STICKING WITH OUR UNION WNY locals say: We’re www.nysut.org | March/April 2018 100 percent all in! Are you?

THIS ISSUE OF NYSUT UNITED CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING CHANGES TO THE MEMBER BENEFITS PROGRAMS. YOU SHOULD READ AND RETAIN THIS ISSUE FOR FUTURE REFERENCE. NYSUT Affiliated with AFT n NEA n AFL-CIO NYSUT UNITED [ March/April 2018, Vol. 8, No. 4 ]

NEW YORK STATE UNITED TEACHERS Catanzariti (Retiree), Thomas Murphy (Retiree) Director of Communications: PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT LATHAM, NY 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110 Damien LaVera ADDITIONAL ENTRY OFFICE AT-LARGE DIRECTORS: 518-213-6000 n 800-342-9810 Editor-in-Chief: Mary Fran Gleason WILLIAMSPORT, PA 17701 Cheryl Hughes, Joseph Cantafio, Rick Gallant, Copy Desk Chief: Clarisse Butler Banks (ISSN 21587914) and OFFICERS: John Kozlowski, Kevin Ahern, Don Carlisto, Maria NYSUT United www.nysut.org are official publications of New York President: Andy Pallotta Pacheco, Raymond Hodges, Pat Puleo, Selina Durio, Assistant Editors/Writers: Leslie Duncan Fottrell, Liza Frenette, Ned Hoskin, State United Teachers. NYSUT United is published Executive Vice President: Jolene T. DiBrango Ronald Verderber, Wayne White, Debra Penny, Sylvia Saunders, Kara E. Smith, Matt Smith, from September to June. Howard Schoor, Carmen Alvarez-Scaglione, Thomas First Vice President/Secretary-Treasurer: Andrew Watson J. Philippe Abraham Brown, Janella Hinds, Sterling Roberson, Barbara Advertising: For questions about advertising, Photo Editor: J. El-Wise Noisette email Lori DiVeglia at Second Vice President/Acting Executive Director: Bowen, Frederick Kowal, Florence McCue, Shelvy [email protected] Lead Designer: Dana Fournier or call 518-213-6000, ext. 6264 or Paul Pecorale Y. Abrams (SRPs), Sandra Carner-Shafran (SRPs), Karen Lee Arthmann (SRPs), Deborah Paulin (SRPs), Art and Production: Nicole Clayton 800-448-4ADS. Lori DiVeglia Angie Rivera (SRPs), Anne Goldman (Health Care), Advertising: NYSUT United reserves the right to reject any ELECTION DISTRICT DIRECTORS: Stephen Rechner (Private Sector Higher Ed), Andrew Online Communications advertising. However, the acceptance of advertising Peter Stuhlmiller, Michelle Licht, Joseph J. Najuch, Sako (Community Colleges), Pamela Malone (Higher Coordinator: Bryan Thomas by NYSUT United does not signify that the product Eric Talbot, Adam Urbanski, Andrew Jordan, Michael Education) and Michael Fabricant (Higher Education) Editorial Support: Julie Bull, Julie Malec or service has, in any way, been endorsed by Emmi, David Derouchie, Jeanette Stapley, Anthony NYSUT or any of its related entities, including the HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS: NYSUT United is a member publication of the McCann, Joseph Herringshaw, Stacey Caruso- AFT Communicators Network, International NYSUT Member Benefits Trust or the NYSUT Mem- Antonia Cortese (Emerita), Sharpe, Kathleen Taylor, Sparrow Tobin, Sean Labor Communications Association, Metro ber Benefits Corporation. NYSUT Member Benefits Kennedy, Jeffrey Yonkers, Tomia Smith, Barbara Thomas Y. Hobart Jr. (President Emeritus), New York Labor Communications Council, Trust and the NYSUT Member Benefits Corporation Hafner, Christine Vasilev, John Mansfield, Kevin Alan B. Lubin (Executive Vice President Emeritus) State Education Association Communicators. enter into agreements with some vendors to pro- Coyne, Nancy Sanders, Laura Spencer, Karen AFT VICE PRESIDENTS: Editorial and Production Department: vide certain products or services for members. Blackwell Alford, Dwayne Clark, Evelyn DeJesus, J. Philippe Abraham, Shelvy Y. Abrams, Barbara 518-213-6000 and 800-342-9810 (toll-free) Information regarding NYSUT Member Benefits products can be found at www.nysut.org/49.htm. Amy Arundell, Arthur Pepper, Mary Atkinson, Anthony Bowen, Don Carlisto, Evelyn DeJesus, Jolene T. Annual subscription: $15. NYSUT members Only advertisements from vendors who have been Harmon, Michael Mulgrew, Elizabeth Perez, Paul DiBrango, Frederick Kowal, Martin Messner, receive a copy of NYSUT United as part of their dues Egan, Richard Mantell, LeRoy Barr, Iris DeLutro (City Michael Mulgrew, Andy Pallotta, Paul Pecorale, benefit. Households with multiple members will re- endorsed by NYSUT Member & Private Higher Ed), Steven London (City & Private Adam Urbanski ceive only one copy. If you do wish to receive more Benefits Trust will contain the Higher Ed), Kevin Peterman (Community Colleges), than one copy, please call 518-213-6000, ext. 6234. following logo: NEA DIRECTORS: Jamie Dangler (State Higher Ed, UUP), Rowena Andrew Sako, Serena Kotch (interim) Address Changes: Blackman-Stroud (State Higher Ed, UUP), Thomas Alternate Director: Sue Raichilson POSTMASTER: Tucker (State Higher Ed, UUP), Philip Rumore, Paul Member Records Department Davis, Matt Hill, Loretta Donlon (Retiree), Rosemary Executive Committee members are underlined. 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110

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ADA-2112 BAB Educator 9.7x5.1_NYSUT.indd 1 12/12/17 3:28 PM 2 | March / April 2018 Official Publication of NYSUT [ RESOURCES FOR YOU ] COMING UP Helping students, educators heal March 5–6 after violence, tragedy strikes NYSUT Committee of 100 advocacy, state Capitol The National Association of School Psychologists offers a March 6 Meet School Me, NEA’s new variety of free resources to help NYSUT Board Executive students cope with traumatic School online tool for educators Crisis Committee meets, Albany events and national tragedies. School Me — neatoday.org/schoolme —is a new Guide before They contain methods to help web-based resource from the National Education Help and Healing during March 9–11 students who are continually in a Time of Crisis Association, one of NYSUT’s national affiliates, to after Somos el Futuro Conference, help new and early educators grow into seasoned hearing about senseless gun Albany

violence in or near schools and Produced with generous professionals. support from Blogs and podcasts feature real stories from educa- are scared about their safety. April 1 tors, derived from their own unique experiences, and Visit www.nasponline.org. State budget due NEA resources provide advice on how to navigate this The National Education Association dynamic profession. School Me’s DIY, social-friendly also has resources available for help and healing during April 20 videos offer step-by-step visuals of how to create fun and times of crisis. The Healthy Futures School Crisis Guide is National Day of Action Against quick classroom activities for students. Monthly webinars a step-by-step resource, created by educators for educa- Gun Violence in Schools are designed to share resources and training on a variety tors, that can make it easier for union leaders, school of education topics. district administrators and principals to keep schools April 21 School Me content is available via NEA Today’s Professional Issues Forum on safe — before, during and after a crisis. Download the Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest, as well as Health Care meets, Latham guide at http://healthyfutures.nea.org/wpcproduct/ on www.neatoday.org. You can also subscribe to the School Me podcast on iTunes. school-crisis-guide/. April 25 If you or someone you know would like to become a NYSUT Board Executive contributor, encourage them to submit ideas to Celebrate Women’s history Committee meets, Buffalo [email protected]. Women’s History poster features April 25 Online seminar on disability Mary Mary Heaton NYSUT Board of Directors Heaton Vorse meets, Buffalo awareness tailored to SRPs Vorse NYSUT’s Education & Learning Trust offers a new NYSUT celebrates Women’s 1932 — Mary Heaton Vorse, far left, and fellow activists prepare to leave April 26 on a relief expedition to provide food for striking miners in Kentucky. History Month in March — with online seminar for School- NYSUT Local & Retiree Council Mary Heaton Vorse (1874–1966) was an American journalist, labor activist, a free poster highlighting Mary Related Professionals who have social critic and novelist. She was active in a number of social justice causes, including women’s suffrage, civil rights and opposition to World War I. Presidents Conference, Buffalo

important roles with students In 1962, Vorse became the first recipient of the United Auto Workers Social Justice Award Heaton Vorse (1874­–1966) an for her work as a labor journalist in the 1920s and 1930s. Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and novelist Upton Sinclair attended the award ceremony.

Each year the Metro Labor Communications Council of New York City awards with disabilities and who might The Mary Heaton Vorse Award, its highest union journalism honor. American journalist, labor activ- VO UR IC O E NYSUT, a statewide union of professionals, is proud to honor the contributions of women throughout history. Downloadable PDF versions and printed copies of this poster are free, in limited quantities, to NYSUT members. OUR

516_18

work closely with one student For ordering information, visit www.nysut.org/poster. ist, social critic and novelist.

with severe disabilities or multiple students with less

She was active in a number of severe disabilities. social justice causes, including women’s suffrage, civil

“Disability Awareness,” ELT’s three-hour online rights and opposition to World War I. O seminar, will help SRPs gain a general understanding U S In 1962, Vorse became the first recipient of the United R VAL U E of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Auto Workers Social Justice Award for her work as a characteristics of disabilities and key concepts related to labor journalist in the 1920s and 1930s. Former First April 27–28 the education of students with disabilities. The seminar NYSUT Representative is relevant whether an SRP works with students in the Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Assembly, Buffalo special education classroom, on the bus, in the cafete- novelist Upton Sinclair at- ria, on the playground, etc. Participants will refine their tended the award ceremony. skills and knowledge by experiencing what it is like Each year the Metro Labor to have a disability and then apply this infor- Communications Council of On the cover mation as they identify strategies to improve New York City awards The Mary From left, Lisa Gretz, Nicole Dopp student learning and behavior specific to the Heaton Vorse Award, its highest honor for and Rebecca Seelbinder, members students they support. union journalism. of the Newfane TA. The course is $25. Register online today For print and downloadable PDF versions of this Cover photo by Dennis Stierer. at www.nysut.org/elt. poster, and others, visit www.nysut.org/posters. Cover design by Dana Fournier.

www.nysut.org March / April 2018 | 3

Notes [ FIGHTING FOR YOU ]

When ‘1-2-1’ equals 100 DENNIS STIERER

p Above: Proving that “1-2-1” conversations really work, every member of the Members across the state say Newfane Teachers Association in Western New York recommitted to their union. ‘I’m sticking with our union’

By Ned Hoskin sticking with our union. [email protected] The commitment to defy the relentless assault by anti-union ith Janus v. AFSCME agendas is evident in every corner — the largest threat to of the state — from the thousands W working people — now of union members who rallied in in the hands of nine U.S. Supreme New York City and Buffalo for a Court justices, the growing voice of Day of Action in late February to EL-WISE NOISETTE DANA FOURNIER union members is undeniable — no the union “ambassadors” who matter the legal outcome, they’re continue to engage their col- ment are certainly proof. p From left: Faculty Association of Suffolk Community College’s Cynthia Eaton, leagues in meaningful conversations In Western New York, all 134 left, joins NYSUT members, right, in members of the Newfane Teachers about union solidarity. Manhattan to mark the Working “Brothers and sisters we are at a Association signed a new union People’s Day of Action. crossroads where the billionaires are membership card, renewing their trying to tell us what to think and what commitment to their local, to NYSUT to do,” NYSUT President Andy Pallotta and to the labor movement. I’M STICKING told the crowd at the Day of Action “Here in Newfane, we have a WITH OUR in Mahattan’s strong union history, and our mem- Foley Square. bers know and value what the union “They think they does for them,“ said Newfane TA are going to President Henri Kursten. EL-WISE NOISETTE silence us. They The ambassadors quickly learned p NYSUT President Andy are so wrong!” that “when you speak with members Pallotta, above, and The ambas- one-to-one, they want to take the time NYSUT’s Janus Action Page Executive VP Jolene T. sadors’ “1-2-1” and they appreciate the chance to has many tools to help you DiBrango, right, — one-to-one share their views,” he said. spread the word. Visit energize the crowd Newfane’s neighbors and of unionists with — conversa- www.nysut.org/janus messages of strength tions with crosstown sports rivals in Wilson and share on social and solidarity at a Day members to have done it, too. The 116-member media with the hashtag of Action in Manhattan. build engage- Wilson TA, led by President Meg #ImStickingWithOurUnion

