New Teacher Information
What does That Stand For? Acronyms at SOCSD
Frequently Asked Questions of new teachers at SOCSD:
What is an EASO Professional Partner?
An EASO Professional Partner is your own personal union representative who can help you out with all things union-related. You may go to him or her with questions about anything from your schedule, to sick leave, to your administrative observations. Everyone who is new to the district is assigned an EASO Professional Partner. If you mistakenly did not get one, contact Sarah McMane at the high school.
What is a district mentor?
A mentor is different from an EASO Professional Partner in that s/he is assigned by the administration rather than the union. While all new teachers are assigned EASO Professional Partners, not all teachers new to the district receive mentors. A mentor is assigned to help you with issues regarding teaching, curriculum, classroom management, etc.
What is the difference between an EASO Professional Partner and a mentor?
The first is assigned by the union; the second is assigned by the district. While your EASO Professional Partner can help you with anything, s/he is primarily assigned to be your union liaison, while your mentor's focus is on job performance and classroom-related issues.
Who do I talk to about payroll questions?
Tanya Marrett in Central Office is in charge of payroll. She may be reached at x1006.
What is the Benefit Fund?
The Benefit Fund will reimburse you for any out-of-pocket health expenses to a maximum of $550 a year. This includes co-payments, prescription costs, or out-of-network health claims. For more information, speak to Dan Sullivan or go to the Benefit Fund section of the website.
What do I do if I'm asked to serve on a school committee?
Speak to your EASO Professional Partner before you agree to serve on any committees.
How do I take a personal day?
Personal day forms are available in the main offices of all schools. You will need to seek approval in advance. You will also have to register for your personal day on Aesop.
How do I take a sick day? What about my plans for the day?
You must register on Aesop before taking a sick day. You can send plans in via their website or call the main office and speak with a secretary.
I'm overwhelmed by all the responsibility. What can I do?
Talk to your mentor, your EASO Professional Partner, team leader, or the New Member Chair, Sarah McMane. Chances are, they've been there and can help.
Have another question that's not listed here? Got an idea for this list? E-mail the New Member Chair, Sarah McMane with your questions and/or suggestions.
Confused? You’re not alone. Here’s a clip-and-keep list to keep you in the know.
AD - Athletic Director
AFT - American Federation of Teachers (union)
AP - Advanced Placement or Assistant Principal
AIP - Academic Improvement Plan
AIS - Academic Intervention Service
APPR - Annual Professional Performance Review
BLC - Building Liaison Committee
BLT - Building Level Team
BOE - Board of Education
CAR - Comprehensive Assessment Reports (state report card)
CL or CLE - Cottage Lane (Elementary)
COVE - Consortium for Occupational & Vocational Education
CPSE - Committee on Preschool Special Education
CSE - Child Study Evaluation or Committee on Special Education
CST - Child Study Team
DBQ - Document Based Questions
DLC - District Liaison Committee
DLT - District Level Team
DRP - Degrees of Reading Power
EASO - Educational Association of South Orangetown
ECP - Early Childhood Program
ELA - English/Language Arts
ESOL - English for Speakers of Other Languages
FMLA - Family Medical Leave Act
FRC - Family Resource Center
LCI - Lincoln Center Institute
NJHS - National Junior Honor Society
NHS - National Honor Society
NYSUT - New York State United Teachers (union)
PEP - Parents and Educators Partner ship
PIP - Professional Improvement Plan
PTA - Parent Teacher Association
PTSA - Parent Teacher Student Association
RIF - Reading is Fundamental
SADD - Students Against Destructive Decisions
SE - Special Education
SED - State Education Department
SEEC - South Orangetown Extended Educational Care (before and after school programs)
SIP - Social Intervention Program or Social Improvement Plan
SO CASA - South Orangetown Community Awareness of Substance Abuse
SOCES - South Orangetown Community Elementary Schools
SOCSD - South Orangetown Central School District
SOMS - South Orangetown Middle School
TA - Teaching Assistant/Teacher Aide
TZE - Tappan Zee Elementary
TZHS - Tappan Zee High School
VAASA - Varsity Athletes Against Substance Abuse
WOS - William O. Schaefer School
Teacher Benefits
New York State Teachers Retirement System