NYSUT United November/December 2024
Civil Discourse Takes Center Stage on NYSUT Bus Tour:
NYSUT Members Challenge Candidates to Follow the Example Set in Classrooms
Contents
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, Kara E. Smith
Photography: J. El-Wise Noisette, Kimberly Pennant, Chris Sutorius
Lead Designer: Nicole Clayton
Art and Production: Dana Fournier
Online Communications Coordinators: Katie Bartlett, Jiayi Kong
Editorial Support: Julie Malec
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 do wish to receive more than one copy, please call 518-213-6000.
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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.
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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, Mary Vaccaro, 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)
Alternate Directors: Sue Raichilson, Melissa Tierney
To Our
Members
You told us that you’re deeply concerned and exhausted by the hyper-partisanship and polarization in our country. And you noted that our elected officials need to learn to disagree in a way that allows for governing — where we find solutions and solve problems instead of endless bickering.
Most notably, one civics and debate teacher told me: “The way some of our elected officials are behaving wouldn’t earn them a passing grade. In fact, I would never permit this behavior in my class!”
In these times, when civility has largely been drained from the public discourse, our members are calling on our elected officials to model the behavior our members teach.
So, we painted our message on a bus, we hauled it on highways across the state, and we parked it in lots from Albany to Rochester to Carmel to Hauppauge.
COMING UP
General election early voting
NYS Board of Regents meets
General election
45th Annual NYSUT Community College Leadership Conference, Bolton Landing
New York State School-Related Professionals Recognition Day
NYSUT Women’s Committee meets, Albany
LGBTQ+ and NYSUT Civil and Human Righs Committee Conference, Albany
Members of Color Conference, Albany
NYS Board of Regents meets
On the Cover
NYSUT on the Road
The Common Ground Over Chaos bus is about creating a space for dialogue between NYSUT members and the candidates we endorse.
During our roundtables on board, educators shared personal stories about their classrooms, students and communities. They’ve explained why we need funding for mental health supports, hands-on learning opportunities for kids, and professional development for staff. They’ve relayed the burden of high-stakes testing through students’ perspectives and their own experiences.
These conversations transform theissues that matter most to us from campaign rhetoric to real names and faces. Candidates have the opportunity to explain why they are the best person to champion our professions and our public schools in Albany and Washington.
Representative democracy means we have a choice, and we will choose those who care about our lives and livelihoods. This is how we make our voices heard.
Local Focus
Albany: On the Common Ground Over Chaos campaign
“I have always believed that when you are running for office, you should deal with facts, not attacks. When you don’t have the facts to debate, you pound on the table and name call and make personal attacks. I can’t thank NYSUT enough for being willing to stand up for real, honest and civil discourse.” Sen. Jim Tedisco
NYSUT on the Road
The Common Ground Over Chaos bus is about creating a space for dialogue between NYSUT members and the candidates we endorse.
During our roundtables on board, educators shared personal stories about their classrooms, students and communities. They’ve explained why we need funding for mental health supports, hands-on learning opportunities for kids, and professional development for staff. They’ve relayed the burden of high-stakes testing through students’ perspectives and their own experiences.
These conversations transform theissues that matter most to us from campaign rhetoric to real names and faces. Candidates have the opportunity to explain why they are the best person to champion our professions and our public schools in Albany and Washington.
Representative democracy means we have a choice, and we will choose those who care about our lives and livelihoods. This is how we make our voices heard.
Local Focus
Albany: On the Common Ground Over Chaos campaign
“I have always believed that when you are running for office, you should deal with facts, not attacks. When you don’t have the facts to debate, you pound on the table and name call and make personal attacks. I can’t thank NYSUT enough for being willing to stand up for real, honest and civil discourse.” Sen. Jim Tedisco
[ Fighting for you ]
Pro-public education candidates earn union support in Nov. 5 elections
he 2024 election is just weeks away, and several pro-public education, pro-labor candidates have earned NYSUT’s support. The endorsed and recommended candidates range from federal offices to New York state Senate and Assembly seats.
“NYSUT members, across all political views, agree on one thing: we need lawmakers who are committed to finding common ground and delivering real results for working families,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person. “That principle guided our rigorous endorsement process for this election.”
NYSUT’s national affiliates, AFT and NEA, have endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz for President and Vice President. To view the complete NYSUT 2024 Voter Guide and search for endorsed or recommended candidates in your area, visit commongroundoverchaos.org.