4 | March / April 2018 Official Publication of NYSUT [ FIGHTING FOR Y0U ] Take action! Keep our schools safe

he time to act is now. Educators are also encouraged to wear orange NYSUT is joining its national affiliates — on March 14 — the Women’s March has an- T the American Federation of Teachers and nounced a National School Walkout. Students plan National Education Association — and the Network to walk out of their schools for 17 minutes to honor for Public Education for a National Day of Action the lives lost in Parkland. Against Gun Violence in Schools on April 20 — the Students from around the country will converge anniversary of the shootings at Columbine High on Washington, D.C. on March 24 to call for an end School in 1999. to gun violence against our students and educators “We are united in our commitment to ensuring on school campuses. NEA and AFT plan to provide that every school is a sanctuary for teaching and Students, parents, educators and their support- support for the students. learning, and is a safe, nurturing environment for ers are wasting no time in making their feelings You can also help the students, families, educa- all,” said NYSUT President Andy Pallotta. clear: schools must be safe learning environments. tors and staff at Stoneman Douglas High School SInce Columbine, 136 students and educators Candlelight vigils, rallies and school walk-ins and the surrounding school community by donat- have been killed in shootings at schools, including are being planned for the Day of Action to send ing to AFT’s Disaster Relief Fund — www.aft.org/ the 17 students and educators who were victims a strong message to state and federal lawmak- broward-relief. Your contribution will go directly of the mass shooting in February at the Marjory ers that their failure to enact rational gun laws is to providing resources and support for the those Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. inexcusable. affected by this recent tragedy in Florida.

p The Wilson TA is “100 percent all in” after all 116 members recommitted to their union and signed their membership cards.

protect what’s ours.” Busloads of unionists from the United University Professions and Professional Staff Congress, NYSUT’s higher ed affiliates, traveled through the night to demonstrate outside the DENNIS STIERER U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, Thompson, is 100 percent all in. TA in Suffolk County on Long Island. Vice President Paul Pecorale. D.C., on Feb. 26 when oral arguments “The Western New York region Is your local at 100 percent? Are you Janus v. AFSCME “is the latest in in Janus were heard. has met the task of re-carding our sticking with our union? a series of attacks on our voice, our And a “thunderclap” of epic pro- membership with a swift and serious In addition to the efforts of the am- values and our union,” he said. portions reverberated throughout cy- effort,” said Joe Najuch of Newfane, bassadors, hundreds of union mem- Essentially, the Janus case argues berspace at noon. The social media a member of the NYSUT Board of bers stepped up last summer, in the that people who personally benefit blitz generated thousands of tweets Directors. “There is no doubt that fall, and this winter to join NYSUT’s from union representation should not and messages simultaneously to the training and workshops offered Member Organizing Institute (MOI), a have to pay for it. As the transcripts of millions of social media users. NYSUT by the regional office, promoting massive door-to-door, union-building oral arguments confirm, the billion- connections alone reached more the one-to-one conversations, have activity that reaches members at aires and corporate interests that are than one million friends and followers helped the Newfane and Wilson TAs home. Regional MOI trainings have bankrolling the case are plotting to — an amazing demonstration of the achieve and preserve 100 percent drawn overflow crowds in Central erode good wages, health benefits, power of our collective voice. membership.” New York, the North Country, the employment and retirement security. “This is the new reality for our Their success is being repeated in Hudson Valley and every borough of “What they are not counting on, movement, and it must continue,” every corner of the state. The Laurens New York City. however, is the strength of NYSUT Pallotta said. “We’re mobilizing to de- TA and the South Kortright SRP unit “This is crucial work that connects members and union members ev- fend our rights. Unions are like a fam- in the Southern Tier recently reached members with the union in a very erywhere,” Pecorale said. “We have ily and we stick together! … Together, 100 percent, as did the Little Flower personal way,” said NYSUT Second the will and the power to defend and we have the power!” www.nysut.org March / April 2018 | 5 [ FIGHTING FOR YOU ] VOTE-COPE 2018: Continue our momentum

By Ned Hoskin our tradition of strength. Our future, [email protected] like never before, is on the line. A TRADITION OF STRENGTH In Washington, D.C., and in n the spring of 2017, polls Albany, we face serious threats — showed that many likely voters to collective bargaining rights, to I knew very little about the referen- tenure, to pensions, and to Social dum mandated for that November Security and Medicare. on whether the state should hold a “Last year, you helped defeat constitutional convention to rewrite a constitutional convention that its guiding document. Fighting threatened our futures,” Pallotta said. But the polls also showed that to protect “You showed that when we stand voters, by a 2-to-1 ratio, tended to say, what you together, we win.” VOTE-COPE set a record, again, “Sure, why not!?” care about Our future is on the line. In Washington, D.C., and in Albany, we face serious threats — to collective bargaining rights, to tenure, collecting more than $10.7 million Only a massive grassroots educa- to pensions, and to Social Security and Medicare. They become more dire every year. Do your part to fight back: Donate to our in voluntary donations in 2017, a 6.4 tion campaign by NYSUT members union’s political action fund! and what can only be described as a percent increase. broad-spectrum coalition of unionists All eyes are on crucial midterm and social activists illuminated the Congressional elections and state dangers such a convention would elections in November. And they are pose. laser-focused on the U.S. Supreme Supported by VOTE- by more than a know that everyone in state govern- Court as it weighs the fate of public COPE, NYSUT’s vol- 4-to-1 ratio. ment knows the labor movement sector unions in Janus v. AFSCME. untary political action “It just made this happen, and we also know This year, our activism must be fund, the momentum shows what that NYSUT’s VOTE-COPE was key to bold and decisive. We need to keep grew, the tide turned we can do this success story.” our tradition of strength, and the way and the referendum when we all work together,” said The 2018 VOTE-COPE campaign to do that is through political action. was soundly defeated NYSUT President Andy Pallotta. “We calls on NYSUT members to carry on Let’s keep our tradition going.

NYSUT endorses five in special state votes

YSUT is backing five can- “Shelley Mayer knows how to get been a fighter for the working people donations to help candidates defray didates in the upcoming things done in Albany. She combines in his district. We see him carrying the cost of campaigns. Its extensive N April 24 special elections to a tremendous intellect with the ability to Albany that same passion and phone bank operation — staffed by fill vacancies in the state Legislature: to listen and act in the best interests of dedication for doing what’s right,” volunteer political activists — will Assembly members Shelley Mayer and her community and the entire state,” Pallotta said. make tens of thousands of calls be- Luis Sepùlveda for state Senate seats Pallotta said. “Shelley has been a tire- Epstein is a tenants’ rights attorney tween now and the April 24 special and Patrick Burke, Harvey Epstein and less advocate for public schools and and community activist running for election on behalf of endorsed can- Ari Espinal for open Assembly seats. colleges in Westchester County and a the 74th AD seat on the Lower East didates. NYSUT volunteers will also NYSUT President Andy Pallotta lifelong champion of working people.” Side of Manhattan vacated by the hand out campaign literature, attend praised Assemblyman Sepùlveda, Burke, an adjunct professor election of Brian Kavanagh to the rallies and lead a get-out-the-vote who is seeking the 32nd Senate at Buffalo State and a NYSUT state Senate. Espinal,a top aide to for- effort at the grassroots level, Pallotta District seat in the Bronx, as a “friend member, is running for the 142nd mer Assemblyman Francisco Moya, is added. of public education and labor.” Mayer, Assembly District, which covers West seeking Moya’s open 39th AD seat in “Our members work for — and who currently represents Yonkers in Seneca, Orchard Park and slivers of Central Queens. vote for — those candidates who the state Assembly, is the clear choice Lackawanna and Buffalo. NYSUT’s endorsement carries support the issues they care about, to fill the 37th Senate District seat “As a county legislator and com- significant weight. The union makes including maintaining quality public vacated by George Latimer, he said. munity activist, Patrick Burke has financial contributions from voluntary schools, colleges and hospitals.”

6 | March / April 2018 Official Publication of NYSUT [ FIGHTING FOR YOU ] Our priorities APPR A state’s budget is more than an annual spending plan: it’s a statement of our values With changes in state standards and testing and priorities. Nothing is more important than to provide New Yorkers with the tools on the horizon, now is the time to make sig- they need to thrive and succeed. That’s why it is important for lawmakers to use the nificant changes to New York State’s teacher budget to declare decisively that education and health care are top priorities. evaluation system. Teacher evaluations should be returned to local control with no state mandates. That’s where we come in. We must make our voice and our values loud and clear. The overemphasis on testing has placed an unfair burden on Go to NYSUT’s Member Action Center — mac.nysut.org — NOW and add your voice. students. Furthermore, changes in the federal Every Student Let’s make sure lawmakers hear us and do the right thing. Succeeds Act eliminates the mandate for testing in teacher evaluations. Teacher evaluations should be used for teacher support and development so students have the best teachers possible. School aid Community colleges NYSUT President Andy Pallotta, left, during NYSUT urges lawmakers to enact an increase Special education services of $253 per full-time equivalent student. This a state budget hearing on K-12 school aid, NYSUT opposes any proposal that would allow school districts, would move the state closer to fulfilling its statutory strongly urges the Legislature to provide an BOCES and private schools to petition the State Education obligation to provide 40 percent of operating costs to increase of $1.5 billion to schools to maintain Department for flexibility in complying with certain special community colleges. The state should implement a multi-year plan to current academic programs and services for students. An education requirements. Such action would erode the quality meet this funding obligation. additional $500 million in funding would support struggling of special ed and diminish the protections these critical schools, meet the needs of ELL students, ensure high-quality resources provide in educating students with disabilities. professional development, expanded access for college and career pathways and assist districts with growing enrollment. Public schools remain the best investment our state can make SUNY hospitals Community schools and the state must continue to provide the necessary funding As New York braces for draconian changes and to build on the progress that has been made, Pallotta said. cuts to federal health care reimbursement, Community schools are closing the achieve- SUNY’s hospitals must be supported and posi- ment gap; reducing chronic absenteeism, especially due to inadequate health care; Repeal receivership law tioned to continue to provide care to all, regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. NYSUT urges lawmakers to reducing grade retention; reducing dropout rates; NYSUT calls for a repeal of the Receivership Law, and urges maintain the state subsidy to these teaching hospitals and keep increasing graduation rates; and increasing student the state to support proven policies to increase student them open as state public hospitals staffed by unionized public participation in after-school and summer programs. NYSUT achievement by allowing struggling schools to use realistic, employees. urges the Legislature to maintain the $150 million in existing research-based tools, time frames and solutions to properly community school funding and allocate the proposed new turn around these schools. $50 million in Categorical Aid. We also call for the continua- Charter schools tion of $75 million exclusively for struggling and persistently struggling schools. Supports for educators NYSUT calls for the elimination of school districts’ obligation to fund charter schools. This funding should be provided directly by NYSUT strongly urges lawmakers to allocate the state. Districts should not be required to fund charter schools $40 million for teacher centers, the only first and then wait for reimbursement by the state the following Specialty schools state-funded vehicle that provides compre- year. NYSUT also calls for critical reforms to make charter manage- Special Act, 853, 4201 and 4410 Schools hensive, ongoing professional development and ment operators more accountable. support services to educators and School-Related provide unique and valuable services for Professionals in all school districts. NYSUT requests funding for students with all forms of disabilities. the Mentor Teacher Intern Program (MTIP) be increased to $10 Additional funding for these schools is needed million to provide additional opportunities and support ser- to maintain and expand services for students, and they should New York State’s Special Act and 853 schools – which educate students with unique physical and Student opportunity programs emotional needs – arereceive in dire need of more fundingstate WATCH THE VIDEO in keeping with surrounding traditional vices for new educators. Likewise, funding to support National resources. Albany should do everything it can to support these schools and the professional, dedicated, quality educatorspublic who provide school districts. To learn more, watch Board Certification, the highest credential in the teaching NYSUT urges the Legislature to make a strong critical services to our at-risk students. ALBANY our videos at www.nysut.org/specialact. profession, should be increased to $1 million to develop, investment in student financial aid and opportu- DON’T FORGET THESE SCHOOLS

Representing more than 600,000 professionals retain and recognize accomplished educators. nity programs. This includes updating the Tuition in education, human services and health care 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110 n 518-213-6000 / 800-342-9810 Assistance Program and enacting the DREAM Act. www.nysut.org n Affiliated with AFT / NEA / AFL-CIO SUNY and CUNY Career and Technical PSC President Barbara Bowen, far left, and Education Increase revenue UUP President Fred Kowal, representing CUNY The state should support and expand NYSUT urges the Legislature to pass a progressive tax plan for and SUNY faculty, respectively, tell lawmakers access to critical CTE programs in BOCES, the state’s highest earners and on corporations, which would during a budget hearing that public higher edu- component districts and the Big 5 school raise billions of dollars in new revenue annually to support public cation needs state investment to cover all mandatory districts. NYSUT fully supports increasing the aidable salary for education, health care and infrastructure improvements. NYSUT costs, estimated to be $300 million. The Legislature should all CTE programs, including Special Services Aid in the Big 5 also supports the proposal to treat carried interest, a tax loophole reimburse campuses for tuition credits ($65 million at SUNY; school districts since these districts have no ability to raise local for hedge fund managers and private equity investors, as ordinary $58 million at CUNY) to help free up funds for reinvestment in revenue and therefore rely heavily on state funds. income for state tax purposes. the classroom and for new classroom faculty. www.nysut.org March / April 2018 | 7 Launch or Advance Your Career in Education Explore graduate programs ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Initial and professional certification in: – M.S. Early Childhood Education – M.S. School Counseling with Bilingual (Birth–2) with Bilingual Education Education Extension Advance your degree in education. Extension Option (initial, professional) – Adv Diploma, School Leadership and – M.S. Childhood Education (1–6) with Technology (Building and District Level (initial, professional) Bilingual Education Certificate) 100% online. NYS approved. Extension Option – M.S. Instructional Technology – Middle School Extension (7-9, Math, – School Counseling Canisius College is the smart move for New York State teachers who want to Science, English) advance their careers with a new professional certification. Our NYS-approved, – School Leadership and Technology – M.S. Adolescence Education (Building/District) CAEP-accredited programs are offered fully online so you can complete your Professional Certification degree on your schedule from anywhere. (7–12, Math and Science) – STEM Education (Advanced Certificate) – M.A.T., Adolescence Education, initial Programs include: (7–12, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Call 516.686.7777 or > TESOL (MS & Advanced Certificate) > Bilingual Education Extension Math, English, Social Studies) > Education Technologies > Physical Education visit nyit.edu/education (MS & Advanced Certificate) > Literacy (B-6 & 5-12) > Educational Leadership (SBL/SDL)

