NYSUT United March/April 2025

NYSUT United masthead
Empowering Students Today with Skills for Life typography

Career and technical
education programs bring joy
and curiosity to teaching and learning.

Career and technical education programs bring joy and curiosity to teaching and learning.

NYSUT United March/April 2025

March/April 2025

Contents

This issue of NYSUT United contains important information regarding changes to NYSUT Member Benefits Trust-Endorsed Programs. Please read and retain this issue for future reference.

NYSUT UNITED [March/April 2025, Vol. 15, No. 4]
Director of Communications: James Morrison
Deputy Director of Communications: Anna Gronewold
Lead Editor/Copy Desk Chief: Clarisse Butler Banks
Assistant Editors/Writers: Riley Ackley, Emily Allen, Ben Amey, Molly Belmont
Photography: J. El-Wise Noisette, Kimberly Pennant, Chris Sutorius
Lead Designer: Nicole Clayton
Art and Production: Dana Fournier, Cora Horner
Online Communications Coordinators: Katie Bartlett, Jiayi Kong
Editorial Support: Julie Malec
NYSUT United is a member publication of the International Labor Communications Association, Metro New York Labor Communications Council, State Education Association Communicators.
Editorial and Production Department: 518-213-6000 and 800-342-9810 (toll-free)
Annual subscription: $15. NYSUT members receive a copy of NYSUT United as part of their dues benefit. Households with multiple members will receive only one copy. If you prefer to receive more than one copy, please call 518-213-6000.
Address changes: POSTMASTER: Member Records Department, 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110
UFT member address changes:
POSTMASTER:
New York Teacher, 52 Broadway,
12th floor, New York, NY 10004
PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT LATHAM, NY
ADDITIONAL ENTRY OFFICE
WILLIAMSPORT, PA 17701
NYSUT United (ISSN 21587914) and nysut.org are official publications of New York State United Teachers. NYSUT United publishes six issues from September to June.
Advertising: Email ads@nysut.org or call 518-213-6000 or 800-448-4ADS.

NYSUT Affiliated with AFT square space NEA square space AFL-CIO

NEW YORK STATE UNITED TEACHERS
800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110
518-213-6000 800-342-9810
OFFICERS:
President: Melinda Person
Executive Vice President: Jaime L. Ciffone
Second Vice President: Ron Gross
Secretary-Treasurer: J. Philippe Abraham

ELECTION DISTRICT DIRECTORS: Jeff Orlowski, Donna Walters, Darla Schultz-Bubar, Jennifer Austin, Adam Urbanski, Andrew Jordan, John Kuryla, David Chizzonite, Jeanette Stapley, Laura Franz, Joseph Herringshaw, Juliet Benaquisto, Melissa Tierney, Sparrow Tobin, Sean Kennedy, Anthony Nicodemo, Tomia Smith, Frederic Stark, Gregory Perles, John Mansfield, Kevin Coyne, Kevin Toolan, Laura Spencer, Karen Blackwell Alford, Tabia DaCruz, Mary Vaccaro, Servia Silva, MaryJo Ginese, Mary Atkinson, Anthony Harmon, Michael Mulgrew, Elizabeth Perez, Victoria Lee, Richard Mantell, LeRoy Barr, Felicia Wharton (CUNY Higher Ed, PSC), Penelope Lewis (CUNY Higher Ed, PSC), Roberta Elins (Community Colleges), Alissa Karl (SUNY Higher Ed, UUP), Jeri O’Bryan-Losee (SUNY Higher Ed, UUP), Thomas Tucker (SUNY Higher Ed, UUP), Philip Rumore, Jaime Francey-Henry, Dora Leland, Loretta Donlon (Retiree), Joan Perrini (Retiree), Thomas Murphy (Retiree)

