The United Federation of Teachers will launch a TV ad tomorrow that marks the next step in its campaign to get lawmakers to restore the $1.4 million funding cut proposed by Gov. David Paterson in his 2010-2011 budget.

The 30-second spot, entitled “Happening” and produced by Shorr, Johnson and Magnus Strategic Media, is also a response of sorts to the ads the pro-charter movement has been running that blame the teachers unions for blocking legislation that would raise the charter school cap.

The ad will air through May 28 local broadcast stations as well as cable television networks in the NYC metro area, and will be seen during a number of popular shows, including: NY1’s Inside City Hall, Early Today, the Late Show with David Letterman, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Extra, Good Day New York, the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and various morning and evening news broadcasts.

Here’s the script:

“What’s happening inside our public schools? Class sizes up. After-school programs gone. Great teachers threatened by layoffs.”

“And now, the ‘blame the teachers crowd’, and the Wall Street Hedge Funds behind them, are spending millions, playing politics with our kids.”

“All of us – parents, teachers and community members – need to stay focused on what really matters. Blocking education cuts so we can protect all schools and all children. Join us. Stop the cuts and save our schools.”

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