Find out in the United Federation of Teacher's documentary film on its trailblazing charter school in East New York. Deborah Kolben writes about it in today's NY Sun. The festivities will be held later this week as part of the Tribeca Film Festival.

A couple of quick points (that some may not like):

1.) For those of you who still aren't happy that the teachers union has gotten into the charter school business, how many of you have been able to get big-time Democratic (big D) politicians to trip over themselves to jump onto the charter bandwagon? Having Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) as a keynote speaker for a charter school fundraiser aint too shabby, folks. Even though Kolben's article notes that Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz is a bit wimpy on going all the way, he's still going to be making sure UFT President Randi Weingarten sees that he cared enough to show up for the celebration.

Just by starting their charter school, the UFT has sent a message to Democrats who represent communities where public charters are the only viable option for children that it's OK to support them publicly. They don't have to do it locked up in the closet anymore. I thought of this as I watched Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and NYC Councilman Robert Jackson party with the folks at Harlem's Democracy Prep earlier this year. Those dudes would have pooped in their pants at the thought of being seen at a public charter school event before they got the subtle green light from the UFT. (What would they have been afraid of? Why, the UFT, of course.)

2.) One of the things I've always noted about unions like the UFT is that they are remarkably effective at implementation. This is shaping up to be a classic example. Kids wearing sunglasses, signing autographs from directors chairs? It's like buttah! This has the potential to be an amazing public relations coup for charter schools. Charter Chuck should pay close attention.

3.) There's no turning back now. The UFT is so far into this charter thing, there is no easy way for them to retreat. The Chalkboard hears the elementary school got an extremely positive initial review from SUNY's Charter School Institute last week. Weingarten, in her remarks in the story, and in remarks I've heard privately in recent weeks, has been realistic about what the union is learning about running a charter school and has been willing to make adjustments along the way - just like every successful public charter school I've ever seen. They desperately want this thing to be a success.

Now we just need that charter cap lifted so that other schools can prosper outside of the bureaucracy as well.

UPDATE: On a different issue, Eduwonk today accuses AFT John of hogging the bong in a post on Dutch school governance. John responds at the end of the original post to Eduwonk's narcotics charge. Anyone have the munchies yet?