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8 | March / April 2018 Official Publication of NYSUT [ FIGHTING FOR YOU ] Time to make voting in NYS easier, simpler

By Matt Smith President Andy Pallotta. “New York “New York’s voter participation lags [email protected] should join the 37 other states that behind other states not because we have already taken these steps — are apathetic, but because our pro- YSUT is urging the state and others — to make the actual vot- cess is too restrictive — especially for Legislature to implement ing process simpler and easier.” already-marginalized communities,” early voting and other N So far the coalition has been suc- said the Rev. Emily McNeill, execu- initiatives that would make voting cessful — the nearly 20,000 peti- tive director of the Labor-Religion easier and increase turnout. tion signatures and editorial board Coalition of NYS. “If we are truly Let NY Vote — a campaign backed support from the New York Times committed to an inclusive, democratic by labor unions, good-government, convinced Cuomo to add $7 million society, early voting is a no-brainer.” nonprofit, civil- and immigrant-rights, in funding to his executive budget A recent Siena College poll found and clergy groups — wants lawmak- proposal. The aid would support the that 65 percent of New Yorkers sup- ers to adopt early voting and other plan and help counties pay for open- port early voting. poll-access initiatives as part of the ing polls early. “Whether you are a single mother 2018–19 state budget. More than More than 100 activists holding working two jobs, or retired with lim- three dozen states and the District of signs that read “No One Should ited transportation options, everyone Columbia already have some form of MATT SMITH Have to Choose Between their Job deserves a convenient opportunity p Advocates swarm the Million Dollar early voting. The coalition says the  and Their Vote” and “Vote Early — to cast a ballot,” said Jennifer Wilson, Staircase at the state Capitol to call state’s outdated election rules are, at Save Democracy” recently rallied legislative director of the League of on lawmakers to update the state’s least in part, why only 29 percent of at the state Capitol Women Voters of New York State. voter laws to allow early voting, New York State’s eligible population among other reforms. in support of On March 5–6, NYSUT members voted in the last statewide election. early voting, at the union’s annual Committee of “It’s long past time for the state same-day reg- 100 will urge lawmakers to adopt the to make voting more convenient istration and early voting proposal as part of the for New Yorkers through other measures enacted state budget. early voting, to increase voter automatic reg- participation. istration and electronic poll books,” 65% of all New Yorkers NO MATTER WHERE THEY LIVE said think New York State should have early voting — Siena Research Institute poll, 2018 NYSUT

Abraham elected as well as serve on the board of the NYSUT Member Benefits Trust. Fraternity honors NYSUT officers Secretary-Treasurer Installed as first vice president in p NYSUT President April 2017, Abraham is NYSUT’s first . Philippe Abraham, NYSUT’s Andy Pallotta, higher education member to serve first vice president, was left, and First Vice as a statewide officer. Abraham is elected to the office of secre- President/Secretary- J an at-large representative for higher Treasurer J. Philippe tary-treasurer on Feb. 9 in a special education on the National Education Abraham are election held by the NYSUT Board Association’s Board of Directors and honored by Alpha of Directors to fill the vacancy left by a vice president of the American Phi Alpha during the Martin Messner. Messner resigned Federation of Teachers. He came to NYS Association of from the position in November. NYSUT after serving for six years as Black and Puerto As secretary-treasurer, Abraham the elected statewide vice president Rican Legislators will oversee the union’s financial for professionals of United University caucus this winter. management. He will continue to Professions, which represents SUNY EL-WISE NOISETTE lead NYSUT’s social justice initiatives faculty and staff. www.nysut.org March / April 2018 | 9 [ IN BRIEF ]

WNY charter school Educator’s Voice Advance Your Teaching Career union joins NYSUT seeks proposals With A Graduate Program Educators at the Global Concepts Charter Do you have a Educator’ From The School of Education School in Lackawanna, seeking better pay and project or practice NYSUT’s journal of best practicess Voice in education that works well in Call for a voice in the day-to-day decisions that affect artiCle ProPosals for eduCator ’s VoiCe, Vol. Xii At St. Thomas Aquinas College students and staff, have voted to unionize and your classroom? Culturally Responsive Teaching: Celebrating affiliate with NYSUT. Here’s an opportu- Diversity in Our Schools nity to write about The 99 teachers and other professionals deadline The School of Education Graduate Programs for ProPosal : J une 15, 2018 at Global Concepts voted overwhelmingly it, and to become For more information and to download MSEd Programs published in our the author submission form, please visit: last year to organize and form a union — the http://www.nysut.org/educatorsvoice The Master of Science in Education programs are Global Concepts Charter School Teachers member journal. designed for practicing teachers. Association. The NYSUT Board approved the Educator’s Voice Literacy; Special Education; affiliation request in February. is NYSUT’s Journal of Best Practices in Special Education with Autism (hybrid). “Like so many workers, educators at this Education. Published annually, it is creat- MST Programs charter see the value in joining together in a ed by our members for our members. We The Master of Science in Teaching Programs are designed for union to collectively seek higher wages, better are currently seeking article proposals for career changers or graduates who have earned their health insurance and improved working condi- the 2019 edition, “Culturally Responsive degrees in areas other than education. tions,” said NYSUT President Andy Pallotta. Teaching: Celebrating Diversity in Our Schools.” Go to www.nysut.org/ Childhood Education; Childhood and Special Education; “NYSUT is looking forward to being a partner Adolescence Education; Adolescence and Students with Disabilities; with Global Concepts’ educators — and the educatorsvoice for information on how Art Education; Art Education and Students with Disabilites. charter board — in improving conditions for to submit a proposal. teaching and learning, while also helping to To view past editions and watch videos Certificate Programs stabilize operations at the school.” featuring published members, visit www. Autism (online); Literacy; Special Education. Global Concepts is the ninth charter school nysut.org/resources/special-resources in Western New York to be affiliated with -sites/educators-voice. Watch upcom- NYSUT, which represents about three dozen ing issues of NYSUT United for information charters statewide. Negotiations for a first on the 2018 edition, “Family Engagement contract are already underway. and Community Partnerships.”

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10 | March / April 2018 Official Publication of NYSUT [ FIGHTING FOR YOU ]

mishandled the situation. The hearing officer credited A co-worker the testimony of Smith and her supporting witness — two trained educators with a history of interacting with a grudge with the student — in concluding that they would not have subjected the student to an unsafe environment. lodges abuse Further, the hearing officer recognized that Smith complaints followed written protocols for addressing this type of situation. against an The hearing officer also found that a verbal exchange between Smith and the aide did not justify discipline. experienced The hearing officer noted that the conversation did not disrupt the classroom environment and did not nega- special tively impact any students.

education s a member of a NYSUT local union, you are en- The second case titled to free legal representation from a NYSUT teacher. Four weeks after the first case was dismissed, admin- attorney should you ever face discipline or A istrators brought a second 3020-a case against Smith, discharge. Here’s how one member was helped. Any Administrators seeking her termination for an alleged incident in the identifying information has been changed to protect same school year. These charges alleged that Smith the NYSUT member’s identity. want the placed her hand over a student’s mouth during an exam. teacher fired. The background Another attorney in NYSUT’s Office of General Counsel represented Smith at the second 3020-a hear- Within a four-month period, education administrators ing. A co-worker, who had testified in the first 3020-a brought two discipline cases against special education case, claimed that Smith put her hand over the student’s teacher Jane Smith. Though a co-worker was found to mouth when the student failed to respond to staff re- be an unreliable witness in the first case, administrators quests to read the exam silently in his head. The hearing pursued a second case based on the same co-worker’s officer found that the co-worker was not credible, based complaint. on her inconsistent statements and bias toward Smith. In comparison, the hearing officer found Smith to be The accusation — first case extremely credible. For more than 20 years, Smith taught special educa- Smith testified that she first demonstrated the quiet tion classes effectively at an elementary school. She sign on her lips and then used her pointer finger to dem- never had any disciplinary issues. Then in 2016–17 onstrate the sign on the student’s lips. Smith explained Smith was assigned to work with a less-experienced that she used a visual sign because the student was a teacher aide, who immediately exhibited a disrespectful visual learner. Smith’s account was corroborated by the attitude toward Smith and her proven ways of teaching. student, who told investigators that Smith had put only The aide lodged a complaint against Smith, alleging one finger on his mouth to demonstrate a quiet sign. she caused a crying student to hyperventilate and made Because of her rights as a union member, and her abusive comments to the aide. Based on this complaint, access to legal representation from NYSUT’s legal team, administrators initiated Education Law § 3020-a charges Smith was completely exonerated and a terrible injustice against Smith seeking her termination. was prevented.

Due process — first case Post script

A staff attorney in NYSUT’s Office of General Counsel As a longtime leader in her union, Ms. Smith was represented Smith in the 3020-a hearing. After hear- aware of the possibility of disciplinary action, but it ing testimony from five witnesses, the hearing officer wasn’t until she got a new principal did she begin to dismissed all charges against Smith. realize that the possibility was becoming a reality for One staff member who testified on Smith’s behalf her. She knew tenure meant due process and found her corroborated that Smith appropriately addressed the NYSUT attorneys to “be very knowledgeable and com- student’s conduct. The hearing officer determined that petent.” In fact, she “felt confident that the union had this testimony refuted the aide’s assertion that Smith chosen the best people to represent its members.” www.nysut.org March / April 2018 | 11 Celebrating 20 Years of Online Education

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12 | March / April 2018 Official Publication of NYSUT [ TEACHING & LEARNING ] Recovery efforts continue in Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands Locals, schools step communities. Several other — ­explaining the most-needed items, local unions, including from toothpaste to baby wipes. After up to answer the call the United Federation of the students recorded in front of a Teachers, Rochester TA green screen, the video was fin- By Liza Frenette and Sylvia Saunders and Wayland-Cohocton ished with scenes of the devastated [email protected] TA, are raising funds for the island. To see the video, visit http:// program. bit.ly/2ozysEP. Other fundraising ocal union members around Wayland-Cohocton TA efforts around the state included the state are dreaming up President Lesley Doupe a lip-sync battle between teams of L creative ways to raise funds teachers at PS 170 in Bay and send support to students, Ridge, Brooklyn, that raised educators and families in hurricane- PHOTOS: MARIBETH MACICA several thousand dollars, and ravaged Puerto Rico and the U.S. p Jane Amorosi, a Saratoga Adirondack an effort in the Bronx that re- Virgin Islands. BOCES EA member, recruited staffers ceived a thumbs-up retweet At Washington-Saratoga-Warren- to grow beards for a “Pennies for from award-winning play- Puerto Rico” fundraiser. At right, Hamilton-Essex BOCES, teacher Jane wright and actor Lin-Manuel barber Mike Rabbit gives art teacher Amorosi and teaching assistant Mary John Vandenbergh mutton chops. Miranda. Moyles organized a fun “Pennies for Marybeth Whitehouse, a Puerto Rico” event. The Saratoga statewide union’s social justice teacher at JHS 98, attracted Adirondack BOCES Employees efforts, said SABEA’s effort is one of Miranda’s attention when Association recruited eight staff many creative fundraisers organized she posted a photo of her members and a student to grow by local unions around the state to students who collected beards during the month of January. help families and communities still hundreds of dollars in mostly Students and staff voted for differ- reeling from last fall’s Hurricane pennies, nickels, dimes and ent beard styles by dropping loose Maria. quarters. change into jars labeled with photos As of mid-February, NYSUT’s said her district got involved after Whitehouse, a UFT member, has depicting bearded faces. Whichever Disaster Relief Fund received more foreign language teachers started an made community service projects jar had the most money determined than $122,000 in donations and International Club to help students a major part of enrichment periods. which beard style these men would disbursed funding to the American learn more about different cultures. Students did extensive research on get — mutton chops won. Red Cross, Americares and Operation “We are in a rural district so this Puerto Rico, creating a fact sheet and Local barber Mike Rabbit of Main Agua. Future funding will include helps students broaden their knowl- decorating buckets with the Puerto Street Barber donated his time — solar chargers. edge outside their small world,” Rican flag. and students and staff paid $1 each In the North Country, each of the Doupe said. After the devastating Students also wrote about the ex- to watch the razor-sharp trimming. 18 districts in St. Lawrence County — hurricane, students researched ways perience, including one who wrote, The effort raised nearly $600 for the home of the NYSUT- and AFT-backed “even when the government does to help and decided to raise funds NYSUT Disaster Relief Fund. People Project — is developing ideas nothing, we the people can still do for Operation Agua. The union was “This experience was a great to help Puerto Rico, said Erin Covell, something.” happy to make a contribution to help community activity within our BOCES president of the Massena Federation the club reach its goal, Doupe said. as well as a collaborative effort with of Teachers. She is working with In Saranac Lake, Spanish teacher NYSUT,” said Amorosi, a science former student Carlie Leary on proj- HOW YOU CAN HELP teacher at the F. Donald Myers ects to raise funds and spirits. One Lisa Kollmer, a building representa- The need is great, with thousands Education Center. “It reinforced district plans a letter-writing effort for tive for the SLTA, put a fun — and educational — in Puerto Rico still without social skills that students work on students to send warm wishes to their electricity, water and basic twist on an emer- regularly, such as communicating ap- peers on the island. necessities. Visit www. propriately, giving of their own time The Massena FT will host dress gency supply nysut.org/disaster relief and demonstrating empathy and down days through the end of the collection drive. to donate online, or make compassion for others.” school year with proceeds going Her middle your check payable to NYSUT NYSUT First Vice President/ to Operation Agua, a program that school students Disaster Relief Fund and mail to NYSUT Headquarters, Secretary-Treasurer J. Philippe brings water purification sys- made a video Attn. Disaster Relief, 800 Troy- Abraham, who oversees the tems to Puerto Rican families and — in Spanish Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110.

