Getting to know … Christine Govin
Christine Govin, a teaching assistant at Guilderland Elementary School, is president of the Guilderland Teaching Assistant Unit of the Guilderland Teachers Association. She was interviewed by Leslie Fottrell, NYSUT SRP coordinator.
Tell me about your job. Why do you love what you do?
I was an accountant for 13 years and left the workforce to raise my children. As they participated in activities, I marveled at how they learned. When I was ready to go back to work, I wanted to be a part of that learning process. I was hired by Guilderland Central Schools as a TA in a 12–1–2 classroom for K–2. This was the most challenging and, by far, most rewarding work I had ever done. This is my 14th year working as a TA. I have grown as an educator, learner, colleague and advocate. I now work in Kindergarten (my favorite). Students are learning so much academically, socially, and emotionally, and there are teachable moments at every turn.
What is your union involvement?
I started out in the union as vice president and became president eight years ago. It has been a hands-on learning experience discovering how best to advocate for members. I chair the negotiating committee and have been through three contract cycles. Because TA assignments vary across the district, in negotiations, we need to ensure that we fairly represent all of our unit members. Most recently I have joined the fight to Fix Tier 6 (my tier).
How do you make a difference?
For students, I make a difference through small-group instruction or by making a connection with a student who might otherwise feel lost. As a union leader, I make a difference advocating for members. After attending NYSUT’s SRP Mentoring Program along with our assistant superintendent of HR, a member of our board of education and our NYSUT LRS, we developed a TA mentoring program that we hope will make new hires feel welcomed and valued from day one.
Are you involved in the community? Any hobbies?
With my building reps, I coordinate an annual Toy Drive benefiting children awaiting foster care and other families in need.
Personally, I volunteer at the Regional Food Bank sorting the donations from farms, manufacturers, retailers and food drives. These donations stock food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, etc., which helps to reduce food waste and address hunger and food insecurity.