AECI Educators Seek Formal Voice in School Policy & More Collaborative Work Environment
Teachers and staff at the NYC Charter High School for Architecture,
Engineering and Construction Industries (AECI) in the Bronx today
announced their intention to join the United Federation of Teachers as
a new collective bargaining unit.
Seventeen of 19 teachers and other pedagogical staff at the school have signed union authorization cards.
In letters given to the school’s principal and board of directors, the
teachers’ organizing committee called for a more formal voice in school
operations to “strengthen our school community and enhance the
educational experience of our students, faculty and administrators.”
The UFT filed a formal petition today with AECI’s board of trustees,
and notified the state’s Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) that
AECI teachers are seeking union recognition. If AECI’s board does not
recognize the union as the bargaining representative within 30 days,
the UFT can ask PERB to certify the bargaining unit on the basis of the
authorization cards.
“Educators get into this profession to make a difference in students’
lives. To do their jobs effectively, they need support and
professional voice,” said UFT President Michael Mulgrew. “These
teachers are dedicated to their school community and committed to
creating the best learning environment that they possibly can. We are
proud to welcome them into our union.”
The teachers at AECI are deeply committed to the school community and
their students. They believe unionization will lead to a more positive
and stable school culture for their students.
“This is an opportunity for teachers and school faculty to have a solid
voice. This will create a more successful learning environment for
everyone,” said AECI teacher Lissette Velazquez.
“Our principal recognizes our dedication and the work we do everyday in
the classroom. But the board should also recognize how dedicated we are
to the students,” said Alexandra Robinson, a guidance counselor at AECI.
AECI teacher Lynn Harrison said “the union is really a labor of love
for me. I love where I am, I love the people I work with, I love the
students, I have a good relationship with my principal – but I want my
whole career to be here, and I think the union will help us to have a
voice, and for our voice to be heard. I love the democratic aspect of a
union. “
The UFT operates two unionized charter schools, and co-operates a third
in collaboration with Green Dot, a successful and labor-friendly
charter school operator based in Los Angeles. The UFT also represents
educators at nine other charters schools in New York City.
The New York City Charter High School for Architecture, Engineering and
Construction Industries (AECI) opened in the fall of 2008, and
currently serves approximately 240 students in grades 9 and 10. The
school employs 17 teachers, as well as a guidance counselor, a social
worker, a director of student culture and a handful of administrators.
The school’s mission is to “provide an integrated rigorous academic and
career preparatory learning environment that provides students with a
foundation of the necessary skills, knowledge, and practical experience
to pursue a path leading to college and/or a career in the construction
industry.” The school day has extended hours, and students also attend
programs on the weekends and during the summer. The school is located
at 296 East 140th Street in the Bronx.
AECI is run by Victory Schools, a for-profit educational management company based in New York City.
[UFT ACTS]
|