AT-LARGE DIRECTORS: Cheryl Hughes, Michelle Licht, Andrew Bogey, Brian Ebertz, Nicole Capsello, Michele Bushey, Natalie McKay, Matthew Haynes, Samantha Rosado-Ciriello, Cordelia Anthony, Ronald Verderber, Nancy Sanders, Vanecia Wilson, Michael Sill, Sean Rotkowitz, Thomas Brown, Janella Hinds, Leo Gordon, James Davis, Frederick Kowal, Florence McCue, Priscilla Castro (SRPs), Kim McEvoy (SRPs), Angie Rivera (SRPs), Deborah Paulin (SRPs), Karen Lee Arthmann (SRPs), Anne Goldman (Health Care), Stephen Rechner (Private Sector Higher Ed), Andrew Sako (Community Colleges), Pamela Malone (Higher Education) and Andrea Vasquez (Higher Education)
EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBER: Tyrone Hendrix, Executive Director
HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS: Thomas Y. Hobart Jr. (President Emeritus), Andrew Pallotta (President Emeritus), Antonia Cortese (Emerita), Alan B. Lubin (Executive Vice President Emeritus)
AFT VICE PRESIDENTS: J. Philippe Abraham, LeRoy Barr, Jaime L. Ciffone, James Davis, Ron Gross, Anthony M. Harmon, Frederick Kowal, Kara McCormick-Lyons, Michael Mulgrew, Melinda Person, Adam Urbanski
NEA DIRECTORS: Dora Leland, Dante Morelli
Alternate Directors: Sue Raichilson, Melissa Tierney
Executive Committee members are underlined.

To Our
Members

Every day across New York, countless NYSUT members dedicate their time, talent and passion to Career and Technical Education programs.
President Melinda Person, Rebecca Breeyear and Katie DiPierro standing together in front of the Career & Technical Education Center 925 B building
EL-WISE NOISETTE

NYSUT President Melinda Person meets with teacher Rebecca Breeyear and Capital Region BOCES Teachers Association President Katie DiPierro in September.

President Melinda Person, Rebecca Breeyear and Katie DiPierro standing together in front of the Career & Technical Education Center 925 B building
EL-WISE NOISETTE

NYSUT President Melinda Person meets with teacher Rebecca Breeyear and Capital Region BOCES Teachers Association President Katie DiPierro in September.

CTE courses offer an incredible return on investment, helping students graduate with certifications, apprenticeships and direct pathways to high-paying, in-demand jobs. They are also a route to success for so many students who thrive in hands-on, experiential learning environments.

But equally important is that CTE courses bring joy and curiosity to both teaching and learning. Educators can meet kids at their unique levels and impart the kinds of skills that students are excited to explore. Kids say their CTE projects are so engaging that they sometimes forget they’re in school.

That is why NYSUT is fighting for the funding our CTE programs desperately need.

More funding means expanding access for students, updating equipment and technology to reflect industry standards, and ensuring there are enough instructors to provide high-quality education.

At this moment, when vital sectors across the state are facing workforce shortages and students are seeking meaningful career pathways, investing in CTE is not just an option — it’s a necessity.

Top ring spirals

COMING UP

March 7–9
Somos New York Conference, Albany
Somos New York Conference logo
March 10–11
NYS Board of Regents meets, Albany
March 21
World Poetry Day
World Poetry Day graphic
April 1
State budget due
April 5
Health Care Professionals Conference, Croton
April 7–8
NYS Board of Regents meets, Albany
April 19–20
NYSUT Civil and Human Rights Committee meets, Latham
April 28
Workers Memorial Day
American Flag graphic
April 30
NYSUT Board of Directors meets, Rochester
May 1–2
Local & Retiree Council Presidents Conference, Rochester
May 2–3
NYSUT 2024 Representative Assembly, Rochester
Please note some or all of these events may be conducted as virtual meetings.

On the Cover

Students from the Ulster BOCES Health Occupations program demonstrate how to perform CPR.

Photo by El-Wise Noisette

[ Fighting for you ]

NYSUT budget priorities seek to improve learning, working conditions

A

s the legislative season kicks into high gear in Albany, NYSUT is once again fighting to ensure that our students, educators and communities get the resources they need to succeed in and out of the classroom.

“Our significant victories last year were only possible through the tireless advocacy of our members to their elected representatives,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “Once again, we face challenges with this year’s legislative session, but also significant opportunities. Together, we can seize those opportunities and significantly improve learning environments for our students, make sure no child goes hungry through the school day and ensure that our educators are properly cared for as they care for our students.”

Gov. Hochul’s executive budget proposal included a number of NYSUT initiatives, namely fully funding school meals for every child, restricting cellphones in classrooms and increasing school aid.