www.nysut.org March / April 2018 | 13 [ TEACHING & LEARNING ] Where’s the truth? Amid a torrent of fake news, educators guide students on a quest for accuracy PHOTOS: LIZA FRENETTE

By Liza Frenette discovered the students were con- p Janis Schachter, a United Teachers of Northport member, left, teaches high school [email protected] fused about the news. seniors how to examine news for verification, independence and accuracy. One-third of his students tended ake news is designed to to believe anything that said “news” and our ability to identify reliable Janis Schachter, a United steer political opinion, foster on it. A third were cynical and didn’t information affects our own lives, and Teachers of Northport member who F dissent, incite racism, sell believe anything they read, and the society as a whole. teaches news literacy to high school products and leave tawdry calling other third was “totally confused” “We rely on the news for every- seniors, calls the fake news era a cards. These disguised nasty grams about the role of a true journalist. thing, from ‘Should I bring an um- crisis for citizens of democracy. “To can change the course of elections, “I was haunted by this class,” brella today?’ to ‘Who should I vote make decisions we need to find reli- decisions impacting schools and Schneider says, concluding that for?” he says. able information,” she says. government — even how you view news literacy needed to be a vital Anzalone suggests his students — Schachter’s students answer ques- your neighbor. mainstay of the journalism program. and everyone, for that matter — con- tions about articles they’ve examined It’s planted on social media and “Transmitting, creating and con- sume a “mixed news diet” of radio, for verification, independence and “news” sites, sometimes in subtle suming news had so profoundly print, online, video and TV. While stu- accountability. ways, or with the flourish of click-bait- been altered that we had to take dents say the news is “bouncing off “We look at stories that turned out ing headlines. It comes as advertori- on the second mission to train the them,” his tactic is to embolden them to be false, or partially false. We go als in the guise of news-sponsored audience.” to pay attention to what they choose content, or links embedded in other Thus, Stony Brook’s Center for to watch or listen to, and why. stories to take the reader on a fact- News Literacy was born in 2007. “We can’t slow down the news Free classroom starved ride. Learning how to examine news cycle, we can slow down the way we resources “It’s a tsunami of disinformation has payoffs beyond just establishing think,” Anzalone says. “The responsi- The Center for News what is real and true, says Jonathan and propoganda,” says Howard bility is on all of us to be critical, active Literacy offers workshops for Schneider, the pioneering dean of Anzalone, CNL’s assistant director citizens.” educators, including a summer the State University of New York at and a member of United University He introduces students to indi- literacy academy. For informa- Stony Brook’s School of Journalism. Professions, NYSUT’s higher edu- rect evidence that can taint news: tion, visit www.center Schneider, the former editor of cation affiliate representing SUNY second-hand accounts; inferences; fornewsliteracy.org. Newsday, established the journal- faculty and staff. comments from a lawyer or press sec- Free resources for teaching about news literacy are also ism school in 2006. While develop- “One of the collateral benefits is retary. Direct evidence is video, audio available via the American evidence-based critical thinking ... ing plans for the program, he was or a photo; documents; records; Federation of Teachers at Judgments lead to actions,” he says, teaching an Ethics and Values of journalistic and observer eyewitness sharemylesson.com. the American Press course. He soon noting that the decisions we make accounts.

14 | March / April 2018 Official Publication of NYSUT [ TEACHING & LEARNING ] [ CHECK IT OUT ] back and see what we should’ve unflattering, yet legitimate, news Many students were distracted and noticed,” Schachter says. Red flags “fake.” confused by ads and opinions. include single-source stories, the “A main concern is that students “For every challenge facing this reader’s own bias or an unreliable just think they can Google a topic nation, there are scores of websites Written and author. Students learn how social and the first thing they find is news- pretending to be something they are Illustrated by Jessica Wagner media plays into their own biases, worthy,” Battaglia says. She also has not,” the Stanford study says. sending them “news” based on students examine the sources of the Students in the study had to con- Recommended by: Tina Klar, instructional other items they have clicked on. sider information on websites, home support specialist, New Hartford Teachers page analysis, news on Facebook, A former news reporter and copy Association editor, Schachter learned the craft of Twitter news, articles, comment sec- Suitable for: grades K–5 tions, native advertising and news teaching news literacy at CNL. There are scores of Why I chose it: This book is a poetic “I just love it!” she says. “I’m put- websites pretending to be searches including opinion news. narrative about a shy kitten who begins ting my journalism and teaching Student assessment skills often to learn karate, yet is doubtful about her together. Students are curious about something they are not. focused only on a strength or weak- ability to master it. The book explains the world and they want to under- — Stanford University ness of the news, but not both. the principles of karate, the dojo code: stand it better.” study, 2016 Both Schachter and Anzalone, modesty, courtesy, integrity, self-control, Lesley Battaglia, a Williamsville at the start of their school years, perseverance and indomitable spirit. Teachers Association member, uses require their students to undergo a What I like best: A main theme of the materials from C-SPAN Classroom to complete news blackout. book is grit and perseverance. With the help educate AP Government students Twitter posts they commonly rely on. The students soon realize it’s of her teacher, the sensei, Kitten sees that through hard work, practice and determi- about news literacy. News bias had The concerns teachers are impossible to totally escape the nation she will master karate. Since we always been part of the class, but uncovering are not unusual. A news. Schachter says the goal is to have all faced difficult situations, adults after the 2016 presidential election 2016 Stanford University study of get them to understand how much and children alike can connect with Kitten. she decided to develop full lesson students in middle school, high news is pushed at them, and then The book also reinforces a sense of com- plans on news literacy. school and college concluded that learn to seek news that is reliable. munity as Kitten watches different animals “Suddenly ‘fake media’ was a “Overall, young people’s ability to “If it’s something you care about, at varying levels working to improve their term students were asking about,” reason about information on the you have to do a little work,” she skills. Wagner chose the animal characters Battaglia says. Videos and lesson Internet can be summed up in one says. She teaches them to click on carefully and used color themes to match plans from C-SPAN Classroom word: Bleak.” the “about” link to learn about the the belt levels as the animals progress. examine topics such as satire, the Many students failed to notice the organization presenting information. How teachers can use this book: This effect of fake news on democracy, difference between ads and news; “I’m much more critical of what book is an excellent resource for teaching and the role of news organizations and did not pursue the source pro- I’m reading,” says Northport student about growth mindset and determina- and social media. The site even has viding the information, according to Kaitlyn Cunningham, the editor of tion. Students can reflect on how Kitten’s feelings change from the beginning of a lesson on media and the current the study, From History Assessments her school newspaper. the story to the end, and how the other administration, which often calls to Assessments of News Literacy. Educators hope many more animals help her see that she can achieve students are exposed to that way of her goal. Students can share times when thinking, too. Schneider, the CNL’s they felt nervous or unsure but were able to director, met with the state Board of overcome their worries.Teachers can also Regents in mid-February to propose use this book to teach poetry and writing working with Regents to define traits, and work with students on how word the scope of the problem; make choice affects meaning and voice. an inventory of existing programs About the author: Jessica Wagner has underway by individual teachers taught first grade in Williamsville for 15 around the state; consider regional years, and is a member of the Williamsville workshops; and work together to TA. She is a brown belt in Isshin-ryu Karate. Visit www. jessicawagnerbooks.com/. fund demonstration projects for curriculum for students in grades as early as middle school. “Check it Out” features books recom- The CNL says 10 states already mended to teachers and parents by have bills in their legislatures to school librarians and other educators. p Jonathan Anzalone, a UUP member and assistant director of SUNY Stony Brook’s Have a recommendation? Send sugges- Center for News Literacy, shows students the elements of fake news and ways mandate media literacy education. tions, along with your name and local they can identify direct evidence of fact-based information. union, to [email protected]. www.nysut.org March / April 2018 | 15 [ OUR NEW NBCTs ]

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Social Studies-History/AYA Career and Technical Education/ Exceptional Needs Specialist/ECYA BELLMORE-MERRICK UNITED Melissa Livingstone Jean Hensel EAYA Isis Monteza SECONDARY TEACHERS Generalist/EC Science/EA Amanda Phillips English as a New Language/EAYA Christy Rochford Julie Marshall *LIVONIA TA Physical Education/EMC Robin Norwich English Language Arts/AYA Science/AYA Jenna Marcellus *STILLWATER TA Mathematics/EA *BREWSTER TA Matthew Riccione English Language Arts/AYA Amy Carpenter Ariel Prato Jason Fidler Generalist/EC *MANHASSET EA Library Media/ECYA Mathematics/EA Science/EA Jessica Tennant Diana DiPaolo-Caputi Julia Chesney Karen Seylar Monaco Jessica McCann Exceptional Needs Specialist/ECYA English Language Arts/AYA English Language Arts/AYA Mathematics/EA School Counseling/ECYA Maura Whitman Loretta Schuellein-McGovern *SYRACUSE TA Millicent Starks Kate Simmons Exceptional Needs Specialist/ECYA English Language Arts/AYA Renee Valerino Generalist/MC School Counseling/ECYA *FAYETTEVILLE-MANLIUS TA Elizabeth Watts Exceptional Needs Specialist/ECYA Eleanor Vierling *BRIGHTON TA Christine Cioppa Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/ Suzanne Furcinito-Edwards Mathematics/AYA Craig Smith World Languages/EAYA EMC Exceptional Needs Specialist/ECYA Jodi Wasserman Mathematics/AYA Elaina Hajduk *MIDDLEBURGH CTA Elizabeth Neeves Exceptional Needs Specialist/ECYA *BROADALBIN-PERTH TA Mathematics/AYA Melinda Narzymski English Language Arts/EA UTICA TA Mariah Duell GENEVA TA Exceptional Needs Specialist/ECYA TOMPKINS-SENECA-TIOGA BOCES Gregory Brockway Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/ Rachel Gillotte MOUNT VERNON TA Patricia Peterson Music/EMC EMC Mathematics/AYA Audrey Rome Exceptional Needs Specialist/ECYA Melissa Williams Generalist/EC BROCKPORT TA *GLENS FALLS TA Music/EAYA UNIONDALE TA Rachel Jarmusz Maureen Sara *NISKAYUNA TA Salamah Adjoua-Mullen *VICTOR TA Art/EMC English Language Arts/AYA Christine Mathews Library Media/ECYA Lisa Whipple Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/ *BURNT HILLS BALLSTON LAKE TA GREAT NECK TA Generalist/EC *UNITED FEDERATION EMC Sabine Erickson Matthew Blackstone Cindy Yetto OF TEACHERS Mathematics/AYA English Language Arts/AYA World Languages/EAYA Angeline Anderton *WAPPINGERS CT Lisa Saccocio Theresa Walter *NORTH SYRACUSE EA Generalist/MC Jennifer Garrison Science/AYA English Language Arts/EA Zina Felt Nessa Arnold Exceptional Needs Specialist/ECYA *COBLESKILL-RICHMONDVILLE TA GREECE TA Science/AYA Exceptional Needs Specialist/ECYA WILLIAM FLOYD UT Mary Jane Lynd Donna Timmons *OCEANSIDE FT Meredith Byers Gina Fumai Art/EAYA Science/AYA Karen Flynn Social Studies-History/EA Exceptional Needs Specialist/ECYA Tracy Smith Helen Kennedy Generalist/MC Matthew Campbell *WILLIAMSVILLE TA Mathematics/AYA English as a New Language/EMC Amy Gigliobianco English Language Arts/EA Todd Mitchell Chad Cinquegrana *CROTON TA HADLEY LUZERNE TA Generalist/MC English as a New Language/EAYA Health Education/EAYA Susan Ardolino Kathleen Maguire Jaclyn Goldstein Unknown school district, subject Emma Clerihew English Language Arts/AYA Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/ Generalist/MC Andrew Kempe Generalist/MC Wendy Armstrong EMC *PENN YAN EA Social Studies-History/AYA Art/EAYA Alphonso Dance *HAMBURG TA Jeanette Simpson Michael Pershan Marisa Gendron English Language Arts/AYA Sheri Green Generalist/EC Mathematics/AYA Exceptional Needs Specialist/ECYA William Deadwyler World Languages/EAYA *PITTSFORD DISTRICT TA Teresita Velez Dawn Giordano Mathematics/EA David Mancuso Leslie Hanellin Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/ Kimberly Elicker Science/AYA Science/AYA AYA: Adolescence and Young EMC Mathematics/AYA Adulthood JoAnn Thomasson Jennifer Rescigno *PUTNAM VALLEY FT Nicole Feliciano EA: Early Adolescence World Languages/EAYA Generalist/MC Robert Lathrop III Social Studies-History/EA EAYA: Early Adolescence through Lauren Scollins HASTINGS TA English Language Arts/AYA Sarah Fishstrom Young Adulthood Generalist/MC Katherine Magnatta ROOSEVELT TA Exceptional Needs Specialist/ECYA EC: Early Childhood Generalist/MC Masani Grayson *DRYDEN FA Ana Burgio ECYA: Early Childhood through Science/EA Kristin Kashuba *HUDSON FALLS TA English as a New Language/EAYA Young Adulthood Emn Haddad-Friedman Exceptional Needs Specialist/ECYA Jody Suprenant Helen Hatem EMC: Early and Middle Childhood Science/AYA Generalist/EC English Language Arts/AYA MC: Middle Childhood *FAIRPORT EA Joy Hines *NYSUT locals that have reported Maureen Aguglia Literacy: Reading-Language Arts/ negotiated incentives for NBCTs

