Work to the Rule FAQ
Why are we asking members to “Work to Rule”?
Membership made it very clear at the ratification meeting and in the survey that they were willing to step up to take action to get a fair contract. Work to rule is a way to put pressure on the Administration in a way that makes clear to them how much of our own time we volunteer to do our jobs. It may help motivate Administration to agree to a fair contract. While it may be difficult for members to carry this out, it can help us avoid more severe actions that have a more negative impact on student learning.
What is “Work to Rule”?
This means that we are deciding to only work our 8 hour day for all of the tasks of our jobs. It means that we won’t take work home, including grading or planning. We won’t come in early. We won’t stay late to get our work done. We won’t attend voluntary meetings.
Do I grade papers, work with, or supervise students during my lunch?
No, you receive a guaranteed duty-free lunch.
Do I have to attend IEP meetings?
Yes. IEP are required meetings for a special education teacher (IEP) and the TOR (general education teacher). Staff can leave at the end of the contract day - 3:30 for elementary, 4 PM for middle school and 3:15 for high school. If an IEP is not completed when a required attendee leaves, additional, follow-up meetings can be scheduled until completion of the process. Or, staffers can ask a family for written consent to excuse a required attendee (per communication prior to meetings).
What about 504 meetings?
A counselor and other person knowledgeable about the student is required for a 504 meeting with a family. The other staff is usually a teacher who has the student. Staff can leave at the end of the contract day - 3:30 for elementary, 4 PM for middle school and 3:15 for high school.
Do I go to other meetings?
Work to the rule means that staff will not attend meetings that are not contractually required. If it is a meeting allowed in the collective bargaining agreement (i.e. staff meetings) or part of an extra duty contract (i.e. team leader etc.) then you are required to go. If it is a voluntary meeting like team meetings at the middle school level, PBIS, AVID, elementary leadership, you will not attend.
Do I attend Association member meetings?
Yes.
I am a new teacher or teacher mentor, do I have to attend New Educator Academy (NEA) sessions and attend a prep period/lunch period meeting?
Yes to both.
I have an extra duty contract for coaching. Do I still coach?
Yes.
Should I sign up for after-school activities like score keeping?
No.
Should I do detention duty?
No.
Should I sub for other teachers during my prep time at the middle and high schools?
No, except subbing can be assigned to coaches and specialists (Psychologists, ELD etc) who then must complete the assignment.
Professional Development Reimbursement
GBEA would like to pay members who have been going above and beyond to provide professional development to their colleagues. This would most likely be in the form of a video or a recorded Google Meets call. There are a few stipulations, outlined in the attached flier. Please only fill out one application per person. You can include multiple videos/calls, and will be paid accordingly.
* Professional Development Reimbursement Application Google Form
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2020 - 2021 Collective Bargaining Agreement
Click on the PDF icon to read the contract terms for next year as negotiated with the combine efforts of the GBEA and East County Bargaining Council and the Gresham-Barlow School District.
Collaboration Design Grant
The GBEA is working collaboratively with the District on a Collaboration Design Grant from the ODE. For more information contact Regina Norris or Mark Kim.
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NCLB is changed to ESSA
NCLB is changed to ESSA - the Every Student Succeeds Act - read summary
Follow updates about ESSA and get additional information and resources
New - ESSA removes Highly Qualified requirements for teachers
Evaluation
Download the Teacher Evaluation Handbook created by the District and the Association
Download the Specialist Evaluation Handbook created by the District and the Association
Download the New Teacher Evaluation Standards that have been put out by the State of Oregon
Overall a teachers will be evaluated on professional practice, professional responsibilities, and student performance. Student performance must be a "significant" part of teacher evaluation
Safety
Members should be sending Safety concerns to their Principal for review at the monthly safety committee meetings happening in your building.
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