Proposing $340 million to fund universal free school meals for all districts that participate in the national school meal program will mean that every student will have access to free breakfast and lunch regardless of their family income. (See page 7.)

[ Fighting for you ]

Join Us as We Continue Our Push to Fix Tier 6!

On the 6th of every month through June, we’re rallying to Fix Tier 6! Rallies are going on around the state, so make sure to check out FixTier6.org/events to see when there will be a rally near you!

Fix Tier 6 Events

New York State image with locations and dates for Fix Tier 6 events; April 6: Bingamton & North Country; May 6: New York City, Ling Island & Western New York; June 6: Mid-Hudson region & Elmira
NYSUT Legacy Fund seal

Arline and Steve Frey,
Saluting a Yonkers labor power couple

photo of Arline and Steve Frey at an event

Arline Frey was born and raised in Yonkers, where she attended Yonkers public schools. After college, she returned to teach at her alma mater.

Steve Frey has been an active member of the Yonkers Federation of Teachers since he began teaching at Lincoln High School in 1966.

Together, the couple has dedicated nearly 80 years to the Westchester County community. The Yonkers FT, led by Samantha Rosado-Ciriello, recognized the union stalwarts with a NYSUT Legacy Award.

“Arline and Steve continue to be an essential force with the YFT,” said Rosado-Ciriello. “We applaud their many years of service, dedication and commitment to our union, and to the Yonkers community.”

A social studies teacher, Steve rose through the ranks from building rep in 1968 to being elected president of the YFT in 1997. During his tenure, he negotiated three YFT contracts, one of which was resolved by the 1999 teachers’ strike. He served on the NYSUT Board and as an AFT vice president. Steve retired in 2005 but still assists the YFT when called upon.

Upon learning that the parents liked the teachers but didn’t trust the union, Arline made it her mission to educate the residents of the Yonkers community that the teachers and the union are one and the same. She served as a longtime chair of the YFT public relations and political action committees.

She was also instrumental in coordinating the union’s successful Storybook Bonanza literacy project.

To honor an in-service or retiree activist from your area, visit nysut.org/LegacyFund.

[ Fighting for you ]

Regional events address digital distractions

M

aria Gonzalez has been a school psychologist for Rochester City Schools for more than two decades, and she’s seen first-hand the damage cellphones have had on her students. “I was there way before the pandemic, and I saw the incredible shift in the social skills of students,” said Gonzalez, Rochester Teachers Association. “The level of impulsivity now that I see, was not seen before. It’s just constantly reacting, reacting, reacting, with no pause for anything.”

a man wearing a blue suit stands beside a woman, he speaks into a mircophone the woman holds, they both stand at the front of an occupied well lit conference room
Svetlana Vynnyk
Eileen Buckley, discussion moderator for the Disconnected Western New York event takes questions from Starpoint Central Schools Superintendent Sean Croft and Donna Walters, NYSUT Board member and president of the Erie 1 Professional Education Association.

Gonzalez was one of a host of educators and administrators who met as part of Rochester Disconnected, the first in a series of regional conferences designed to explore the impact of cellphones, social media and technology on children and learning. The events, which also took place in Syracuse, Plattsburgh, Western New York, and on Long Island, highlighted the common concerns educators have about cellphones in school.

Educators and health professionals agreed that there is a causal relationship between social media and the mental health crisis among students.

Dr. Dennis Kuo, a pediatrician who serves as chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at the University of Rochester says the number of doctor visits related to social media is unprecedented.

“I’ve been in practice 25 years, and this is a big issue in the field of pediatrics. The shift in what we do in the pediatrics field has been immense,” Kuo said.

[ Fighting for you ]

Members rally behind universal meals proposal

E

very day, public school students are issued many of the supplies they need to succeed at school, including laptops, textbooks, lockers and lab equipment, but many education advocates are saying one crucial school supply is still missing: lunch.

NYSUT President Melinda Person standing at podium while speaking at Healthy School Meals for All Coalition event
PHOTOS: el-wise noisette
NYSUT President Melinda Person speaks at a Healthy School Meals for All Coalition event. The group rallied behind the governor’s proposal to expand the school meals program to include all students.

