IDEA.”

Q - I’m a substitute educator. What is my role in LIPI and what rights do I have? 

A- LIPI jobs may be posted. As a substitute, you are able to accept or reject these jobs as you see fit. If you accept a job and change your mind, you are able to cancel the job per the procedures outlined in the Substitute Employee Handbook. 

Q- My PFSP colleagues are asking if they will be required to do LIPI?

A- No. PFSP members have a similar agreement to the PAT, so participation in LIPI is voluntary.

Portland Association of Teachers
http://www.pdxteachers.org/

The Advocate, January 13, 2021

1. President’s Message
2. COVID-19 Vaccines for Educators
3. Bargaining for Racial Equity
4. What is Limited In-Person Instruction?
5. Getting Organized for Contract Negotiations
6. Gratitude and Congratulations for Cynthia Campos
7. Know Your Benefits: Family and Medical Leave
8. Study Leave and Unpaid Leave-- Deadlines to Apply
9. PAT Elections
10. Rally, March, & Caravan to Inaugurate Justice
11. Grants for Students in Need
12. Black Lives Matter in Schools: Curriculum Fair
13. OEA Winter Retreat for Early Career Educators--January 30th, 2021
14. Upcoming Events List

Sent to PAT Members 1/7/2021: See the PDF here.

Dear Educator,

First, I want to acknowledge that the violence and disruption of the peaceful transition of power in Washington DC yesterday has been rightfully pulling our attention away from "normalcy" this week. Educators play an important role in helping students process these events and helping students learn about this moment in our nation's history - thank you.

Meanwhile, conversations across the state continue about the appropriate timeline to safely open schools for in-person instruction. 

I wanted to share the attached letter, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and returning to in-person instruction, from the presidents of the Portland Association of Teachers, the Beaverton Education Association, the Salem Keizer Education Association, the Hillsboro Education Association, and the Eugene Education Association. The text of the letter is below.

Elizabeth Thiel, PAT President
http://www.pdxteachers.org/

The Advocate, December 9, 2020

1. President’s Message
2. PAT Office and Advocacy Cadre Closed for the Holidays
3. ODE/OEA Forum: Oregon Ethnic Studies Standards
4. Reminder: Nominations for PAT and OEA Elections are Open
5. Overage Payments
6. Professional Learning Communities Under CDL
7. Solidarity with Oregon Nurses- Join ONA Nurses’ Info Picket at OHSU
8. Watch “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” A Broadcast Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr., Monday, January 18, 2021
9. Instruction and Professional Development Committee: CDL Survey Update
10. Supporting Our English Language Learners
11. Oregon Waiver to State Testing During CDL
12. Grants for Students in Need
13. End of Year Charitable Contributions
14. Retirement Deadline is Approaching
15. Donate to The PAT Sick-Leave Bank
16. NEA Student Debt Virtual Clinic
17. California Casualty Quote Fest
18. Important Dates and Upcoming Events

The Advocate, November 18, 2020

1. President’s Message: Now We Start Building Back Better
2. November is Native American & Indigenous People's Heritage Month
3. Be a PAT Leader: Run for a Position on the Executive Board, and for the OEA and NEA Representative Assemblies
4. Know Your Contract: Tracking Overage Payments
5. Now There's an Easier Process for Working with Substitutes!
6. Educator Evaluations: Details on the Timeline and Process
7. Sick Leave Bank Donation Drive: Now Paperless!
8. Feeling Stressed? Anxious? Worried? Depressed? Resources for Maintaining Your Mental Health
9. Licensure Support from the Oregon Education Association
10. Instructional & Professional Development Committee Update: New K-5 Report Card and Distance Learning Survey
11. Slam Poetry Workshop for Educators and Students: November 20th
12. Upcoming Events

