HSTA advises caution for those considering ‘distance learning’ positions in TATP

The Teacher Assignment and Transfer Program (TATP) posting will close Friday, March 4, and interviews and selections will be conducted through March 29. In reviewing the postings which were first listed on Feb. 18, teachers saw more than 50 positions listed as “distance learning” for school year 2022–23.

The Hawaii State Teachers Association has concerns regarding these positions despite recent discussions at the Hawaii Board of Education, and between HSTA and the Hawaii State Department of Education (HIDOE). We have asked for clarification from the HIDOE and have not yet received anything back in writing to address our questions and concerns.

HSTA cautions all teachers applying for any position listed as “distance learning” to approach the opportunity with a full understanding of the expectations and possible consequences of accepting a transfer into such a position. Based on what HSTA has been told verbally, we provide the following guidance and information.

1. Teachers should be very clear in understanding which school and/or program the position is attached to within the HIDOE organizational system, e.g., school, district, or state office. Secure this information in writing before accepting any position.
2. All of the positions are based on anticipated but unknown student enrollment. Should the student enrollment fail to materialize, teachers may face a staff reduction during the summer or even into the start of the school year.
   1. There are no return rights to any prior position in your school or district, should you accept one of these positions.
   2. Staff reduction procedures will be applied as normal for any such needed staff reductions. Staff reductions occur within each district, and state-office positions are considered their own district. If you transfer to a state-level program position, there are no rights back to your previous district.
   3. Staff reductions mean that you could be assigned to any remaining vacancy in a school or district position for which you are qualified, and that could occur after the new school year has begun. If there are no positions left in your area of licensure, you may be forced to accept a position outside your area of expertise. You may also be forced to accept a position that is geographically located far from your home or previous worksite.
3. Teachers should get full clarity on the work assignment and expectations and any possible modifications in the assignment that could occur mid-year.
4. The HSTA anticipates that distance learning positions could be reassigned to different assignments with more frequency than traditional school positions because of the unknown nature of the program.
5. There is no guarantee of any teleworking arrangement. The HIDOE has refused to agree to any such arrangements, and all offers of and approvals for teleworking can be canceled at any time.

If you have any questions, please contact your UniServ Director for consultation.