“I was just looking at all the kids with their Chromebooks out, and I thought, ‘We all agreed that was important. Why can’t we agree that food is important?’ Why can’t we just give all our kids free lunch?” asked Regina McLean, president of the Port Washington Teachers Association.

That’s exactly what would happen if Gov. Kathy Hochul’s new universal meals proposal is approved by the Legislature this year. The initiative, part of Hochul’s executive budget, would cover school meals for New York’s 2.7 million students, and finish the work that was started two years prior.

In 2023, after years of successful advocacy by NYSUT and others, the USDA expanded the Community Eligibility Provision, giving 2.37 million New York children access to free school meals. However, the federal expansion project and accompanying state subsidies left nearly 300,000 students without. The governor’s proposal would close the gap, something hunger advocates say is imperative.

[ Fighting For You ]

North Country locals win big for families

L

ast year, music teacher Katrina Sheats was overjoyed to discover she was pregnant with her first child, Melody.

But panic set in as Sheats began to fret about her lack of paid parental leave and the financial strain it would cause her growing family.

“I started worrying what would we have to do without and how was I going to cover all the expenses of a new baby? Being home with my baby was going to completely drain my savings until I could go back to work,” said Sheats, a member of the Ogdensburg Education Association.

At that time, OEA President Julie Finley says her members mainly had to use their accrued sick and personal time — a practice she says was unfair to new members who hadn’t built up a significant amount of time off.

[ 2025 NYSUT Representative Assembly ]

Flower City to host 2025 RA

Clarisse Butler Banks

clarisse.banks@nysut.org

T

he city of Rochester, New York has a rich history as the birthplace of the modern women’s rights movement, as a home to famous civil rights champions Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony, and as the last leg of the Underground Railroad. May 2–3, delegates from acround the state will experience some of the city’s remarkable culture and history as they head to the Flower City for the 2025 NYSUT Representative Assembly.

“From the rich history of progress and activism to the world-class arts, music, and culture, Rochester is the perfect place for our NYSUT delegates to gather, connect, and celebrate our movement,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “Get ready for an unforgettable convention filled with inspiration, camaraderie, and plenty of fun in a city built on innovation and change!”

During the RA, NYSUT’s policymaking convention, officers will report on their progress in implementing goals from last year.

RA delegates will consider nearly 50 resolutions directing the union’s course on education, legislative priorities, healthcare and workplace safety, civil and human rights and retirement issues.

Notice of Special Election Meeting

NYSUT Board of Directors Vacancy Election • Election District 18

A vacancy exists on the NYSUT Board of Directors for Election District 18. The vacancy was created by the resignation of Frederic Stark, effective May 3, 2025.

In accordance with the NYSUT Constitution, Article IX, §§4(a) and 4(b): “Directors representing Election Districts shall be elected on a roll call vote by a majority of ballots cast by the representatives from their respective constituencies…[and in]…the event of a vacancy in the position of Election District Director, the President shall call a special election to elect a successor who shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term.”

[ Social Justice ]

Truth Talks series kicks off with Black History Month discussion

N

YSUT closed out the union’s recognition of Black History Month with the launch of “Truth Talks,” a dynamic virtual series dedicated to raising historical awareness. The series seeks to amplify the contributions of diverse communities that have been overlooked in traditional narratives.

Alethia Jones headshot
Professional Staff Congress member Alethia Jones was the featured speaker for the February Truth Talks discussion.
“As a union representing educators, health care workers and other professionals, we believe that knowledge is power and that our collective strength grows when we acknowledge and honor the full scope of history,” NYSUT Secretary-Treasurer J. Philippe Abraham said in his opening remarks.

“Black History Month is not just about celebration; it is about truth-telling, recognition, and action,” Abraham said. ”The labor movement, civil rights movement, and the education system have all been profoundly shaped by Black leadership, and we must continue to uplift these contributions year-round.”

Calling on the expertise of NYSUT members, the Truth Talks series provides educators, students and community members with accurate, engaging and empowering historical content that deepens understanding and promotes inclusivity in education.

Alethia Jones, Ph.D., a member of the Professional Staff Congress, was the featured speaker for the debut discussion, “To Build a New World: The Intersection of Black Worker Struggles in the Quest for Universal Fairness.”

