NYC Teachers-thoughts on new eval system and new lesson plan mandates

My DH is a NYC teacher and apparently everyone in his school is completely stressed out with how insane the next year is going to be. The new lesson plan they are mandating is going to make teaching a 7 day a week 8 hour a day profession. (At least that is what they are saying)

Are all NYC schools getting new lesson plan formats? DHs school is asking for DI for each lesson plan to be done according to "need" which is determined by student data., However, new student work groups need to be formed for EACH lesson EVERY day, based on their DI groups. The students literally need to move chairs and switch groups for every lesson. This is what will make the panning process so much more arduous and time consuming.

I am trying to determine if they are all being dramatic or if this really is cause for anxiety. Looking for input from other NYC teachers...want to be able to tell my DH to calm down if all this angst really isnt warranted.

Re: NYC Teachers-thoughts on new eval system and new lesson plan mandates

I haven't heard all of that quite yet. On Brooklyn-Queens day we had a PD on danielson, but no official lesson plan format was given, although I think it is against the contract to require a certain format. I almost wish our principal would come out and tell us what needs to be in these new plans. He seems almost as clueless as the teachers.

Re: NYC Teachers-thoughts on new eval system and new lesson plan mandates

Re: NYC Teachers-thoughts on new eval system and new lesson plan mandates

I know NYC is different than here upstate NY but my district cannot change any lesson plan formats or requirements that have no been negotiated or ratified in our contract.

My principal tried to get us to do 2 sets of lessons a few years ago and that was shot down very quickly.

Re: NYC Teachers-thoughts on new eval system and new lesson plan mandates

Dear god i hope not

I really dont think i could keep doing this if it gets that bad

Re: NYC Teachers-thoughts on new eval system and new lesson plan mandates

My principal did tell me that everything needs to be in the lesson plan for it to count.

For example, if for some reason your lesson plan isn't working and you need to improvise - if they are observing you, if your back up plan isn't stated in your daily plan, it doesn't exist.

I guess it is almost like having 2 sets of plans. Plan A and then a back up plan, which is ridiculous to have to do EVERY DAY!!!

Message edited 6/18/2013 7:46:02 PM.

Re: NYC Teachers-thoughts on new eval system and new lesson plan mandates

NYC Teachers-thoughts on new eval system and new lesson plan mandates

Even our principal says sometimes the best lessons aren't in your plans! If you are in NYC, they cannot mandate a format, only that you have tangible plans (someone in another school had them on her iPad and that was not acceptable)

Re: NYC Teachers-thoughts on new eval system and new lesson plan mandates

I asked him about that yesterday- as far as them not being able to ask for a specific lesson plan format. He stated that while yes, per the union contract, teachers cannot be "mandated" to do a certain lesson plan format, if a Principal expects something specific, if the teacher doesnt provide it he/she can still be written up. The teacher can then grieve the letter. However, even if the teacher wins, (and its a long arduous process) the Principal still has the option of keeping the letter in the file. Kind of makes the grievance process pointless...no? I saw this in action in his old school last year. However the administration there was a nightmare, so that could be why.


He has since switched schools. The administration in his current school is much better, but with all these new requirements coming down the pike, it doesnt even matter

Re: NYC Teachers-thoughts on new eval system and new lesson plan mandates

We are not given a format we have to do but the admin needs to see all 22 components of Danielson throughout the year to rate a teacher.

Re: NYC Teachers-thoughts on new eval system and new lesson plan mandates

Posted by KS13

I asked him about that yesterday- as far as them not being able to ask for a specific lesson plan format. He stated that while yes, per the union contract, teachers cannot be "mandated" to do a certain lesson plan format, if a Principal expects something specific, if the teacher doesnt provide it he/she can still be written up. The teacher can then grieve the letter. However, even if the teacher wins, (and its a long arduous process) the Principal still has the option of keeping the letter in the file. Kind of makes the grievance process pointless...no? I saw this in action in his old school last year. However the administration there was a nightmare, so that could be why.


He has since switched schools. The administration in his current school is much better, but with all these new requirements coming down the pike, it doesnt even matter

Re: NYC Teachers-thoughts on new eval system and new lesson plan mandates

I didn't hear anything about a new lesson plan format.

NYC Teachers-thoughts on new eval system and new lesson plan mandates

I just want to know WHEN the admins will have time for all of these evaluations. Cause, you know, they do nothing all day and have all this time to just wander from room to room and then schedule meetings with all their teachers. Yeah...sorry, but I'm just thinking this system is NOT going to be implemented correctly in schools.

Re: NYC Teachers-thoughts on new eval system and new lesson plan mandates

Re: NYC Teachers-thoughts on new eval system and new lesson plan mandates

Re: NYC Teachers-thoughts on new eval system and new lesson plan mandates

We were given new lesson plan formats- they can't make you follow it, but if they come in to do one of the informal observations and you don't have that for the lesson, they won't rate you as effective. So in a way, its giving you no other option but to use it.

Edited for spelling

Message edited 7/6/2013 6:26:13 PM.

Re: NYC Teachers-thoughts on new eval system and new lesson plan mandates

Re: NYC Teachers-thoughts on new eval system and new lesson plan mandates

First of all our contract dictates that NO ONE can tell you how your lesson plan can look. They can suggest it but NOT mandate it. Your lesson plan can be on a piece of toilet paper and they can't say anything.

Also, we did not agree on this new eval system so everything is negociable.

Re: NYC Teachers-thoughts on new eval system and new lesson plan mandates