Todd Hathaway,
a unionist lost too soon
An East Aurora social studies teacher for over two decades, Hathaway was a member of the Governor’s Common Core Panel, testified before the Senate Standing Committee on Education and was the 2012 EAFA NYSUT Leadership Award winner. In between union calls and emails, Hathaway loved reading with his children, cracking dad jokes and cheering for the Bills, Mets and Arsenal F.C.
For his years of dedicated service and advocacy on behalf of East Aurora educators, the EAFA nominated Hathaway for a NYSUT Legacy Award. “Todd was a tireless advocate for student and teacher education rights,” said Elizabeth McCarthy EAFA treasurer. “He will be missed by educators throughout Western New York and by his family here in East Aurora.”
To honor an in-service or retiree activist from your area, visit nysut.org/LegacyFund.
Brookhaven members highlight workplace concerns for lawmakers
lack of safe staffing ratios and accountability are big problems for New York state healthcare professionals. That’s why Long Island Community Hospital staffers Linda Raymer, Daniel Molloy, Desiree Moore, Joann Fowler and Kristin Thoden met with state lawmakers recently to discuss their concerns.
All are members of Brookhaven Memorial Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals, a NYSUT local representing nearly 700 nurses and healthcare professionals at the Patchogue, Long Island hospital. They met in early October with Assemblymember Doug Smith, Sen. Dean Murray, Sen. Monica Martinez and reps for Sen. Anthony Palumbo and Assemblymember Keith Brown. The local is in a tough contract fight and establishing staffing ratios and a lack of accountability at the facility are key issues.
I Am Educator Inspired
“My high school English teacher, Mr. Desorbo, inspired me because he was always there for the students who needed him. He was willing to be a little silly, and he always made sure that you felt safe and cared for in his classroom. He taught us compassion.”
Autumn Brunell teaches at Arbor Hill Elementary School.
“Mrs. (Christine) Dooley at Forest Park Elementary … made a difference because she took the time to understand that I was an English language learner. She always took me in and provided the time I needed to learn and to feel loved.”
Michelle Chiappone teaches at Pine Hills Elementary School.
“It’s been 14 years since I’ve been in the fifth grade and I still text (Sarah Burr) and have lunch with her regularly. She really encouraged my love for learning and my desire to build that love for learning in my future students. Honestly, I owe my entire teaching career to Mrs. Burr.”
Isabel Rutkey teaches at Myers Middle School.
Canajoharie conserves energy with help from NYSUT member
hen the Canajoharie Central School District decided it wanted to be more proactive about green initiatives, the first step it took was to hire full-time energy manager Francis D’Ambrosio. The new position was funded through a grant award via the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s Clean Green Schools initiative.
The initiative is partially funded by the Environmental Bond Act, a spending package funded through state bonds and includes $4.2 billion for climate-change mitigation projects. The bond act was approved by voters in November 2022 with NYSUT’s backing because it promised to drive significant energy upgrades and improve indoor air quality, ventilation and drinking water at schools across the state. A portion of the funds are administered by NYSERDA and the authority has been designated $100 million to distribute to schools for green building initiatives and an additional $500 million to help schools transition to electric school buses through the state School Bus Incentive Program. Projects like these are expected to save districts a lot of money in the long run — and that means more money to spend on students.
“Savings can mean better books and supplies or even hiring more staff. We wanted to do everything we can to reduce energy so we can take those savings and ensure students are getting the most out of their educational experiences and keep annual increases to taxpayers to a minimum,” said D’Ambrosio, a member of the Canajoharie United School Employees Support Association, led by Melissa Skandera.
Overwhelming evidence leads union to call for school cellphone ban
early 500 educators, parents and students came together Sept. 20 at the “Disconnected” conference to find solutions to the ongoing problem of cellphones and social media in schools.
After the summit, based on mountains of data as well as real stories of harm, NYSUT took action and passed a resolution calling for a statewide policy restricting personal devices for the length of the school day.
“Those of us who are in schools everyday see that the constant use of personal electronics — not just phones, but earbuds, watches and other distractions — are impacting our students’ ability to focus, to connect with their fellow students, to be present in reality and to engage in authentic learning,” said NYSUT President Melinda Person.