[ OUR SRPs ]

Getting to know … Diane Frascone

Diane Frascone pictured smiling while sitting at a desk in a classroom
Diane Frascone, president of the Clarkstown Teaching Assistants Association, is a TA at Birchwood School. She was interviewed by Enis Jevric, a teacher aide and member of Greenburgh North Castle United and NYSUT’s SRP Advisory Committee.

Tell me about your job. Why do you love what you do?

My days are packed with activities and responsibilities … focused on supporting our students’ growth. I work individually with students who need extra support, helping them tackle challenges and celebrating their progress. I follow our homeroom students to their specials, staying closely involved and reporting back to the homeroom teacher so we can maintain a cohesive approach to their learning.

Part of my role includes maintaining behavior modification sheets, which helps us monitor and address any issues that arise outside of homeroom. I always find ways to bring fun into the day and make sure students feel proud of their achievements. It’s this combination of guidance, support and encouragement that makes me love what I do. Each day I get to see my students’ growth and resilience firsthand.

Why do you think it’s important to be involved in the union?

Taking an active role allows me to advocate for positive changes that directly benefit our team. Last year, our efforts led to a successful contract negotiation that brought real improvements — increasing pay, reducing insurance contributions, and securing a retirement incentive alongside other key contractual benefits. Being part of the union has given me a meaningful platform to drive these positive changes for all of us.

[ TEACHING & LEARNING ]

Level Up

Level Up typography in arcade game inspired font

NYSUT members create a community for gamers

W

hen it comes to video games, Scott Beiter, Pamela Moreno and Kevin Calderin could be considered some of the OGs, or original gamers.

“My earliest video game memory is going to my best friend’s house in 1984 to play Atari games,” said Beiter, an eighth-grade science teacher and member of the Rensselaer Teachers Association. Later, he would meet his friends at the arcade for marathon rounds of Gauntlet and Ghosts ‘n’ Goblins.

Beiter started an esports league at Rensselaer Junior-Senior High to help his students form similar ties. “We have a mental health crisis in this country, and we need more social-emotional opportunities for kids,” Beiter said.

Pamela Moreno, a special education teacher at Community Health Academy of the Heights in Manhattan, started an esports league at her middle school to incentivize her students. A member of the United Federation of Teachers, she grew up playing Super Smash Bros. She was debating the merits of the latest game in the franchise with a colleague when a student challenged them to a matchup.

[ A CLOSER LOOK ]

Empowering students today with skills for life

Career and Technical Education programs bring joy and curiosity to teaching and learning
F

rank Mascetta meets his students at the door of his classroom at Southern Westchester BOCES with a handshake. It sets the tone for his class, where all of his students are treated like the emerging professionals that he’s training them to be. Mascetta says inspiring his students’ curiosity begins with hands-on experiences.

“They start to understand because they’ve touched it,” he said. “That’s how they learn.”

As part of the two-year National Center for Construction Education and Research program, Mascetta’s students will be introduced to the ins and outs of residential and commercial wiring systems — from reading prints to planning circuits and bending pipes. By their second year, they’ll be designing and installing their own electrical systems in one of the framed-up model homes that range across the warehouse-size classroom, and Mascetta will be acting more like a foreman than a teacher.

[ Teaching & Learning ]

Why I teach

James Burdick outside crouching down alongside his dog

James Burdick, a member of the Class of 2024 National Board Certified Teachers, is a chemistry teacher and member of the Canton Central Teachers Association.

I did not always want to be a teacher. At one point, I even actively told myself I’d never be a teacher. Maybe I was being rebellious because both of my parents were educators. For some reason I changed my mind one day in high school while eating lunch. I’m not sure what my exact thought process was, but something clicked in my head that day. I think I just got fed up with being overwhelmed by so many different career options.

I’m now in my 11th year of teaching and I’d be lying if I said I never considered changing careers. I’ve even strongly considered it, thinking I didn’t yet know what I want to be when I grow up. There are some other careers I’d enjoy doing the work of, but there are no better jobs out there for me. With teaching, I enjoy both the work and the job.

[ teaching & learning ]

Congratulations!