16 | March / April 2018 Official Publication of NYSUT [ TEACHING & LEARNING ] NYSUT congratulates the state’s 118 new National Board Certified Teachers

By Sylvia Saunders teaching. Nationwide, the to lobby for additional Shanker fund- [email protected] Class of 2017 included ing in the coming year. 5,470 new NBCTs, bring- Achieving National Board or Uniondale school librar- ing the total to more than Certification can also be used to ian Salamah Adjoua-Mullen, 118,000. satisfy the state’s new Continuing F seeking National Board Looking back on the Teacher and Leader Education Certification was a journey that hundreds of hours she requirements, DiBrango noted. forced her to slow down and reflect devoted to complete the Through NYSUT’s Education & on her practice. four-component process, Learning Trust and Empire State “In education, everything is Adjoua-Mullen called College, candidates can earn three so rush, rush — often there’s not her journey the ultimate graduate credits for each completed even time to go to the bathroom,” professional development. component for a total of 12 graduate PHOTOS: ADELPHI UNIVERSITY Adjoua-Mullen said. Working her “Instead of traditional P.D., credits. Each national board compo- p Uniondale TA’s Salamah Adjoua-Mullen, way through the three-year national where somebody is telling nent will be one three-credit gradu- above, is proudly pinned an NBCT. Below, board process, Adjoua-Mullen said you how to do it, it’s profes- from left: Great Neck TA’s Theresa Walter is ate course, costing only $300 for she learned to take a hard look at sional development that with her mentors Sarah Duke and Gigi Mar- members. what she was doing, why she was centers around you,” she asco, both Manhasset NBCTs, and Great Neck Now that the process is more flex- doing it and how her practice was said. “You’re learning for retiree Eileen Kurinskas, who started a teacher ible and allows more time, candidate center program to help NBC candidates. helping her students grow. yourself the best ways to ap- numbers are dramatically increasing. “It’s a lot of questioning,” she proach your teaching.” Currently, nearly 700 candidates in said. “At first, it drove me crazy ... But Pursuing National Board New York State are in the NBCT pipe- now I can’t think any other way as I Certification is definitely line, with the most in New York City, plan lessons and activities.” Now in introspective, but Adjoua- Yonkers, Schenectady, Manhasset her 10th year as a school librarian, Mullen noted she didn’t do and Croton-Harmon school districts. Adjoua-Mullen sees her work revolv- it alone. Aside from having a After more than 20 years as a high ing around two core goals: “How do supportive family, an NBCT school English teacher, Great Neck I get children to love reading? And candidate support group TA’s Theresa Walter took on the na- how can we make learning fun?” at nearby Roosevelt School tional board challenge because she Adjoua-Mullen, who proudly District kept her on track. was looking to push herself. “I’m hop- brought her husband and daugh- “We met once a month and DiBrango said the union strongly ing it will open opportunities for me to ter to a celebration of Long Island the group really supported me any- supports national board candidates take on teacher leadership roles and NBCTs, is one of 118 teachers state- time I had a question or felt stressed by offering awareness programs, sup- still stay in the classroom,” she said. wide who earned National Board out. I had many mentors.” port and advice through online dis- Regent Roger Tilles, who attended Certification in December 2017, plus New York State now has nearly cussion forums, writing retreats and the Long Island event at Adelphi an additional 31 educators who suc- 2,000 NBCTs, with hun- professional development through University, congratulated the NBCTs. cessfully renewed. dreds of districts its Education & Learning Trust. The “I know how hard you’ve worked and Created by teachers, for offering a sal- union also works with teacher cen- how high the standards are,” he said. teachers, National Board ary step increase, ters to support candidates. Certification is the nation’s release time or a In addition, NYSUT was instru- highest credential for the is union work! stipend for achieve- mental in gaining the state’s Albert Want to know more? Teachers interested in pursuing teaching profession. It is a ment. NYSUT Shanker Grant which covers costs National Board Certification can find voluntary, rigorous, peer-re- Executive for National Board Certification. The resources online, including a support viewed process that includes Vice 2017 funding was exhausted in just program, tips and a list of districts that a portfolio, student work sam- President 12 weeks, prompting both NYSUT offer incentives. Visit www.nbcny.org ples and videos of classroom Jolene and the State Education Department or www.nysut.org.

www.nysut.org March / April 2018 | 17 [ RA 2018 ] 2018 List of Candidates 2018 Candidate Statements CANDIDATES FOR ELECTED POSITIONS HAVE THE OPTION TO SUBMIT STATEMENTS. NEA State Director — Selina Durio Three-year term Lynn M. Garcia NEA STATE DIRECTOR — Your vote this year will ensure my joining Serena Kotch Anne Goldman Three-year term NEA-R’s fight for the rights of both retired Sophia Howard-Johnson SERENA KOTCH and active teachers. NEA Alternate State Director — Dora Leland Cleveland Hill Education Association Three-year term CHRISTINE E. NOWAK Melinda MacPherson-Sullivan I have 14-plus years Lynn Garcia Andrea McCue Retiree Council 44 Sue Raichilson of experience in lobby- Jeriluanne O’Bryan-Losee ing, political action and + Secretary and Board NEA State Director — Christine O’Callaghan NYSUT leadership. I have Member to NYSUT Retiree Unexpired, two-year term Paul Pecorale enthusiastically served a Council 44 Debra Poulos Thomas McMahon year as an NEA Alternate + Member of RC 44 By- Sue Raichilson Director and as an Interim Law Committee Melinda MacPherson-Sullivan Kathleen E. Roach Director since May of 2017. I am fully trained + NEA Educators for Life Andy Sako NEA Alternate State Director — and ready to continue serving NYSUT/NEA in Caucus National Chairperson Chris Salamone Unexpired, two-year term the position of NEA State Director. + Member of the Buffalo Teachers Federation Dora Leland Howard Schoor Cathy Stearns NEA STATE DIRECTOR — Executive Committee for 18 years NEA State Delegates/Alternate Jo Ann Sweat Unexpired, two-year term + NEA RA delegate and Retiree delegate for State Delegates Ruyvette Townsend MELINDA 43 years + NEA member J. Philippe Abraham NEA Retired Delegates MacPHERSON-SULLIVAN Buffalo Teachers Federation Lisa Beckerink Lynn N. Diagostino STANLEY J. NOWAK Rowena Blackman-Stroud Carol J. (Brancato) Marshall I have been a member of NEA for 25- Retiree Council 44 Desiree Breckenridge-Barnes plus years.The battles go on. I have served Christine E. Nowak + Past President of NYSUT Retiree Council Rachel Binda-Lis as Delegate to the NEA, AFT, member of Stanley J. Nowak No. 44 Gweldolyn M. Brown Art Parks the merged Board of Directors, Delegate + Member of the NYSUT Retiree Advisory Thomas Brown Sara Rodland NYSUT, Teacher Center Director, Secretary Committee Jolene DiBrango Buffalo Teachers Federation. I thank you in advance for your support. Vote Melinda + Retiree member of the NYSUT Board of MacPherson-Sullivan. Directors How ID Watchdog Helps You NEA STATE DELEGATES ART PARKS With ID Watchdog, you get identity theft protection experts MELINDA Retiree Council 44 committed around the clock to helping you better safeguard MacPHERSON-SULLIVAN As an insightful Buffalo Teachers Federation your financial and personal information. leader of Retirees recently * See statement above warned: “Retirees be ANDREA McCUE vigilant!” An I.O.U. is not Monitor for signs of fraud across credit cards, Haldane Faculty Association a good replacement for bank accounts, loans, billions of public records, Andrea McCue is a actual retiree monies in- the Dark Web, and more. Special Education teacher vested in healthy portfolios and local contract and Department Chair negotiations that protect retiree pensions! Take immediate action by receiving alerts you in the Haldane Central Watchdogging is a crucial obligation of your customize. School District, Putnam elected retiree representative! Art Parks is Rely on our Dedicated Resolution Advocates to County. A member orga- that watchdog. help you with identity theft problems. nizer for NYSUT’s Education Autumn, McCue SARA RODLAND is the President of the Haldane Faculty Retiree Council 44 Association and is a 2016 NYSUT Leadership Institute graduate. She also attended the I am an experienced, active and com- NEA’s 2018 Leadership Summit. mitted leader who would be privileged to continue representing YOU at the NEA Enroll in Award-Winning Identity Theft Protection NEA RETIRED DELEGATES Representative Assembly. I am committed CAROL J. (BRANCATO) MARSHALL memberbenefits.nysut.org 1.866.513.0823 to working together with you to preserve Retiree Council 44 and improve benefits for retirees. VOTE FOR I want to thank all SARA RODLAND. those who have voted for ID Watchdog is a NYSUT Member Benefits Corporation (Member Benefits)-endorsed program. Member Benefits has an endorsement arrangement of 10% of gross revenue collected for this program. All such me throughout the years payments to Member Benefits are used solely to defray the costs of administering its various programs enabling me to represent and, where appropriate, to enhance them. Member Benefits acts as your advocate; please contact Member Benefits at 800.626.8101 if you experience a problem with any endorsed program. Agency fee you at the NEA/RA before payers to NYSUT are eligible to participate in NYSUT Member Benefits-endorsed programs. and after my retirement.

18 | March / April 2018 Official Publication of NYSUT [ RA 2018 ]

Proposed Constitutional Amendments RA delegates to weigh critical issues to preserve union’s voice, values PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT #1 SUBMITTED BY THE NYSUT BOARD OF DIRECTORS ore than 1,500 delegates United Federation of Teachers NOTE: Strike-throughs indicate deletions. representing NYSUT and Stephen Rechner, Union of Applicable Constitution or Bylaws Article and Section numbers: Article VII, Section 1 and Section 4 M members throughout Clerical, Administrative & Technical Article VII: Officers New York State will gather in Buffalo Staff (UCATS), School-Related Lines 208-210 to set the course of the union’s Professionals Members of the Year. 1. The officers of NYSUT shall be a President, Executive Vice President, First and Second Vice future and strengthen its vibrant role n Mildred Glaberman, UFT, Presidents and a Secretary-Treasurer. in the labor movement. and Mel Stern, Retiree Council 20, Lines 280-286 “We are facing unprecedented Retiree Members of the Year. 4. The duties of the Vice Presidents, in order of rank as follows: Executive Vice President, First threats from wealthy spe- n Alicia Schwartz, UFT, R VOI Vice President, Second Vice President, shall be to assume the duties and responsibilities of the cial interests fighting U CE Health Care Professional

O OUR

President in his/her absence and to perform such duties as the President may designate.

to destroy our unions Member of the Year.