The Advocate, October 28, 2020

1. President’s Message: Vote Now
2. PAT PAC Ballot Measure and Candidate Endorsements
3. Use Substitutes: Take A Sick Day While Working From Home
4. Understanding the PLC Agreement
5. Understanding Evaluation in a Pandemic
6. Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences
7. Sick Leave Bank Donation Drive: Now Paperless!
8. Know Your Contract: Submit Transcripts by Oct 31st
9. Know Your Contract: Early Retirement: Benefits and Important Dates
10. November is Native American/ Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month
11. Upcoming Events

The Advocate, October 14, 2020

1. President’s Message: Building a More Just Future
2. PAT Ballot Measure Endorsements
3. PAT PAC Candidate Endorsements
4. Contribute to the PAT PAC: Make a Difference in Local Elections
5. Submit Your Transcripts to Advance on the Salary Schedule
6. Workload Overage for First Semester
7. Getting a Substitute During Distance Learning
8. Update on K-5 Report Cards
9. Northwest Teachers for Social Justice Conference: Saturday, October 17th
10. OEA Fall Seminar Series
11. Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month: The Celebration Continues
12. Latinx Affinity Group for PAT Members
13. Anti-Racism Training for Union Reps Across the City
14. Teaching for Equity National Conference: October 17
15. OEA Promising Practices Grant

The Advocate, September 30, 2020

1. President’s Message: Use Your Voice, and Vote
2. Ballot Measure Endorsements
3. Candidate Endorsements
4. Promising Practices Grant
5. Know Your Contract
   • Early Retirement
   • Insurance: Part-time Educator, Part-time Sub
   • How to Use Your Professional Development Funds
   • Overages
6. Get Involved
   • NWTSJ Conference
   • Teaching with Purpose Conference
   • Retirement Planning Workshop
   • Latinx/Hispanic Heritage Month
   • How to Be an Anti-Racist Event
   • LERC Workshops
   • OEA Mediation Network
7. Advocacy Cadre

The Advocate, September 16, 2020

1. President’s Message: The Year Ahead
2. Progress on Bargaining MOU and Schedules
3. Advocacy Cadre
4. Upcoming Dates in our Contract
5. Work Share Update
6. Nominations & Elections: Run for Interim E-Board Seat
7. PAT Endorsed Ballot Measures
8. Register to Vote by October 13th
9. Be Counted: 2020 Census
10. Join a PAT Committee
11. “How to Be and Anti-Racist” Book Group
12. Event: How to Be an Anti-Racist: An Evening of Art + Conversation with Dr. Ibram X. Kendi
13. Event: LERC Workshops
14. You are Invited: Jobs with Justice 2020 Virtual Annual Dinner!
15. September is Latinx Heritage Month

Got a question about the PAT contract? The new PAT Advocacy Cadre can help! 

We are excited to launch the PAT Advocacy Cadre, a group of 10 member-educators who will work closely with the UniServ Consultants to become experts on our contracts, and to support members who need help navigating the language of our union contracts. 

PAT Advocacy Cadre Hotline Hours

Mondays, 5:00-6:30 pm, starting TODAY, August 31st.

• Phone: (503) 495-2144 (leave a voicemail and you will get a call back during hotline hours)
• Zoom Drop-In (open 5-6:30pm on Hotline Mondays)
• Email: [email protected] (send a message and you will get a response during hotline hours)

The Advocacy Cadre will be answering phones and returning emails for all members who have contract-based questions.  Prior to calling the Cadre hotline, members should always speak with their building representatives at their school first, and if your building representative does not have the answer to your question, then you should either call, email, or Zoom with the Cadre members.  The Cadre members will only return calls and emails on Mondays from 5:00 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

The Cadre program serves the dual purpose of teaching members about their contractual rights while also strengthening the Cadre members’ technical knowledge of both the Contract-Educator Collective Bargaining Agreement and the Substitute-Educator Collective Bargaining Agreement.  Through this program, we hope to continuously expand our contract advocacy and contract education work so that all members feel empowered to enforce their contractual rights in their buildings.