The teachers who teach in city public schools have been without a new contract for more than four years.
This is unacceptable. There is no reason for our hardworking, dedicated and professional teachers and other support staff to have to work without a new contract. It is time for Mayor Bill de Blasio, city Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña and United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew to come to the negotiating table and work in earnest and sincerity to forge a new contract for our teachers, many of whom have to endure awful and less-than-ideal working conditions in their classrooms.
These dedicated men and women who go over and above to help each of their students to reach and realize their full potential must be treated with dignity, respect and professionalism. The time for procrastinating is over. A new teacher contract must be a reality not tomorrow, next month or next year, but right now.
John Amato
Fresh Meadows
