Allegations are made to the NYC Special Commissioner of Investigation (SCI), or to the DOE’s internal Office of Special Investigations (OSI), but are their findings final and set in stone? We already know, through several cases, that SCI has actually reinvestigated and overturned OSI findings of misconduct. However, can someone… Continue reading
There are many common themes and tools used when an educator is targeted. This post specifically looks to help derail and stop the subjective observation freight train. Continue reading
EXTRA! EXTRA! Final report on Principal Linda Hill misconduct finally out 1,224 days after allegation made. Continue reading
Principal orders classroom locks of whistleblower to be changed during state test. Continue reading
As NYS Governor Cuomo try to come up with a better way to support teachers, by evaluating them, the public asks….”Why only evaluate and support teachers What about everyone else” Continue reading
My phone was abuzz today as messages started coming in. The messages were informing me that Principal Linda Hill made an announcement to the IS 49 staff that she will be retiring this June. “Are ya happy and excited” I was asked. The answer is “No.” Principal Hill will now continue to take the money she stole to through retirement. Continue reading
With a budget of over $25 billion, an employee roster of over 136,000 and over 1,400 buildings to manage, there is plenty of room for theft and corruption at the New York City Department of Education. Continue reading
According to the UFT-DOE Agreement, an employee is supposed to have only one official file. I seem to have several unofficial ones. Grievance time. Continue reading
One of thereasons this blog even exists is because of the concerns I raised at the IS 49 School Leadership Team (SLT) meetings. Yesterday, January 7, 2014 NYC Public Advocate Letitia James and Class Size Matters filed papers to intervene in a lawsuit Thomas v City of NY. Michael… Continue reading
“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
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
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
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
Well I’ll tell you that I am very curious to know the background of who is hired for these positions that I was not qualified for. A new teacher right out of college Someone with a Common Branch license and no science or technology experience Only one way to find out…. Continue reading
In Part 1 I shared all the charges against me that were dismissed by thearbitrator from my termination hearing. Those did not include the over 25 allegations and investigations against me that were unsubstantiated. Do not mistake investigations with charges. All in all, with investigations and charges, the Department of Education has taken over 50 shots at my career and missed. Thanks TENURE!!
Now for some of the charges that were sustained by Arbitrator Felice Busto. Continue reading
The DOE FOIL Unit numbers their FOIL requests sequentially. FOIL has been a tremendous help in my fight. It really comes down Knowledge is Power, so Arm Yourself. To learn about FOIL click RESOURCES at the top of this site or our DTOE.org. Continue reading
I haven’t blogged much in the last three weeks since my decision came in and I was returned to the front of theclassroom. It’s a big change to go from 6 hrs and 50 minutes a day of thinking to only 45 minutes for lunch. This week I am at… Continue reading
I was going to write about my return to the classroom sooner, but didn’t have time. It’s not like I’m sitting around all day. Continue reading
If you are reading this, then you should have read theprevious post on the decision. DOE vs Portelos Termination Verdict Is In 826 Days After They Took Aim to Fire. The DOE and UFT have been stating that they are attempting to reduce and eradicate the infamous ATR pool. You… Continue reading
I want to say that I write this with overwhelming glee. I want to say that I write this while in a state of euphoria and with a Kool-Aid smile, but unfortunately I cannot. Continue reading
Learn more at UFT Solidarity