5 Comments

I Loathe Bullies

  By

Administrators,

Know that as you are retaliating on whistleblowers, pushing out veteran teachers or destroying the careers of new ones, you are most likely being legally recorded. Your emails and finances are being obtained through FOIL. You will be exposed. Your senior field counsel, and if necessary network and cluster leaders, will be exposed as well. Social media is our media. Perhaps your best recourse is to support and collaborate with your staff, students and parents. Tread lightly… Continue reading

6 Comments

Johnny Appleseed of Engineering and Unionism

  By

Since May 12, 2014, I have estimated that I taught over 2,000 students in Staten Island. From Pre-K to 8th grade. To repeat the first words ever written on this blog early 2012…. “My name is Francesco Portelos and I love my job!” Continue reading

One Comment

FOIL FRIDAY- How the Goliaths at Tweed Hide

  By

“Please be advised that since Francesco Portelos requests emails that have the word “Portelos” between us, we will all start using the acronym FP instead. Thank you.” Continue reading

7 Comments

Unsatisfactory Teacher Part 4 – Brought to you by the Italian Letter “Doppio Vu”

  By

“Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.” – Isaac Newton Unsatisfactory Teacher Pt 1- The Birth of this Evaluation Unsatisfactory Teacher Part 2- Field Supervisor Edele Williams Takes a Swing Unsatisfactory Teacher Part 3- U Support Me The video below may or may not help with the reading of… Continue reading

11 Comments

Unsatisfactory Teacher Part 1- The Birth of this Evaluation

  By

In this series we are going to place a spotlight on observations and how they are used as a tool to cause harm and not support teaching and learning.  Today,  just take some time and watch this video that explains how we got to where we are. Tune in this… Continue reading

2 Comments

From the Frustration & Chaos a New UFT Group Emerges

  By

I reached out to New Action caucus to try for a bipartisan push against the DOE and UFT and possibly help these over 800 terminated teachers. The reaction from some MORE members was ridiculous. “No New Action!” Continue reading

10 Comments

Back to School with a New Position -Ambassador Teacher on Rotation

  By

A quick recap of the summer and an email for a new position I was assigned by the DOE. Ambassador Teacher on Rotation. Excited to get back to school. Continue reading

No comments

Throwback Thursday, Thank You Emails and Tenure

  By

A section of my blog I have not touched in over 2.5 years. The “Thank You” emails I received before I raised concerns and became a “bad teacher.” Continue reading

No comments

FOIL Friday – Did Those Incidents Get Reported or Swept Under the Rug

  By

The Online Occurrence Reporting System (OORS) is what is used to keep track of all incidents that occur in or around a NYC DOE school. At one point, the school I tried to improve had 1,283 incidents in 180 days. That is an average of 7.12 incidents a day or roughly an incident a period. Continue reading

No comments

Tenure is for Girls! [and others who speak up]

  By

Seriously… Is it not Read Below. Over a year ago I FOILed the number of probationary (nontenured) teachers discontinued in the NYC DOE inthelast two years. I know, I could have just asked the UFT, but they wouldn’t give usthe info. In fact, when I asked for thenumber ofreassigned teachers,… Continue reading

4 Comments

Dissecting the Pirozzolo vs State of NY Teacher Tenure Lawsuit

  By

The fight for a proper public education in this country is multifaceted. If you want to get involved, you have to pick a front and get ready for battle. Myissueis that I get involved on many fronts, shooting arrows acrossthespectrum hoping to make a positive difference somewhere.Why are we even… Continue reading