7C. Elementary Schools
1. Teacher Assignments

a. Early in the spring, time should be devoted at a faculty conference to a discussion of the procedures to be used in making assignments for the coming year. Plans, goals and personnel needs for special programs should also be discussed.

b. At that time, teachers should be given an opportunity to fill out “preference sheets” indicating three preferences in order of priority of grade level and type of class on that level or, in the case of special education teachers, the age range of special education classes and education program designation (e.g. staffing ratio, collaborative team teaching, SETSS, etc.) with the understanding that, where advisable and possible, such preferences will be honored. Teachers should be given an opportunity to discuss their assignment requests with their principal.

c. Effective for the Spring 2006 semester and subsequent school years, teachers in schools with eight period days shall indicate their professional activity preferences pursuant to Article 7C4g (Professional Activity Options) and Article 7U (Professional Activity Assignment Procedures).

d. With regard to requests as to grade level or special assignment (such as IGC), or, in the case of special education teachers, requests as to age range of special education classes, teachers with the highest seniority in the school should be given preference if qualifications for the position are the same.

e. Effective May, 2002, grievances hereunder may be lodged if:

(1) In any year an elementary school teacher fails to be granted one of his/her stated program preferences; or

(2) For two years in succession the elementary school teacher has been denied his/her first priority of program preference.
Any assignment that is grievable shall be reviewed in accordance with the standards applicable to Articles 7C1b and c.

Article22B4

4. Special Procedures for Grievances Arising out of School Reorganization
Where the grievance arises out of school reorganization and involves class size, teacher programs or assignments and is not covered by paragraphs 5 or 6 below, the time limits prescribed in B1 above shall be modified in these respects:

a. The grievance must be presented within two school days after the employee has knowledge of the act or condition which is the basis of the complaint, except that conformity to class size limits shall not be the subject of grievance during the first ten school days of each term.

b. The head of the school shall communicate his/her decision within two school days after receiving the complaint.

c. The grievance must be appealed by the Union to the Chancellor (Step 2) within five school days after the decision at Step 1 has been received.

d. The Chancellor shall communicate his/her decision within ten school days after receipt of the appeal.
e. If the grievance is not resolved at Step 2, it may be appealed to arbitration by the Union within 15 school days and the parties shall arrange for the prompt hearing and resolution of the grievance at arbitration.



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