NYSUT to host inaugural Members of Color conference
fter a successful virtual launch of the NYSUT Members of Color Affinity and Action initiative last fall, the statewide union is ready to launch its first in-person conference dedicated to “celebrating, empowering and connecting educators of color.”
The Members of Color conference: Community, Organizing, Advocacy and Belonging, takes place Dec. 7–8 in Albany. The event will feature inspiring sessions, valuable networking opportunities and meaningful discussions, said NYSUT Secretary-Treasurer J. Philippe Abraham, whose office coordinates the union’s social justice initiatives.
“Our members of color bring unique perspectives, experiences and talents not only to the work they do, but also to the community and our union,” Abraham said.
Pathways to Leadership program embraces all union voices
s Pomp and Circumstance played in the background, NYSUT’s first class of BIPOC Pathways to Leadership graduates capped a year of growth and achievement with a September graduation ceremony. The air rang with claps, cheers and calls of encouragement as the 12-member group bid each other farewell after months of learning about themselves, each other and their leadership styles.
The BIPOC Pathways to Leadership program addresses a problem within the labor movement, explained NYSUT Secretary-Treasurer J. Philippe Abraham, who leads the initiative. “Our leadership doesn’t fully represent the make-up of our membership,” said Abraham. “We’ve created programs like this one to invest in our next generation of leaders, and that future is multiracial and diverse.”
Brandon Mendoza’s involvement started with an email advertisement. After reading the pathways mission statement, the Albany Public School Teachers Association member knew it was for him.
Getting to know … Sharon Anderson
Sharon Anderson, a member of the United Federation of Teachers, is a paraprofessional at P.S. 111 – Seton Falls Elementary. She was interviewed by Renee Freeman, paraprofessional representative for the UFT and a NYSUT SRP Advisory Committee member.
Tell me about your job. Why do you love what you do?
My passion for education and community engagement benefits my students and shows how one person can make a significant impact. My journey as a paraprofessional is marked by enthusiasm for teaching and a genuine love for the children I work with. Seeing my students’ faces when they master a lesson for the first time and yell, “I got it!” brings joy to my heart. This moment of triumph, when a student overcomes a challenge and achieves understanding, fuels my passion for my work.
How did you get involved in the union?
My union involvement started with a need to know, so I began attending rallies, phone banking, leafleting, door knocking, and other volunteer opportunities with the union. As I learned more and more about being a unionist, the benefits and how to fight for the rights of myself and others, I wanted to do more. I ran to become the borough coordinator in the Bronx, and a delegate for NYSUT and AFT. In these positions I learned and was able to apply the knowledge I had received to help others.
Longest in-service NYSUT member celebrates 64 years
ath teacher Martha Strever has seen educational trends come and go at Linden Avenue Middle School in Red Hook, Dutchess County. From the metric system in the 1970’s, to modern math and common core, over the years the only constant in the classroom has been Strever herself. That consistency hit a milestone this fall when Strever celebrated 64 years as an in-service educator — all spent in the Red Hook Central School District where she started as a student teacher in 1960. And as long as her health allows, the Red Hook Faculty Association member has no plans to retire.
“I really love all the kids, even the troublemakers,” said Strever of what keeps her coming back. “I want to turn them around. The reward is seeing students accomplish when they’re struggling, or when they don’t like math.”
Strever is NYSUT’s longest serving in-service member, the longest serving teacher in New York state and might be the longest serving teacher in the world. The Guinness Book of World Records is checking that out, said April Montgomery, Red Hook FA president, explaining that building principal Stacie Fenn Smith, a former student, nominated her for the publication in the categories of longest teaching tenure in a single school and longest-tenured female math teacher.
Čwé·?n ahskę̀·nę hę?
Indigenous schools help preserve native culture for future generations
erched along the Western border near Niagara Falls, Tuscarora Nation School looks much like every other mid-century rural school in New York state. Red brick. Rolling lawns. Flagpole out front. But the flag it flies is for a different nation. And the name out front isn’t written in English.
Tuscarora Nation School, Skarù·ręʔ Yerihętyáʔthaʔ, is one of three New York state primary schools within the Haudenosaunee or Iroquois Confederacy, which is composed of six Indigenous nations — the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and Tuscarora.
“We give our students a grounding in who they are as Tuscarora,” said Tuscarora culture teacher Alexandra Printup, Niagara Wheatfield Teachers Association, of the pre-K through sixth grade school.
