Anyone familiar with ATR

I've been on child care leave for the last 6 years. I was set to return to my school in September....but they had to excess me. My principal has said that it is likely that our numbers will go back up (reason for excess, not enough new enrollement) and he is saying that if I return as an ATR hopefully by September I can be back in the classroom.

First, since I've been out so long, can someone explain the whole ATR thing to me.

Second, I do want to send out my resume and look, but I feel bad since my principal seems upset he had to excess me.

Thoughts?

Re: Anyone familiar with ATR

ATR stands for "absent teacher reserve" which basically means since you are excessed and they can't give you a regular schedule, you are doing the job of a sub instead (covering classes for absent teachers). You do this until a regular position opens up (if someone retires, resigns, etc.).

Re: Anyone familiar with ATR

To add, you should contact your local UFT office. You should have something in writing stating that you have been excessed--but I'm not sure if you would report to your school in Sept. or to the ROC for assignment. If the position from which you've been excessed opens within a year, then the position should rightfully go to you. What is unclear though is if you were out on childcare leave, why wouldn't your position, or one similar to it, be held?

Re: Anyone familiar with ATR

i think its actually "appointed teacher in reserve".

how it was explained to me is that unless we can secure another position in the district, we report to our original school so that they (doe) can keep track of us. we work as subs in our building until the doe can place us in a school in need (anywhere in the city). thats why it is recommended that you try to find your own placement now, in a decent school.

your union rep should have given you some information on this.

i havent gotten my official excess letter yet, but when i do, i will be signing my "right to reurn" letter as well.

Re: Anyone familiar with ATR

the position isnt held because she lost seniority by being out for 6 years. her position with the city is held, but not in her building. we have a similar situation in my school. you cannot earn time on when you are out on maternity/child care leave.

Re: Anyone familiar with ATR

Re: Anyone familiar with ATR

you should ask your payroll secretary for the "right of return" letter. it is separate from the excess letter.

if you do not find anything before schools starts, and your school does not have positions reopen due to $$ being found, then you will report to your original school in the fall. from there, they can place you anywhere in the region.

go to: www.uft.org/member/rights/excessing/provision/