and the things n Bethany Gizzi,

PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT #2

SUBMITTED BY THE NYSUT BOARD OF DIRECTORS we value. They’ve Faculty Association

NOTE: Strike-throughs indicate deletions. Red indicates additions. funded Janus v. O of Monroe County U S Article VI – Dues AFSCME, a case R VAL U E Community College, 1. The dues for inservice members on a monthly± basis shall be the following, plus the current before the U.S. Supreme and Cynthia Eaton Tvelia, AFT/NEA per capita for inservice membership in accordance with the NEAFT national affiliate Court that poses a direct threat to Faculty Association of Suffolk dues agreement. Equivalent agency fee amounts should be collected on the same schedule. our voice, our values and our union,” County Community College, Higher ± Locals paid on a 10-month basis shall follow the 10-month salary schedule. Locals paid on a NYSUT President Andy Pallotta Education Members of the Year. 12-month basis may follow the 12-month salary schedule. Unless otherwise specified, all dues writes in a letter to delegates to the “Not for Ourselves Alone:” The changes commence on September 1. 2018 Representative Assembly. Sandy Feldman Outstanding LOCALS ON 10-MONTH SCHEDULE Delegates will consider more than Leadership Award, recognizing life- 40 resolutions that will direct the time achievement, will be presented Annual Salary 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 union to take actions that “will help to Anne Goldman, UFT, and Nadia $8,499 $4.60 $4.73 $4.73 $4.73 preserve the strength of our union Resnikoff, Middle Country Teachers $8,500 to $16,999 $9.20 $9.45 $9.45 $9.45 and the labor movement in New Association, Inc. $17,000 to $25,499 $18.40 $18.90 $18.90 $18.90 York,” Pallotta says. Lori Griffin, Copenhagen TA, NYSUT’s goal is to have 100 will receive the Sandy Feldman $25,500 to $33,999 $27.60 $28.35 $28.35 $28.35 percent representation at the RA Leadership Grant. Additionally, $34,000 up $36.80 $37.80 $37.80 $37.80 so every member’s voice is heard. the Ken Kurzweil Social Justice LOCALS ON 12-MONTH SCHEDULE Delegates will also elect delegates Recognition Awards and the Annual Salary 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 and alternates to the National Community Service Award recipi- Education Association RA, and ents will also be honored. $8,499 $3.83 $3.94 $3.94 $3.94 two NEA State Directors and two $8,500 to $16,999 $7.67 $7.88 $7.88 $7.88 Alternate NEA State Directors. RA elections $17,000 to $25,499 $15.33 $15.75 $15.75 $15.75 Guest speakers so far in- The 2018 NYSUT Notice of $25,500 to $33,999 $23.00 $23.63 $23.63 $23.63 clude Attorney General Eric Nomination and Election Campaign Schneiderman, state Comptroller and Elections Procedures was pub- $34,000 up $30.67 $31.50 $31.50 $31.50 Thomas DiNapoli, NYS AFL-CIO lished in the January/February issue 2. Dues for Retired Members, Employees on Unpaid Leave, Laid-off Employees, NYSUT President Mario Cilento and of NYSUT United (pages 19-21). Staff, and Students shall be determined by the Board of Directors with the approval of the American Federation of Teachers Certified candidates can issue Representative Assembly. President Randi Weingarten. NYSUT statements for publication, at no 3. All locals of NYSUT are obligated to transmit per capita dues and equivalent agency fee officers will also address delegates. cost, in NYSUT United (see page 18). amount to NYSUT as long as NYSUT is obligated to pay the dues and equivalent agency fee Delegates, too, will recognize NYSUT United does not alter or edit amount to any national affiliate. NYSUT members for excellence in the statements in any way. However, 4. At-large members and affiliated locals within units where the bargaining rights have been won their professions. This year’s honor- statements are subject to strict word by other member organizations and where such other organizations have obtained an agency shop ees are: clause in the contract, shall pay per capita at one-fourth the regular rate whenever those at-large limits depending on the office or members of a local’s members are required to pay agency fees to another organization. n Christopher Albrecht, Brockport position. 5. The Board of Directors may set alternative dues and service structures which can be used for Teachers Association, 2018 NYS Voting takes place on April 27 at unique constituency groups which are organized by the union. Such structures may be reviewed Teacher of the Year. the RA. Check www.nysut.org/RA at the following Representative Assembly. n Margaret Dalton-Diakite, for results and other updates. www.nysut.org March / April 2018 | 19 55+FLORIDA LIFESTYLE AT ITS BEST

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20 | March / April 2018 Official Publication of NYSUT [ VOICES ] [ KUDOS! ]

It’s an honor UESTIONS for ... Melissa Salguero, United Q Federation of Teachers, was hon- ored as the 2018 GRAMMY Music Cathy McKeown Educator of the Year. Salguero United Center Employees Association won a $10,000 honorarium and a matching $10,000 grant for her school. For more, visit www. athy McKeown is an oc- The employees in 853 Schools do not nysut.org/news/2018/january/ cupational therapist at the enjoy pensions, or the salaries those grammy-winner-remembers-her- Children’s Center at UCP working in a school district would C favorite-teacher. (United Cerebral Palsy ), a special edu- receive. These schools also tend to short-staffed, and working with Teachers Tim Evans and Alex cation school in Commack for children be smaller. The union advocates for an unrealistically large caseload. Bell, both UFT members, won the from birth to age 21. higher salaries. NYSUT also holds I wanted to improve my wages. I Brooklyn Nets Teacher Excellence special workshops on safety and wanted to be a part of the process of The Children’s Center at Award. The monthly award recog- political advocacy that have helped negotiating the best contract. I think UCP in Commack, and nizes “exceptional teachers for their 1. increase awareness of when our it’s important to be involved and let other 853 Schools across the state, commitment toward students and agencies get their funding so we can your voice be heard. Just paying play a special role in New York’s education.” Evans, a global studies negotiate for our fair share. Many 853 union dues and expecting things to educational landscape. Why are teacher, was the honoree for the Schools receive only small increases happen was not working for me. 853 Schools so important? month of November 2017. Bell, in funding that often do not keep a Career and Technical Education These schools serve students with up with the high cost of programs. You’ve met with state teacher, was the December 2017 disabilities. Many of the students This affects what we can do for these 5. lawmakers and advocated honoree. in my school have complex physi- special children, and impacts our for Special Act and 853 Schools. Patricia Summers, a retired cal and medical needs and cannot salaries. I am not sure our state legis- What must Albany do to ensure member of United Teachers of have their educational needs met in lators fully understand what we do, that Special Act and 853 Schools Northport, started Friends of a mainstream school environment. and that is why it’s important to have are able to fulfill their mission America’s Vet Dogs with a group of Schools like UCP play an important NYSUT advocate for our schools. successfully? friends to raise funds and provide role in caring for students with com- When I went to the Committee of Not all educators at 853 service animals for returning plex and intense needs because we 100, I felt the legislators had a good Schools are organized. veterans. In three years, the group have the staff, equipment and exper- 3. idea of the needs of school districts What would union representation has raised $60,000, sponsored tise to help these students thrive. for “regular” education, but had bring to those workers? 10 puppies, and run dozens of When visitors come to our school, no idea what schools for students local events. Visit www.nysut.org/ whether it’s someone from the child’s Being organized, you have a voice. with profound needs do. The state’s itswhatwedo for more info. home school district, a community Having a union on your side is es- special education 853 Schools member looking to volunteer, or even sential when advocating for a living need to be just as well-funded as In print a politician, they are often surprised wage. Also, there are unique safety traditional schools. Kids attending Len Martin, Gloversville Teachers at how we work with these children. issues that stem from the type of 853 Schools need more specialized Association, and Jerry Evensky have For the parents of our students, physical work that is done, and there care and equipment, and that does published Economics for NYS High it might be the only time they are are safety issues that can stem from not come cheaply. The staffers who School Students, a textbook for around children who may have the being short-staffed, too. The union work at these schools are dedicated, the 12th grade economics course. same challenges as their own child. can hold the agency accountable. but they often hold other jobs just to Information is available at www. I believe that breaks the barriers of For example, I went to one NYSUT get by. In some cases, 853 Schools regentsecon.com. isolation they may feel. We provide workshop on making sure the physi- can provide support to preschool- Donald Tedesco, Mamaroneck support and understanding to the cal environment of my school is on ers with developmental delays and TA retiree, has written Actionville. parents of the children who come to par, and learned what can be done if provide early intervention. That may The title is based on a program our school. someone gets hurt. save the school district money later he instituted for students involving on. I would say to lawmak- Employees at 853 Schools What was creative learning, field trips, guest ers: Don’t forget confront unique challeng- the evolution speakers and parent buy-in. Visit 2. 4. about schools es. How has your union helped its of your own union- http://dontedesco.com. for children with members meet those challenges? ism and increased “Kudos!” recognizes the disabilities. We Most 853 Schools are part of involvement? accomplishments of NYSUT are in your members. Have good news you’d nonprofit organizations that depend I was really grow- communities. like to share? Email united@ heavily on federal and state funding. ing weary of working nysutmail.org; include “Kudos!” in the subject line.

www.nysut.org March / April 2018 | 21 Book Your 2018 Vacation Now – Call For Limited Time Savings!

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22 | March / April 2018 Official Publication of NYSUT [ HEALTH/SAFETY ] The factor

By Liza Frenette Unions offer educators support, certain situations. Members learn [email protected] healthy coping mechanisms and seek solutions for disruptive strategies for self care and bring up local union member pulls student behavior subjects they need to talk about. into the parking lot of Scott believes the district “set A the Syracuse Teachers the bar really low” in allowing poor Association union headquarters. It teachers say disruptive student be- take a toll. Our bodies are not wired behavior to continue in order to avoid is 5 p.m. on a late fall weekday and havior is out of control, according to for constant stress. Emotional wear reporting suspensions or having already darkness is in command. He the survey (www.btfny.org/press/ and tear is cumulative ... I don’t know certain schools listed as “persistently gets out of his car, takes a few steps, disruptive_behavior_results_2018 if there is anyone acknowledging that dangerous” by the state. gets back in his car, and waits. .pdf). The 3,800-member BTF has for teachers,” Scott says. Similarly, more than 80 percent of He works as a school sentry. It’s his since passed a resolution seeking to Teachers, he says, are known to the BTF survey respondents believe job to maintain order and protect the establish a standing Teaching and take medical leaves because of men- disciplinary actions and suspensions well-being of students and educa- Learning Environment Committee tal and/or physical impacts of vio- are inconsistent and underreported tors. He didn’t expect to be so shaken made up of parents, teachers and lence. Last year a substitute teacher in the city’s schools. Meanwhile, in both cities, dis- by the school violence he sees. administrators to find solutions. was stabbed three times while trying ruptive students are not getting He gets out of the car again. BTF President Phil Rumore says to break up a student fight. the support and intervention they Should he go in? Or just go home? the survey ”is cause for great concern Scott’s new, no-cost, unionwide need. Resources are spread thin and He goes in — to the inaugural gather- ... Everyone should be shocked and group began meeting monthly in schools have too few social workers, ing of a newly minted Work Support concerned with the results and teach- October and now convenes every counselors and psychologists for Group for STA members who’ve been er statements.” He commissioned two weeks at members’ request. It’s students. affected by student bullying, vio- the survey after asking about 150 a place for members to share grief “The earlier we start identifying lence and physical harm. He knows building representatives if disruptive and pain, and to learn. Topics include students and families in crisis, the he needs support and he’s not alone: behavior is a problem. “Almost every getting to know the student popula- better chance we have of correcting 57 percent of Syracuse TA members hand went up,” he says. tion and what it means to work with a In Syracuse, Scott formed the sup- disruptive behavior,” Rumore says. say they have been threatened by traumatized child. Another session fo- “If the problem is not solved soon, disruptive students; 36 percent say port group to help educators after the cused on how stress causes depres- the issues will increase in frequency they have been physically assaulted, union joined NYSUT’s Local Action sion and anxiety and can determine and severity. There is no one answer according to a 2016 survey. Most as- Project, a three-year program for local how/why your body responds in to this.” saults take place in classrooms. One unions to improve their internal and in five respondents say they experi- external communication and com- ence psychological trauma. munity outreach. The STA survey was “I knew how bad it was in my completed by NYSUT’s Research and building, but I didn’t realize it was Educational Services department. pervasive in other buildings,” says “There are things we need to do Bill Scott, a social worker who is a as a union,” he says, things like ensur- vice president of the 3,000-member ing a safe working environment and STA. addressing the emotional needs of A 2018 survey of Buffalo teachers, who tend to work in Teachers Federation mem- isolation within their bers shows similar trends classrooms. of disruptive behavior by “Working in a students. building where PROVIDED More than 30 there are per- p Syracuse social worker Bill Scott leads a support group twice a month for members of the Syracuse Teachers Association affected by student violence percent of Buffalo petual crises can in schools. The support is provided as a free union service to members.

www.nysut.org March / April 2018 | 23 [ PASSINGS ] [ CLASSIFIEDS ]