Why I teach
At the end of the discussion, I remember two things. Newton Godnick, chairman of the Fashion Buying and Merchandising department congratulating me for the session (following up with a heartfelt thank you note I treasure) and Winters asking me if I ever considered teaching.
That subsequent Labor Day weekend I spent reading the assigned student textbook for AC 111/Advertising and Promotion, a course in the Fall 1985 semester. Hurricane Elena battered the west coast of Florida that weekend, ruining my short vacation, but I returned to New York City and never looked back.
Love is the most important lesson for Schenectady educator
hen students enter Colleen Keough’s second grade classroom at Hamilton Elementary School in Schenectady, they know they are coming into a space where they are loved. In fact, it hangs on the classroom wall.
Within the walls of the school, Keough is known as an anchor point: a person around whom the entire building orbits. Nowhere is that seen more than in her efforts to revive the school identity and mascot — the Husky.
“Everybody knows Ms. Keough,” said Patty Wood, an instructional coach at Hamilton Elementary. “The kids know Ms. Keough. And I think across the district, people know, not only who Colleen Keough is, but that Colleen Keough is a Hamilton Husky. And will probably be for the rest of her career.”
NYSUT members join in battle against breast cancer
his October, thousands of NYSUT members are joining in the battle against breast cancer — and celebrating victories against it.
Third-grade teacher Sarah Wise, a member of the Hewlett-Woodmere Faculty Association, put off her first mammogram until she was 48.
“My father died of lung cancer,” Wise said. “For years after he passed, I chose not to get a mammo out of fear. As my doctor’s retirement wish, I finally went, thankfully. It gave me a baseline so that when I went back a year later, they were able to spot something new — breast cancer.”
Wise caught the cancer early enough that she was able to do a lumpectomy and radiation.
Notice of Special Election Meeting • Notice of Special Election Meeting
NYSUT Board of Directors Vacancy Election • Election District 25
A vacancy exists on the NYSUT Board of Directors for ED 25. The vacancy was created by the resignation of Carl Cambria, effective Oct. 1, 2024.
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.”
Pursuant to NYSUT Constitution, Article IX, §4(b) and the approved NYSUT Campaign and Election Procedures, NYSUT members who were reported as elected delegates to the 2024 Representative Assembly representing the members of Election District 24–35 will be eligible to vote in this Special Election.
Retiree activists in high gear for election season
he union is hard at work supporting endorsed candidates and retiree activism is leading the way. Political action topped the agenda at the October NYSUT Retiree Contiguous ED 51–53 At-Large meeting in Albany — including a visit from the union’s Common Ground Over Chaos campaign bus.
There’s a lot of work to be done in New York because we are a battleground state for the control of Congress, said Florence McCue, ED 51–53 at-large director. She thanked participants for local phone banking and door knocking efforts. “Legislators know that retirees are out there, and they appreciate it … we influence a lot of legislation by doing that.”
Ron Gross, NYSUT second vice president, also thanked attendees for their activism and discussed the inaugural celebration of Retiree Recognition Day on Oct. 21.
Quotable
Spent the day with fellow @nysut presidents engaging with candidates who have committed to #CommonGroundOverChaos and listening to the issues that matter most to our schools. @MondaireJones @slater4ny @yft860 @nysut @AFTunion @MelindaJPerson (@RosadoCiriello)
IAM Union District 751
Thank you to the members of congress standing with the 33,000 @IAM751 and W24 members holding the line for fair wages, retirement, job security, and a better future. Your support strengthens our fight for what’s right. #OurFuture2024 #OneDayLonger #UnionStrong (@IAM751)
Feeling inspired: @UFT members joined union President Michael Mulgrew outside @CBS studios before Tuesday night’s debate to voice the union’s support of @Tim_Walz! A teacher in the White House — Think of the possibilities! #UnionProud @AFTunion @nysut @rweingarten @KamalaHarris (@BrianUFT)
Jennifer Stein
Thank you @nysut for today’s powerful Disconnected conference. The information and anecdotes the presenters shared about how cell phones and social media are impacting learning and mental health in our school communities left us with so much to think about. @WPTApresidents (@missjstein)
5 Questions for Esther Hernandez-Kramer
You’re Farmingdale Federation of Teacher’s third vice president, but you’re also its political action chair and NYSUT’s Nassau County Political Action Chair for Senate District 8. With a presidential election on the horizon, how are you getting out the vote and spreading the word about union endorsements?