Congratulations!
NYS Class of 2024 National Board Certified Teachers
Arlington TA
Daniel Longarino
Generalist/Middle Childhood

Ballston Spa TA
Carron Blanchet
Social Studies-History/EA

Catherine Casella
Health Education/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood

Canton Central TA
James Burdick
Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood–Chemistry

Central Islip TA
Kenneth Forman
Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood–Physics

Cornwall Central TA
Meghann Chyla
English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Catherine Kelly
World Languages/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood–Spanish

Ashley Schebesta
English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Croton TA
Ilana McConville
Social Studies-History/Adolescence and Young Adulthood

East Hampton TA
Stephanie Forsberg
Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood–Biology

Farmingdale FT
Sabrina Whitaker
Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood–Physics

Great Neck TA
Jeanne Kuhner
Career and Technical Education/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood–Decorative Arts

Arlington TA
Daniel Longarino
Generalist/Middle Childhood

Ballston Spa TA
Carron Blanchet
Social Studies-History/EA

Catherine Casella
Health Education/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood

Canton Central TA
James Burdick
Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood–Chemistry

Central Islip TA
Kenneth Forman
Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood–Physics

Cornwall Central TA
Meghann Chyla
English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Catherine Kelly
World Languages/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood–Spanish

Ashley Schebesta
English Language Arts/Adolescence and Young Adulthood

Croton TA
Ilana McConville
Social Studies-History/Adolescence and Young Adulthood

East Hampton TA
Stephanie Forsberg
Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood–Biology

Farmingdale FT
Sabrina Whitaker
Science/Adolescence and Young Adulthood–Physics

Great Neck TA
Jeanne Kuhner
Career and Technical Education/Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood–Decorative Arts

[ health & safety ]

NYSUT again named top national fundraiser

O

nce again, NYSUT members led the nation in raising money to support the American Cancer Society’s 2024 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign.

For the second consecutive year, our union was nationally recognized as the top organization across the country for its contributions.

NYSUT teams from every corner of New York participated in Making Strides events this past year. Together, we raised $773,358 — a $73,000 increase from the previous year — surpassing major companies including Walmart and Chevrolet.

It’s What We Do

It's What We Do
Kristine Huchthausen
Uniondale Teachers Association
Kristine Huchthausen pictured beside her artwork titled “Wielding Our Collective Power”, made of an acoustic guitar and stained glass

For years Kristine Huchthausen would transform her school hallways during Women’s History Month into museum-like exhibits showcasing vital contributions women made to society.

“I set up 40 to 50 photographs with short biographies throughout the halls,” she reminisced. “Every morning my students would read a trivia question over the loudspeaker that could be answered from the information displayed. Winners would be awarded a Women’s History Month certificate.”

Huchthausen, a Uniondale Teachers Association retiree, says she was passionate about educating generations of students on lesser-known women whose accomplishments aren’t always in history books, but should be.

“I made a big deal out of these women who were instrumental in medicine, science, art, children’s rights,” she said.

A lifelong learner and art enthusiast, Huchthausen picked up stained glass after retiring from three decades in education.

Recently, her work was chosen to be part of the inaugural Women Sharing Art Exhibition titled “Therefore, I Am!” at the Central Islip Federal Building.

Huchthausen, the only stained-glass artist featured in the gallery, created a stained-glass guitar titled “Wielding Our Collective Power.” She says her work is a response to how the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, is still impacting women more than 100 years after its ratification.

“The fact that women have had to fight over and over again for our right to do what men could always do — that amazes me.”

Learn more about Huchthausen and her work at nysut.org/itswhatwedo.

On the job and in the community, NYSUT members make a difference
[ retirees in action ]

NYSUT welcomes nearly 7,000 new retirees

J

oe DiTucci retired this past June after a career as a high school special education teacher in Spencerport schools.

“Spencerport has a pretty active retiree association. I go to some of the events when they come around just to try to stay connected,” he said.

DiTucci points to his area retiree services consultant, Peter Randazzo, as a wealth of knowledge. “They do a pretty good job of trying to keep people involved … socially, politically. There’s a lot of benefits and services that the union offers.”

Retirees make up nearly 270,000 of the statewide union membership. And NYSUT is committed to making sure they stay informed — and connected.