Alma SERVICES VACATION RENTALS 2018 NY TEACHERS EDUCATIONAL Cormican, 2017 Asia tours — Midwinter recess: TEACHERS TAX SPECIALIST! Skillful SAINT AUGUSTINE BEACH — Three- NYSUT Retiree Thailand Tour, spring recess, China CPA, understands teachers, cuts bedroom, two-bath condominium. & Japan tours. Price from $1,950 Member of taxes, increases refunds! 30 years NYSUT discount. [email protected]. all inclusive. Airfare, meals, 4-star the Year and experience produces results. Ulster, 716-830-4635. hotels, admissions. DOE Vendor past president Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam. Small #CHI944107. www.nyteacherstour. costs/large benefits. Best financial of the White BEAUTIFUL PARIS PROPERTIES — org. 551-587-3297. decision — ever! Bookmark www. (Notre Dame, Marias, Louvre) www. Plains Teachers TeacherTaxes.org. rentals-paris.com. Beautiful Portugal TRAVEL TO ITALY, Spain & Portugal — Association, died Feb. 2. properties (Lisbon, Algarve) www. Experience the unparalleled beauty, Cormican, who taught for REAL ESTATE SALES rentals-lisbon.com. coopergl@gmail. culture, food and wine of Italy with a nearly four decades, served the com; 516-874-0474. native son. Retired Italian professor FLORIDA — HEATH ULLMAN of White Plains TA in a number Francesco Lindia plans every detail Option One Realty, Inc. has helped SECLUDED ADIRONDACK of capacities, including presi- of your excursion using his Italian UFT members buy & sell homes in WATERFRONT camp — Screened heritage as the driving force to cre- dent and chief negotiator. She Palm Beach and Broward counties. porch, scenic view. $875/week. ate a trip like no other. Francesco remained a union activist after Specializing in family, country club, September – November. No pets. Lindia Tours, 917-447-5273 or golf and 55 plus active adult com- retiring in 1999. She edited her re- www.adirondacktracycamp.us. [email protected]. munities. Call Heath to help find your 518-582-4851. tiree local’s award-winning news- new home. Everyone has an option letter; organized pre-retirement ... make yours Option One! Heath VERO BEACH CONDO — Attractively seminars for in-service teachers; Ullman 561-573-8098; heath@option furnished two-bedroom, two-bath- and raised more than $15,000 onerealty.net. room, full kitchen, washer/dryer, for local scholarships and to help parking, pool. East of A1A, by beau- FLORIDA — BUY, SELL, rent. tiful South Beach, 17th St. Bridge. schools and children in need. Specializing in country club, active Available May – December, possi- “Alma meant so much to so adult communities and beach areas bly sooner. $1,450, includes $150 many people. She led our retiree from Ft. Lauderdale to Jupiter. Call Elly utilities. Phone 416-925-4112; council to unprecedented levels and Ed Lepselter. RE/MAX Advantage [email protected]. Plus, Boca Raton, Fla. 561-302-9374. of participation through political, For information HELP WANTED social and humanitarian cam- ORANGE LAKE, KISSIMMEE, paigns,” said NYSUT At-Large ED Florida — Two-bedroon timeshare. RETIRED TEACHERS NEEDED about 51–53 Director Florence McCue. Presidents’ week. www.orangelake. to score NYS tests. We are seek- com. $5,000. 518-892-9252. advertising “Any time the union needed ing retired teachers to score NYS English and math tests, grades 3–8, something, she was the first one FLORIDA — PALM BEACH and on Long Island (Suffolk County) please call to step forward not only to help, North Broward Counties. New con- in May 2018. For complete infor- but to lead us to join her.” struction specialist. 55+, all ages, mation or to sign up, respond to 800-448-4237 home, condo and villa communi- [email protected]. Julie M. Bowe | Nov. 9, 2017 ties, including resales. From luxuri- Retiree Council 9 ous to modest, convenient to all. TEACH IN COOPERSTOWN! Join our Call Karen today for your new home team of educators. Hiring passionate, Irene B. Dunlap | Dec. 23, 2017 in Florida. 516-524-3953. Email: innovative professionals to work in NYSUT audit notice Retiree Council 18 [email protected]. a supportive community. Teaching positions: Technology (STEAM), NYSUT continues its practice Mary Paddock | Dec. 27, 2017 FOR RENT physical education, elementary class- of providing members with ac- Retiree Council 7 room, literacy. Speech/language cess to the union’s certified audit YONKERS EAST — TWO-bedroom pathologist, network administra- for their review. The annual audit Shelia M. Sorge | Dec. 23, 2017 apartment, two-family house. $1,650/ tor, bus drivers. Position details at for the fiscal year ending Aug. Gateway Teachers Association month. 914-237-2329. www.cooperstowncs.org. Interested candidates apply online at www. 31, 2017, is available and can be Full obituaries, if provided, are available olasjobs.org/southern. For more infor- found on the NYSUT Member SUMMER RENTALS mation, 607-547-5364. at www.nysut.org. Submissions must Center at www.nysut.org/ include decedent’s full name, union af- CAPE COD, WELLFLEET — Two- audit. Members may request filiation and date of death, and contact bedroom cottage, Oceanside. $935 TRAVEL information for the person submitting – $985. 973-492-1405. a hard copy by contacting the the notice. Fax notices to 518-213- DISCOUNT TRAVEL/SPECIAL ameni- NYSUT Accounting Department 6415; send to Julie Bull, NYSUT United, SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE lake- ties exclusively for UFT, NYSUT and at 518-213-6000, ext. 6252, or by 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, front cabin. Great fishing, swimming. AFT members, families and friends. sending an email to finance@ Visit our website www.teachergroup NY 12110-2455; or email jbull@ Sleeps four. $900 weekly. No pets. nysutmail.org. nysutmail.org. 352-683-2726 or wiwczar@earthlink. travel.com or call 800-919-1168. net. Call 603-478-3437 after May 15. http://cprentals.weebly.com. 24 | March / April 2018 Official Publication of NYSUT [ OUR SRPs] Getting to know ... Bruce Zeller

Bruce Zeller is a microcomputer repair techni- issues that involve our daily work lives. The union is cian at the Kenmore–Town of Tonawanda Union the best way to contact people with similar interests Free School District. He was interviewed by Jill and concerns. It is very special to be able to discuss Ackerman, acting president of the Kenmore– these issues to get various points of view that Tonawanda School Employees Association and a member of NYSUT’s SRP Advisory Committee. pertain to the many and varied groups that make up our union and then be able to come to a consensus Tell us about your job and why decision that benefits us all. you love what you do. How do you make a difference? I enjoy the daily challenges of being a computer repair tech and the satisfaction when all systems No matter what the situation, I feel that I am a function correctly. Each day is something different positive influence on everyone I contact each day. and a new set of challenges. I handle anything, I am able to solve problems and leave people with from installing backbone infrastructure to end user a smile on their face. equipment, including desktops and projection and Tell us about your community sound equipment. I enjoy the contact with all levels, engagement, hobbies. from the staff, students and administration to solve problems. I enjoy farming, spending time with my family and friends as well as working on home repairs and How are you involved with your union? projects. I am the president of our church congrega- I feel it is important to make people aware of the tion and a former fireman. PROVIDED

NYSUT celebrates School-Related Professionals Day winner

PROVIDED EL-WISE NOISETTE The Peekskill Faculty Association, led by Jose Fernandez, celebrates the district’s School-Related Professionals with p NYSUT Second Vice President Paul Pecorale meets recently with displays and breakfast pastries on SRP Recognition Day in members of the union’s School-Related Professionals Advisory November. The effort earned the FA first place in NYSUT’s Committee at NYSUT headquarters in Latham. The committee advises SRP Recognition Day contest. Two members can now NYSUT about the issues important to the statewide union’s 91,000 SRP attend NYSUT’s 2018 SRP Conference for the price of one. members, including professional development, communications, political action and workplace safety. Committee members are appointed by the NYSUT president based on recommendations made by election district directors. They serve three-year terms.

www.nysut.org March / April 2018 | 25 [ RETIREES IN ACTION ]

Regional conferences Did you know? Tell us your union story NYSUT Retiree Services consul- n RC 12: May 8, Glen Are you a NYSUT retiree who tants are resources for retired mem- Sanders Mansion, Scotia. bers, retiree councils and in-service Retiree Services was active in your profession before you locals on NYSUT retiree matters. became a union member? Consultant: Jennifer Tracy Beatty, RC 1, 2, 3, 44 Shaad-Derby If so, we want to hear your story. 716-634-7132 n RC 4, 46: May 15, Seneca With the Janus case looming in the U.S. Louise Ortman, RC 4, 46 Allegany Event & Supreme Court, our union rights are under 716-664-7425 Conference Center, PROVIDED attack like never before. What was your work- Peter Randazzo, RC 5, 6 Salamanca. Retiree 585-454-5550 p NYSUT First Vice President/ place experience like before the union? Services Consultant: Anne Marie Voutsinas, RC 7, 8 Secretary-Treasurer J. Philippe Louise Ortman Share your thoughts at the Janus Action 315-431-4040 Abraham; Florence McCue, Center. Visit www.nysut.org/janus and click Jeanette Stapley, RC 9, 10 n RC 1, 2, 3, 44: May 16, NYSUT at-large ED 51–53 518-783-7977 Millenium Buffalo. on “Tell it.” director; and Terrence Melvin, Mark Padgett, RC 11, 45 Retiree Services NYS AFL-CIO secretary- 607-786-5742 Consultant: Tracy Beatty treasurer, at the NYS AFL-CIO Jennifer Shaad-Derby, RC 12, 13 n RC 7, 8: May 21, holiday reception in New York 518-783-7977 Doubletree, East City. Ellen Pincus, RC 14, 15–16 Syracuse. Retiree Services 914-592-4411 Consultant: Anne Marie TBD, RC 17, 18, 19 Voutsinas p Joan Perrini, RC 21; Deb 516-496-2035 Peterson, RC 43 president; and Joan Perrini, RC 20, 21, 22, 23 RC 11, 45: May 23, TBA. n Jeanette Stapley, RC 9, show 631-273-8822 Retiree Services their union pride during the Judy D. Kalb, RC 43 Consultant: Mark Padgett NYSUT Women’s Committee 561-994-4929, ext. 129 meeting in December. PROVIDED

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26 | March / April 2018 Official Publication of NYSUT [ LOCAL UNIONS IN ACTION ]

Pace, kicked off the new year with a challenge to help members keep their resolutions. During the month of January, the union sponsored a three-week “Step Challenge” for all district employees to “work off those holiday indulgences.” The local enticed participants with the chance to win one of two $50 gift cards, one for those who finished in the top 10 for total steps, and one for competitors who logged at least PHOTOS PROVIDED 10,000 steps for each of the 21 days. East Irondequoit p Above and right: East Irondequoit Pembroke Teachers Association TA members take on the Irondequoit police in a basketball challenge to Teachers Federation Members of the East Irondequoit raise money for the Irondequoit TA, led by Kimberly Messmer Community Cupboard, a not-for-profit unions and administrators in the dis- The seventh annual Pembroke and Timothy Scheg, raised more outreach organization. trict. The successful event was a team Shooting For A Cure! was a mas- than $3,200 for the Irondequoit effort with students, staff and the sive success, thanks in part to Community Cupboard, an organiza- members and the Irondequoit Police community chipping in throughout volunteers including members of tion that helps hundreds of families in Department. The event also featured the day. Students sang the national the Pembroke TF. The event, hosted East Irondequoit. a silent auction with baskets and anthem, cheered on the basketball by the Pembroke girls’ basketball The local sponsored a charity items donated by East Irondequoit TA players and provided half-time team, raised more than $23,000 basketball game between union members, members from other staff entertainment. to raise awareness and money for cancer research in conjunction with North Rockland the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Teachers Association Buffalo. Each year, the North Rockland TA Pembroke TF members sold raffle presents 12 graduating seniors with tickets and apparel, worked the con- $1,000 scholarships. This year, the cession stand and helped organize local hopes to raise enough money the event. to award 15 scholarships. Seniors write an essay describing an NRTA member who has made an impact on their life. Scholarships are presented at an NRTA Scholarship Tea and each senior invites the union member who inspired them to the event. The North Rockland TA, led by Debra Brennan, also hosts events throughout the year to support the community. Sayville Teachers Association PROVIDED

The Sayville TA, led by Michael p From left, Pembroke Teachers Federation members Ron Funke, President Greg Kinal, Mike Wilson and Arron K. Brown help raise funds for cancer research.

www.nysut.org March / April 2018 | 27 [ MEMBER BENEFITS ] 2018 Summary of Material Modifications

NYSUT Member Benefits Trust Term Life, Level Term Life & (previously underwritten by Unimerica Life through Chubb Group Insurance Companies, Summary of Material Modifications Senior Term Life Insurance Plans Insurance Company) as of January 1, 2018. and includes Travel Assistance Services And Notice to Participants As a result of their regular review process Coverage terms, benefit amounts and rates provided by Europ Assistance. (Plan No: 503; I.D. No.: 22-2480854) of all endorsed programs, the Trustees of will not be changed as a result of the Plan Name/Address for USI Affinity the Member Benefits Trust voted to name Underwriter change. NYSUT in-service Effective May 2016, Univers/USI Affinity Dated: March 2018 Metropolitan Life Insurance Company members and agency fee payers who are was purchased by AON and renamed to Aon (MetLife) the new Plan Underwriter for the under age 65 and work 20 or more hours per Voluntary Benefits & Enrollment Solutions. Dear Participant: endorsed Voluntary Term Life, Level Term week are eligible to apply for this program. Their mailing address is 1060 Maitland Life and grandfathered Senior Term Life The following is a summary of important In addition, the grandfathered Disability Center Commons, Suite 210, Maitland, FL Insurance Plans (previously underwritten by changes made to endorsed benefit programs Insurance Plan II was terminated on 32751 and toll-free phone number is 866- The United States Life Insurance Company in since the publication of the New York December 31, 2017, with program 697-8897. the City of New York) as of March 1, 2018. State United Teachers Member Benefits participants transferred to the MetLife Aon Voluntary Benefits & Enrollment Trust Summary Plan Description in March Coverage terms, benefit levels, beneficiary Disability Insurance Plan. Solutions administers the WrapPlan® 2016 and the subsequent NYSUT Member designations and rates for these programs MetLife’s address is 200 Park Avenue, II Universal Life Insurance Plan and Benefits Trust Summary of Material will not be changed as a result of the Plan New York, NY 10166. grandfathered WrapPlan® Term Life Modifications and Notice to Participants Underwriter change. MetLife’s address is Mercer Consumer will remain the Plan Coordination Program. dated March 2017. It is important that you 200 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10166. Administrator for the Disability Insurance retain this information until a new Summary Mercer Consumer will remain the Plan Financial Arrangements Plan. Mercer’s toll-free phone number is Financial arrangements between the NYSUT Plan Description is issued to you. Administrator for these programs. Mercer’s 888-386-9788. Member Benefits Trust and the providers Trustees News toll-free phone number is Member Benefits has an endorsement 888-386-9788. of the following endorsed programs have J. Philippe Abraham was appointed as the arrangement of 5% of gross premiums changed: Member Benefits has an endorsement for this program. new Chairperson of the NYSUT Member Member Benefits has an endorsement Benefits Trust at the May 2017 NYSUT arrangement of 7.61% of earned premiums Accidental Death & for these programs. arrangement of 12.57% of paid premiums Board of Trustees meeting; Angelina Rivera Dismemberment Insurance for the Davis Vision Group Vision & Group was also appointed as a new Trustee of the Disability & Disability II The Member Benefits Trust is now providing Voluntary Vision Plans. Member Benefits Trust at that meeting. Insurance Plans NYSUT members and agency fee payers Member Benefits has an endorsement The current list of Trustees of the Member As a result of their regular review process with up to $1,500 Accidental Death & arrangement of 8% of premium for the Davis Benefits Trust includes Chairperson Abraham, of all endorsed programs, the Trustees of Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance, Vision Voluntary Vision Plan. Secretary Roderick P. Sherman, Loretta the Member Benefits Trust also voted to including a travel assistance component. Donlon, Jeffrey Hartnett, Matthew Hill, name Metropolitan Life Insurance Company This coverage was previously provided by Sincerely, Thomas McMahon, Arthur Pepper, Kevin (MetLife) the new Plan Underwriter for NYSUT. Board of Trustees Peterman, Ms. Rivera and Thomas Tucker. the endorsed Disability Insurance Plan The $1,500 AD&D insurance is offered NYSUT Member Benefits Trust