We do phone banks, canvassing and we send out texts on behalf of endorsed candidates and about important issues. Here on Long Island, we’re very focused on winning Congressional races. We’ve also been going on lots of labor walks with other area unions, through the Long Island Federation of Labor, and speaking with members.
What do labor walks entail?
We go out into local neighborhoods, knock on doors and talk to members about issues and candidates. Meeting people face-to-face and having friendly conversations with them is the best way to find common ground and get people to think about who and what they support. Conversations like that have a chance of changing someone’s mind as opposed to just posting something online.
[ classifieds ]
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Vacation RentalSt. Augustine Beach — Three bedrooms, two baths, remodeled.Weekly rental. 716-830-4635. Jobers150@gmail.com.ServicesHelp WantedALL teachers/school employees: Tutor near home/work. All subjects/grades/licenses. facultytutoring@aol.com. 718-886-2424.
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EducationAre Classroom Discipline problems ruining your teaching career? Make student misbehavior a thing of the past. FREE book for NYSUT-UFT members. Don’t wait! Act now! Email: teacherservices044@gmail.com. (Please include your name and address). Or write: Free Discipline Book, 1941 Edward Lane, Merrick, NY 11566.TravelJOSARO TOURS LLC — Travel with us in 2025. Winter Break – Egypt and Kenya. Spring Break – Dubai and Egypt. July – Mexico. August – Thailand & Vietnam. $350 to reserve. More info at Josarotours.com. josarotours@gmail.com. Tel – 845-467-8277.
[ passings ]
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.
[ resources for you ]
Free NYSUT poster celebrates Native American Heritage Month, Nov. 1-30
NYSUT celebrates Native American Heritage Month with a new poster honoring Jim Thorpe (1887–1953), the first Native American to win U.S. Olympic gold, placing first in 1912 in the classic pentathlon and the decathlon. Considered one of modern sports’ most versatile athletes, Thorpe played collegiate and professional football and professional baseball and basketball, in addition to track and field.
Thorpe grew up in the Sac and Fox Nation in what is now the state of Oklahoma. He attended the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Carlisle, Penn. and was a two-time All-American football player under famed coach Pop Warner.
In 1913, Thorpe signed with the New York Giants and played six major league baseball seasons. He later played for the National Football League and was part of a Native American basketball team. Thorpe appeared in several films and was portrayed by Burt Lancaster in the 1951 film “Jim Thorpe — All American.”
Ranked as the “greatest athlete” of the first 50 years of the 20th century by the Associated Press, Thorpe was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 1963.
The NYSUT poster is available for download at nysut.org/publications. Limited print copies are available.
Little joins NYSTRS Board
Meet Donald Little the newest teacher-member on the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System Board of Trustees. Little, Syracuse Teachers Association’s second vice president, was appointed last month by State Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa to fill the remainder of Beth Chetney’s three-year term ending Jan. 31, 2027. Little will formally run for the slot on Nov. 4 at the delegates’ annual meeting.
“I think that our pension system is the greatest reward of a teaching career,” said Little. “I hope to help members better understand the system and the issues they may have, like how to buy back service credit or enhance their retirement years — and you can’t do that if you don’t have all the facts.”
A history teacher at Nottingham High since 1999, Little is a longtime NYSTRS delegate, served as vice chair for NYSUT’s pension and retirement committee and is an adjunct professor at SUNY Oswego where he received his bachelor and master’s degree.
The holidays are here: Save on gift giving with Member Benefits
s it just us or does it feel like the years are starting to go quicker and quicker? We’re already a couple months into a new academic year and approaching that most magical time — the holidays. We hope that means spending quality time with loved ones and friends while sharing laughter, joy … and gifts!
Before purchasing any items on your list, we encourage you to explore memberbenefits.nysut.org for all that NYSUT Member Benefits has to offer. Whether you’re looking to save on gift baskets, flowers or chocolates, Bose products, clothing or shoes, movie tickets, sporting events and concerts, theme parks and attractions, restaurants, or thousands of other deals, you’re going to want to check out MB Discounts & Deals.
This popular program utilizes the nation’s largest private discount network to offer NYSUT members exclusive access to savings of up to 50 percent at more than 1 million locations. Note: Your seven-digit NYSUT ID number is required to create an MB Discounts & Deals account. This can be found on your NYSUT Membership Card or by visiting nysut.org/memberid.