[ resources for you ]

Free poster celebrates women in the military

NYSUT Women's History Month celebration poster honoring women in the military
N

YSUT celebrates Women’s History Month with a new poster honoring women in the military. The 1948 Women’s Armed Services Integration Act formally allowed women to serve in the military, but women have had an impact on the armed services for more than 200 years.

Initially formally relegated to civilian support roles, including laundresses, cooks and spies, women gained entry in 1901 with the formation of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and later served as Yeoman in World War I. By WWII, all four branches of the military — Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard — enlisted women in their ranks. In fact, nearly 350,000 American women served in uniform during the war.

In 1975, women were allowed to be admitted into military colleges, furthering their mobility within the ranks. One of the last remaining barriers was broken in 2015 when women were allowed to serve in combat roles.

Fewer than a dozen women have earned the rank of four-star general or admiral. They include:

  • On Nov. 14, 2008, U.S. Army Gen. Ann Dunwoody became the first woman in U.S. military and uniformed service history to achieve a four-star officer rank.
  • U.S. Air Force Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger is the first woman to achieve the rank of four-star general in the USAF. She was nominated in 2012.

[ classifieds ]

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[ passings ]

Douglas M. Cameron | Jan. 9, 2025
Auburn Teachers Association

Robert Campanella | Jan. 5, 2025
Copiague Active Retired Teachers

Douglas Dyer | Jan. 16, 2025
Carle Place Teachers Association

Nancy W. Landis | Dec. 7, 2024
Pioneer Faculty Association

Michael J. Nolan | Sept. 19, 2024
Levittown United Teachers

Johanna M. Sweet | Jan. 1, 2025
Retiree Council 12

Obituary submissions must include decedent’s full name, union affiliation, date of death, and contact info for the person submitting the notice. Send notices to Julie Malec, NYSUT United, 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110-2455; or email julie.malec@nysut.org.

Tax Time: Don’t forget these deductions

Eligible educators can deduct up to $300 of qualified expenses paid in 2024 on your personal income tax return. If you and your spouse are filing jointly and both of you were eligible educators, the maximum deduction is $600, however, neither spouse can deduct more than $300 of their qualified expenses.

An eligible educator is a K-12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal, or aide who worked for at least 900 hours a school year in a public or private school that provides elementary or secondary education.

For more on qualified expenses, visit https://nysut.cc/taxtime.

For further information, consult your tax preparer and/or IRS Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax for Individuals.

[ member benefits ]

Retirement & payment options

Importance of payroll/pension deduction, maintaining NYSUT membership in retirement

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our NYSUT membership offers the opportunity to participate in a number of programs through NYSUT Member Benefits that can save you money, safeguard your family and prepare for the future. Members can enjoy up to an additional 20 percent discount when purchasing these endorsed benefits through payroll or pension deduction.

With these convenient payment options, you won’t have to worry about forgetting important due dates for bills and can save through reduced fees or the elimination of service fees. Approximately 88 percent of NYSUT members have payroll or pension deduction available to them. If your local association has arranged for payroll deduction with its employer, you are eligible to use this payment option.

For our retirees, pension deduction is available if you are collecting a monthly pension benefit from the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System, Teachers’ Retirement System of the City of New York, New York State and Local Retirement System, New York City Board of Education Retirement System, or receiving a monthly lifetime annuity from TIAA.

[ Your ERS Pension ]

Do more, faster in Retirement Online

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ore than 530,000 members and retirees use Retirement Online — the fastest way to do business with the New York State and Local Retirement System. Sign in today (bit.ly/RO-sign-in); it’s convenient and secure.

For instructions on how to register for Retirement Online or get help with an existing account, read our “Retirement Online Tools and Tips” blog post (nysut.cc/retirement-tips).

Members Can …

  • View and update beneficiaries. NYSLRS retirement plans provide death benefits for beneficiaries of eligible members who die before retiring. Retirement Online lets you immediately add, remove or update your beneficiaries.
  • Estimate pension benefits. How much will your pension be? In just a few steps, most members can get a retirement benefit estimate based on their latest account information. Enter different dates and compare the results to help you choose the retirement date that’s right for you.

