[ Local Unions in Action ]

Clarkstown Teachers Association

Giving back can also be pretty fashionable. The Clarkstown TA, led by President Jon Wedvik, created CTA “Solidarity for Peace” T-shirts as a giveaway for donations to the union fundraiser to support Ukraine. “We were able to raise $9,356.16 for the NYSUT Disaster Relief Fund for Ukraine,” Wedvik said. The CTA is an umbrella local that represents teachers, teaching assistants and clerical staff.

Provided

Lynbrook Teachers Association

woman and teenage boy smiling in their football jerseys

teenage boy and man smiling holding jersey in hands

teenage boy and man smiling in football jerseys

woman in jersey and lab coat smiling next to football player

facebook/lynbrook TA

English teacher and high school football coach Dave Yaker, a member of the Lynbrook TA, helped bring smiles to his colleagues’ faces to start the school year. Yaker asked the football team to share their white game jerseys with a staff member in the building who has made a positive impact on them. “Positive relationships with teachers and staff is vital to a program’s success,” Yaker said. The Lynbrook TA is led by President Craig Kirchenburg.

Hudson Falls Teachers Association

The Hudson Falls TA sponsored two 5k fun runs in partnership with the Hudson Falls Rotary Club. Proceeds benefitted Operation Santa Claus and a Rotary Club scholarship fund. Founded 40 years ago by Hudson Falls teachers Gerald Eichin and Frank Munoff, Operation Santa Claus provides clothes for needy students throughout Warren, Washington and northern Saratoga counties.

Putnam Valley Federation of Teachers

Though in the middle of a rough contract struggle, members of the Putnam Valley FT had a great turnout in December for one of the local’s most popular events: the annual student scholarship bowling outing. “Our members are caring and deeply committed to helping Putnam Valley families and students,” said President Ryan Odell. The bowling event helps raise thousands of dollars for senior scholarships awarded at the end of the year.

Putnam Valley FT teachers in matching shirts

facebook/putnam valley ft

Share news about your local’s union or community events at united@nysut.org; include LIA in the subject line.

Kudos

It’s an honor

Colleen Belanger, Saratoga Springs Teachers Association, was recognized by the Capital District Region Special Olympics as the Unified Coach of the Year.

Felicia Bruce, Brentwood TA retiree, has received the Florida Education Association Service Award in recognition of her work to advance the cause of human and civil rights.

David Chizzonite, Chittenango TA and a member of the NYSUT Board, received the High School Educator of the Year award from the Technology Alliance of Central New York.

Caitlin Goodwin, McGraw Faculty Association, has been named state History Teacher of the Year by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.

Linda Romano, Newburgh TA, has received the 2023 National Association for Career and Technical Education Carl Perkins Community Service Award.

Valerie Savage, Wheatland-Chili Federation of Teachers, has been named 2022 state Art Educator of the Year by the New York State Art Teachers Association.

In print

Cheryl J. Fish, Professional Staff Congress/CUNY, has written Off the Yoga Mat, published by Livingston Press/UWA. Told in alternating chapters by Nate, Lulu and Nora, the novel takes the reader on three risky coming-of-middle age journeys through sensuality, emotional evolution and breathing deep. For more info, visit cheryljfish.com.

Fran Legum, Nassau BOCES Central Council of Teachers retiree, has written Constructive Response Question Sourcebook for the state Global History and Geography Regents Exam and Short Essay Sourcebook for the US History and Government Regents Exam.

Kudos recognizes the accomplishments of NYSUT members. Have good news you’d like to share? Email united@nysut.org; include Kudos in the subject line.