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
In case you haven’t heard by now, my federal lawsuit did not end the way we wanted it to. By “we” I do not mean just me, my lawyers and family, but rather “we” as also a countless group of educators, across the country, who needed a win against corruption and harassment in our public schools. Continue reading
The DOE has a $27 billion dollar budget. There is a lot of room for that money to go missing here and there. I certainly wrote enough about how it’s done on this blog. Part of that $27 billion goes to UFT members in the form of salaries. They in turn pay union dues and some of it goes for political action (COPE). But then what Continue reading
The Executive Board by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of its members present shall have the power to expel, or to suspend for a term not exceeding one year, Continue reading
“…remember the names of the lions at the main library: Patience and Fortitude. There is a terrible urge to lash out wildly in protest of injustice. Resist the urge. The battle must be won in the courts, but cases must be legally sound.” Continue reading
It’s hard to believe that a year ago today I was in a jail cell when when DOE Chief Information Officer (CIO) Hal Friedlander made an allegation when no crime was committed. Meanwhile Principal Linda Hill admitted to stealing for years and over two dozen DOE employees, two chancellor’s and two mayors helped cover it up…no arrests, no fines…not even a disciplinary letter. 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
I’m just past the three-year mark from when my fight began. By “fight” I mean I raised real concerns about public education, the Department of Education came after my career, in an attempt to cover up their misconduct, and… I “fought” back. I must have hit some of these DOE employees back prettyhard, because they suddenly forgoteverything! 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
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
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
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
We continue with charges, from my 3020-a termination, hearing where Arbitrator Felice Busto sustained the specifications including bringing notoriety and ridicule to the DOE. 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
Again, I spoke up on issues of PUBLIC CONCERN and had I not been tenured, I would have been fired. Continue reading
If you do some research on the actual construction of the Tweed Courthouse, you will find that it was actually built on theback of corruption. It was built using funds provided by the corruptWilliam M. “Boss” Tweed, whoseTammany Hallpolitical machinecontrolled the city and state governments at the time.Tweed became one… 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
I didn’t think that I would have to update my “Allegations Against Mr. Portelos” list again, but unfortunately I did. Those who have been working tirelessly to end my career hit a new low. A new allegation came in through the NYC Police Department, not the Special Commissioner of Investigation,… Continue reading
It’s pretty surreal to go from missing union meetings during my probationary years to becoming UFT Chapter Leader and now running for a NY State United Teachers (NYSUT) position this April. Running for At-Large Director of NYSUT ED 24,25: “During my first years of teaching I missed almost every union… Continue reading
Other dates on the real estate files found on my DOE computer show house sales that took place as late as July 26, 2012. That is 5 months AFTER the devices were out of my possession. Continue reading
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