Welcome to the Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals web site.RI Teachers Issue Stinging Indictment of Commissioner Gist
Rhode Island Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals President Frank Flynn stated, “For too long Commissioner Gist has spoken of her support among classroom teachers. We decided to put that notion to an independent test. This survey found that she is not supported by classroom teachers. In fact, there is overwhelming evidence that her leadership is almost universally rejected.”
The survey highlights speak for themselves:
- 82% of RI’s classroom teachers feel less respected today than they did when Commissioner Gist started a few years ago.
- Commissioner Gist’s highly touted Race To The Top initiative has been nothing short of a disaster for RI education. Classroom teachers, in overwhelming numbers, felt it was somewhat ineffective 22%) or a waste of money (60%).
- Teacher morale is abysmal under Commissioner Gist. Classroom teachers, at the rate of 68%, thought morale was poor, and 22% just fair. A remarkable 88% of teachers feel morale is unacceptable in RI schools today.
Professional Development Module Offerings
Professional Development Modules
The RIFTHP is pleased to offer seven newly-redesigned professional development modules intended to meet members’ needs in these challenging times. These PD modules cover a range of critical instructional topics, are based on the RIFTHP’s nationally recognized ER&D program, and are aligned to expectations found in new evaluation systems and the Common Core State Standards. Each session will be hands-on and include engaging opportunities and “ready-to-go” classroom applications that will assist teachers in strengthening instruction and raising student achievement.
Module #1: CCSS & Mathematics – Math Strategies K-2
March 5th, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Pawtucket Teachers’ Alliance, 413 Central Ave.,
Pawtucket, RI
Participants will work with others at their grade level to discover the “shifts” that exist in mathematics instruction as we move from GLEs to CCSS. Grade specific research-based instructional strategies, to address some of the new concepts
in the CCSS in the early grades, will be modeled and practiced. Appropriate for K-2 Teachers & Special Educators.
Mini-Course: Strategies for Middle Level Mathematics Instruction Aligned to Common Core Standards
Professional Development Series
Thinking Math & the Common Core
Strategies for Middle Level Mathematics Instruction Aligned to Common Core Standards
3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Lincoln Middle School
The Rhode Island Federation of Teachers & Health Professionals is offering a six-session / 18-hour mini-course for Middle Level Educators designed to demonstrate research-based instructional strategies aligned specifically to the CCSS for grades 6-8 as well as the CC Standards for Mathematical Practice.
This six-session mini-course will be facilitated by RIFTHP/AFT National Thinking Mathematics Trainer and AFT Common Core Cadre member Audra McPhillips and nationally trained Thinking Mathematics trainer and Middle Level Educator, Karen Brochu. Each session will be hands-on and include engaging opportunities and “ready-to-go” classroom applications as well as sample lessons that are not only aligned to the CCSS, but are also in line with expectations found in new teacher evaluation rubrics. The content will focus on Ratio, Proportion, Expressions and Functions and the strategies presented are sure to strengthen participants’ content knowledge and instructional delivery to help them meet expectations for students found in the Common Core as well as expectations for teachers, no matter which of the three approved evaluation models their district is using.
Memorial Held in Honor of Newtown, CT Tragedy
A Night of Remembrance for the students and educators of Newtown, CT. Hosted by the RIFTHP and the NEARI.
Trudeau Protests Budget Cuts
Press Release
Advocates and Support Workers for the Developmentally Disabled Offer a Christmas Wish List
Workers from three agencies that support those with developmental disabilities presented their Christmas Wish List to House Finance Committee Chair Helio Melo. The General Assembly cut the agencies $24 million of state support last year, causing cuts in services and cuts to workers. These agencies have seen no increase in reimbursements from the State since 2005.
This year the General Assembly chose to slash services to the developmentally disabled by $24 million dollars while preserving tax breaks for the very wealthy and large multi-state corporations. Community based agencies throughout the state have already begun layoffs and cutting wages and benefits to a group of workers that is already underpaid for the noble services they provide. Cutting direct care staff and programs directly impacts the quality of life and services those consumers and their families have come to reply upon.
QuEST 2011 Pension Presentation
