NYSUT is analyzing a report by arbitration expert Kenneth R. Feinberg that was commissioned by the AFT to propose a template for improving the process of teacher discipline nationally. This proposal has no legal status in New York state, which, unlike many other states, already has a discipline process (3020a) established by law.
NYSUT will analyze Feinberg's recommendations in comparison to existing 3020a language in New York. "We expect that there will be some positive elements in the report, others that are in sync with our legally established 3020a process, and some that are not aligned with our policies," noted NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira. The NYSUT Board of Directors is expected to discuss the report in February.
During her speech at the National Press Club a year ago, AFT President Randi Weingarten noted that AFT had pro-actively commissioned Feinberg to develop a fair, transparent and expeditious procedure for addressing allegations of teacher wrongdoing - an issue that is even now heating up in a number of states.