[ Your TRS Pension ]

Taxes and your pension: Know the rules

Two people on a green sofa with a laptop and papers in a living room.
Q:
I retired in September of last year. Will I need anything other than my W2?
A:

Yes. The 1099-R shows retired members their gross benefit amount, the taxable amount of their pension and any federal tax withheld. You’ll need it to complete your 2024 income tax forms.

The 1099-R tax statement for calendar year 2024 pension earnings is available for all New York State Teachers’ Retirement System retirees via MyNYSTRS. For retirees who elected to receive a paper copy, it has been mailed to the address provided.

For retirees who opted to receive the 1099-R online, simply log in to your secure MyNYSTRS account. There, you’ll be able to access your statement on the “My Retirement/1099 Forms” page, along with tax statements from previous years.

[ Local Unions in Action ]

Members fight for funded SUNY, CUNY

Members from UUP–Binghamton meet with Assemblymember Donna Lupardo.
Members from UUP–Binghamton meet with Assemblymember Donna Lupardo.
PSC President James Davis rallying with CUNY members
PSC President James Davis, far left, rallies with CUNY members.
Students, faculty and staff from SUNY, CUNY and independent colleges ralling for A New Deal for Higher Ed.
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Students, faculty and staff from SUNY, CUNY and independent colleges rally for A New Deal for Higher Ed.
Higher education faculty and staff from around the state gathered in Albany last month to make their case clear to lawmakers: Now more than ever, New York needs to invest in its state and city university systems.

This situation is made ever more dire on the heels of threats and actions by the federal government freezing federal research grants, ordering the end of programs that enhance diversity on campuses and threatening to end student loan forgiveness programs.

In addition to visits to legislators’ offices, more than 350 students, and members from United University Professions at SUNY and the Professional Staff Congress at CUNY rallied with legislators inside the state Capitol to support broader access to free tuition and more financial aid. Learn more at uupinfo.org and psc-cuny.org.

Hamburg Teachers Association

Members of the Hamburg TA smiling for group photo outside in coats
hamburg ta/facebook
three members smiling with inflatable polar bear wearing Christmas hat
Members of the Hamburg TA were “Freezin’ for a Reason” when they plunged into the icy waters of Lake Erie on Dec. 7.

Thanks to fearless plungers and the generous membership, Team HTA raised $4,000 for the Special Olympics. The HTA is led by Amy Takacs.

Schoharie Teachers Association

Members of the Schoharie TA in aprons and hair caps smiling for group photo
schoharie ta/facebook
Members of the Schoharie TA, led by President Natalie McKay, gathered for dinner recently — but the educators were doing the serving. The local served community members at the Schenectady City Mission, an organization that helps to provide basic needs like food, shelter and clothing.
Share news about your local’s union or community events at united@nysut.org; include LIA in the subject line.

Kudos

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It’s an honor

James Chaney, Albany Public Schools United Employees, was named one of five finalists for the prestigious 2025 Recognizing Inspiring School Employees award. Also submitted for recognition for the national RISE award was Mashantuck Bell, United Federation of Teachers. Chaney and Bell are both teaching assistants and are NYSUT’s 2024 School-Related Professionals Member of the Year winners. They were nominated for the award by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

James Byrne, Sachem Central Teachers Association, and Sachem CTA retiree Deborah Spitzli O’Brien were recently inducted into the Sachem Athletic Hall of Fame. Byrne was recognized for football, baseball and triathlon. Spitzli O’Brien was recognized for her time as a gymnastics coach.

In print

Torrey Maldonado, UFT, has published Hands. The book, inspired by his life, is for students who are dealing with “heavy issues … to help them feel light.” The book is available at torreymaldonado.com.

Lori Reichel, United University Professions–Cortland, has published Tactile Tools for Social Emotional Learning: Activities to help Children Self-Regulate with SEL, PreK-5. The book is available from Routledge Publishing.

Penny Schneider, Massapequa Federation of Teachers, has published ARTY, her debut children’s graphic novel. A high school art teacher, Schneider is the author illustrator of the interactive book, which includes a prompt at the end of each chapter to include the reader in the story. For more, or to order the book, visit PennySchneider.com or monarcheducationalservices.com.

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.

NYSUT United | March/April 2025

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NYSUT represents teachers, school-related professionals, higher education faculty, professionals in education, human services and healthcare, and retirees.

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