Working after retirement
ou can work after retirement and still receive your New York State and Local System pension, but there may be a limit on how much you can earn.
Returning to work for a public employer in NYS
In order to retire, a member must have a bonafide termination of employment and be removed from the payroll of their employer before their date of retirement. Whether a termination has occurred is based on whether facts indicate that the employer and employee reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after the retirement date.
When earnings are limited
If you return to work for a public employer in New York state, an earnings limit of $35,000 generally applies to retirees who are under age 65.* The limit applies to all earnings for the calendar year, including money earned in the calendar year, but paid in a different calendar year.
[ Your TRS Pension ]
Resigning vs. retiring — what’s the difference?
No, it doesn’t. Resignation is between you and your employer; retirement is between you and the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System. Since you can’t be on payroll and be retired, you must resign before retiring.
Additionally, for NYSTRS purposes, your resignation date must be at least one day after your effective retirement date. For example, if your last working day is June 30, your earliest retirement day would be July 1.
Schedule a consultation with your human resource or business office, or with your local union representative, to determine your district’s retirement policy.
[ Local Unions in Action ]
Clarkstown Teachers Association teams up to Make Strides
ockland County educators and union members are flexing their muscles to raise funds for breast cancer research.
“The CTA was very fortunate to have two members of the NYSUT Tarrytown Regional Office Professional Staff Association and the president of the Pearl River TA help us pull the plane across the finish line,” said President Jonathan Wedvik. “The event was extremely challenging, exciting, and rewarding.”
The plane pull challenges teams of 10 people to commit to raise at least $1,000 for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer campaign. The team raises funds for the chance to pull a plane 100 feet.
“The motto for the event was ‘live, love, laugh, and laugh some more.’ Our team pulled for all the people who are currently fighting breast cancer, all the people who have survived breast cancer, and also for all the people who have lost their battle with breast cancer,” Wedvik said. “Everyone should check themselves for lumps regularly and get mammogram screened annually if you are over 45.”
White Plains Teachers Association
On the sixth, we wear blue!
White Plains TA members have found a clever way to keep the fight to Fix Tier 6 in the forefront. On the sixth of every month members wear their WPTA “Fix Tier 6” T-shirts.
The WPTA is led by Kara McCormick-Lyons.
Byron Bergen Faculty Association
We want to hear from you! Share news about your local’s union or community events, fundraisers and member solidarity events at united@nysut.org. Be sure to include LIA in the subject line.
Kudos
It’s an honor
Wendy Boyer, Marcus Whitman Teaching Assistants, Aides and Clerical Association, received the New York State Senate Liberty Medal. Boyer performed the Heimlich maneuver to save a student who was choking.
Samantha Rosado-Ciriello, Yonkers Federation of Teachers, was included in the City and State 2024 Hudson Valley Power 100 list.
In print
Bruce Altschuler, United University Professions–SUNY Oswego retiree, has published Filming the First: Cinematic Portrayals of Freedom of the Press with co-authors Helen Knowles-Gardner and Brandon T. Metroka. For information about the book, visit rowman.com.
A poet in residence at Art Crawl Harlem on Governor’s Island, Carol Chapman, United Federation of Teachers retiree, has published Outbursts from the Seventh Decade, a collection of 75 poems. The book is available at barnesandnoble.com.
Anthony Pantaleno, Ph.D., Elwood Teacher Alliance retiree, has published Best Therapy for Teens to Twentysomethings: A Parent’s Guide to Finding Mental Health Support. For more information, visit findingbesttherapyt2t.com.
Basilio Serrano, UUP-Old Westbury retiree, has published Tres Sanjuaneras en La Época Del Jazz: Historias de Blanca de Castejon, Mapy Cortés, y Olga San Juan. His work is a collection of three biographies of the first Puerto Rican women Hollywood stars who emerged starting in 1931. To purchase, visit mcnallyjackson.com.
Vivian Sheperis, Bellmore-Merrick United Secondary Teachers retiree, has published The Light in Hades, a book of short fiction and poetry.
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 | November/December 2024
® 1220M
NYSUT represents teachers, school-related professionals, higher education faculty, professionals in education, human services and healthcare, and retirees.
Thanks for reading our November/December 2024 issue!