28 | March / April 2018 Official Publication of NYSUT [ MEMBER BENEFITS ] Before you book, check out our vacation deals

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The New York Long-Term Care Brokers Insurance Program is a NYSUT Member Benefits Trust (Member Jumbo Loans FHA & VA Condos/ Co-Ops Benefits)-endorsed program. Member Benefits has an endorsement arrangement of 2.5% of first-year premium and 1% of renewal premium received in years 2-10. All such payments to Member Benefits are used solely to defray the costs of administering its various programs and, where appropriate, to enhance them. Member Benefits acts as your advocate; please contact Member Benefits at 800-626-8101 if you experience a problem with any endorsed program. Agency fee payers to NYSUT are eligible to participate in loanDepot.com, LLC. All rights reserved. NMLS ID 174457 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) NY: Licensed Mortgage Banker - NYS Department of Financial Services. For more licensing, please visit www.loandepot.com/licensing. NYSUT Member Benefits-endorsed programs. www.nysut.org March / April 2018 | 29 䄀甀琀漀 愀渀搀 䠀漀洀攀 䤀渀猀甀爀愀渀挀攀

䴀攀琀䰀椀昀攀 䄀甀琀漀 ☀ 䠀漀洀攀 挀愀渀 最椀瘀攀 礀漀甀 洀漀爀攀 瀀爀漀琀攀挀琀椀漀渀 昀漀爀 礀漀甀爀 瘀攀栀椀挀氀攀 愀渀搀 猀愀瘀攀 礀漀甀 洀漀渀攀礀⸀ 䜀攀琀 琀栀攀 挀漀瘀攀爀愀最攀 礀漀甀 渀攀攀搀 昀漀爀 漀渀攀 漀昀 礀漀甀爀 洀漀猀琀 椀洀瀀漀爀琀愀渀琀 瀀漀猀猀攀猀猀椀漀渀猀 眀椀琀栀 猀瀀攀挀椀愀氀 洀攀洀戀攀爀 搀椀猀挀漀甀渀琀猀 琀栀愀琀 挀愀渀 猀愀瘀攀 礀漀甀 甀瀀 琀漀 ㄀㈀─⸀ 夀漀甀 挀愀渀 挀栀漀漀猀攀 昀爀漀洀 愀 眀椀搀攀 瘀愀爀椀攀琀礀 漀昀 挀漀瘀攀爀愀最攀猀Ⰰ 椀渀挀氀甀搀椀渀最 愀甀琀漀Ⰰ 栀漀洀攀Ⰰ 戀漀愀琀Ⰰ 爀攀渀琀攀爀ᤠ猀 愀渀搀 洀漀爀攀⸀

吀漀 猀攀攀 栀漀眀 琀栀攀猀攀 搀椀猀挀漀甀渀琀猀 挀漀甀氀搀 爀攀愀氀氀礀 愀搀搀 甀瀀㬀 挀愀氀氀 甀猀 琀漀氀氀ⴀ昀爀攀攀 愀琀 ㄀ⴀ㠀㘀㘀ⴀ一夀匀唀吀ⴀ㈀㈀ ⠀㄀ⴀ㠀㘀㘀ⴀ㘀㤀㜀ⴀ㠀㠀㈀㈀⤀⸀ 夀漀甀 栀愀瘀攀 琀栀攀 漀瀀琀椀漀渀 琀漀 猀瀀攀愀欀 眀椀琀栀 愀 氀漀挀愀氀 愀最攀渀琀 昀漀爀 愀 昀爀攀攀 椀渀猀甀爀愀渀挀攀 爀攀瘀椀攀眀 愀渀搀 渀漀 漀戀氀椀最愀琀椀漀渀 焀甀漀琀攀⸀ 吀漀 昀椀渀搀 愀 氀漀挀愀氀 愀最攀渀琀 椀渀 礀漀甀爀 愀爀攀愀Ⰰ 瘀椀猀椀琀 眀眀眀⸀䴀攀琀䰀椀昀攀⸀挀漀洀⼀一夀匀唀吀⸀

䴀攀琀䰀椀昀攀 䄀甀琀漀 ☀ 䠀漀洀攀 椀猀 愀 一夀匀唀吀 䴀攀洀戀攀爀 䈀攀渀攀昀椀琀猀 吀爀甀猀琀 ⠀䴀攀洀戀攀爀 䈀攀渀攀昀椀琀猀⤀ⴀ攀渀搀漀爀猀攀搀 瀀爀漀最爀愀洀⸀ 䴀攀洀戀攀爀 䈀攀渀攀昀椀琀猀 栀愀猀 愀渀 攀渀搀漀爀猀攀洀攀渀琀 愀爀爀愀渀最攀洀攀渀琀 漀昀 㔀⸀㔀─ 漀昀 琀漀琀愀氀 瀀爀攀洀椀甀洀猀 昀漀爀 琀栀椀猀 瀀爀漀最爀愀洀⸀ 䄀氀氀 猀甀挀栀 瀀愀礀洀攀渀琀猀 琀漀 䴀攀洀戀攀爀 䈀攀渀攀昀椀琀猀 愀爀攀 甀猀攀搀 猀漀氀攀氀礀 琀漀 搀攀昀爀愀礀 琀栀攀 挀漀猀琀猀 漀昀 愀搀洀椀渀椀猀琀攀爀椀渀最 椀琀猀 瘀愀爀椀漀甀猀 瀀爀漀最爀愀洀猀 愀渀搀Ⰰ 眀栀攀爀攀 愀瀀瀀爀漀瀀爀椀愀琀攀Ⰰ 琀漀 攀渀栀愀渀挀攀 琀栀攀洀⸀ 䴀攀洀戀攀爀 䈀攀渀攀昀椀琀猀 愀挀琀猀 愀猀 礀漀甀爀 愀搀瘀漀挀愀琀攀㬀 瀀氀攀愀猀攀 挀漀渀琀愀挀琀 䴀攀洀戀攀爀 䈀攀渀攀昀椀琀猀 愀琀 㠀 ⴀ㘀㈀㘀ⴀ㠀㄀ ㄀ 椀昀 礀漀甀 攀砀瀀攀爀椀攀渀挀攀 愀 瀀爀漀戀氀攀洀 眀椀琀栀 愀渀礀 攀渀搀漀爀猀攀搀 瀀爀漀最爀愀洀⸀

䴀攀琀䰀椀昀攀 䄀甀琀漀 ☀ 䠀漀洀攀 椀猀 愀 戀爀愀渀搀 漀昀 䴀攀琀爀漀瀀漀氀椀琀愀渀 倀爀漀瀀攀爀琀礀 愀渀搀 䌀愀猀甀愀氀琀礀 䤀渀猀甀爀愀渀挀攀 䌀漀洀瀀愀渀礀 愀渀搀 椀琀猀 愀昀昀椀氀椀愀琀攀猀㨀 䔀挀漀渀漀洀礀 倀爀攀昀攀爀爀攀搀 䤀渀猀甀爀愀渀挀攀 䌀漀洀瀀愀渀礀Ⰰ 䴀攀琀爀漀瀀漀氀椀琀愀渀 䌀愀猀甀愀氀琀礀 䤀渀猀甀爀愀渀挀攀 䌀漀洀瀀愀渀礀Ⰰ 䴀攀琀爀漀瀀漀氀椀琀愀渀 䐀椀爀攀挀琀 倀爀漀瀀攀爀ⴀ 琀礀 愀渀搀 䌀愀猀甀愀氀琀礀 䤀渀猀甀爀愀渀挀攀 䌀漀洀瀀愀渀礀Ⰰ 䴀攀琀爀漀瀀漀氀椀琀愀渀 䜀攀渀攀爀愀氀 䤀渀猀甀爀愀渀挀攀 䌀漀洀瀀愀渀礀Ⰰ 䴀攀琀爀漀瀀漀氀椀琀愀渀 䜀爀漀甀瀀 倀爀漀瀀攀爀琀礀 愀渀搀 䌀愀猀甀愀氀琀礀 䤀渀猀甀爀愀渀挀攀 䌀漀洀瀀愀渀礀Ⰰ 愀渀搀 䴀攀琀爀漀瀀漀氀椀琀愀渀 䰀氀漀礀搀猀 䤀渀猀甀爀愀渀挀攀 䌀漀洀瀀愀渀礀 漀昀 吀攀砀愀猀Ⰰ 愀氀氀 眀椀琀栀 愀搀洀椀渀椀猀琀爀愀ⴀ 琀椀瘀攀 栀漀洀攀 漀昀昀椀挀攀猀 椀渀 圀愀爀眀椀挀欀Ⰰ 刀䤀⸀ 䌀漀瘀攀爀愀最攀Ⰰ 爀愀琀攀猀Ⰰ 搀椀猀挀漀甀渀琀猀 愀渀搀 瀀漀氀椀挀礀 昀攀愀琀甀爀攀猀 瘀愀爀礀 戀礀 猀琀愀琀攀 愀渀搀 瀀爀漀搀甀挀琀Ⰰ 愀渀搀 愀爀攀 愀瘀愀椀氀愀戀氀攀 椀渀 洀漀猀琀 猀琀愀琀攀猀 琀漀 琀栀漀猀攀 眀栀漀 焀甀愀氀椀昀礀⸀ 䴀攀琀 倀☀䌀글Ⰰ 䴀攀琀䌀愀猀匀䴀Ⰰ 愀渀搀 䴀攀琀䜀攀渀匀䴀 愀爀攀 氀椀挀攀渀猀攀搀 椀渀 琀栀攀 猀琀愀琀攀 漀昀 䴀椀渀渀攀猀漀琀愀⸀ 䄀最攀渀挀礀 昀攀攀 瀀愀礀攀爀猀 琀漀 一夀匀唀吀 愀爀攀 攀氀椀最椀戀氀攀 琀漀 瀀愀爀琀椀挀椀瀀愀琀攀 椀渀 一夀匀唀吀 䴀攀洀戀攀爀 䈀攀渀攀昀椀琀猀ⴀ攀渀搀漀爀猀攀搀 瀀爀漀最爀愀洀猀⸀ 䰀 ㄀㄀㜀㐀㠀㠀㌀㔀 嬀攀砀瀀 ㄀㄀㤀崀嬀䄀氀氀 匀琀愀琀攀猀崀嬀䐀䌀崀

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30 | March / April 2018 Official Publication of NYSUT [ YOUR ERS PENSION ] [ YOUR TRS PENSION ]

Have all the service credit you deserve?

chool employees in non- state.ny.us/retire/index.php. teaching titles are eligible You can also check your Member S to become members of Annual Statement, which is provid- the New York State and Local ed to you every summer. Statements Employees’ Retirement System are sent out from May to July, and (ERS). If you’re an ERS member, ser- school employees usually receive vice credit is one of the main factors their statements first. For most mem- that will determine your retirement bers, your next statement will show benefit. Many school employees how much service credit you’ve Fill out your retirement application online work for 10 months out of the year earned for the past state fiscal year or work a part-time schedule. Have (April 1, 2017 – March 31, 2018). Can I complete my 54, requesting a non-standard pay- you ever wondered how this affects It will also show your total service retirement application ment option, or can meet certain your service credit? credit as of March 31, 2018. Q: online? Filling out all that other criteria, you can’t use the If you’re a school employee who If you think you are missing ser- paperwork is a chore. online application. Remember, works full-time, you receive one year vice credit that you may be entitled the earliest you can apply is 90 of service credit per school year. to, please read our publication, days prior to your effective date of Generally, a full-time, 10-month Service Credit for Tiers 2–6 (www. You can now. An online retirement, so you’ll be unable to school year requires at least 180 osc.state.ny.us/retire/ A: retirement application is submit the application any sooner. days worked in any school year. publications/vo1854.php), to find the latest addition to MyNYSTRS, However, depending on your out what types of service are credit- the New York State Teachers’ Contact NYSTRS at 800-348-7298, employer, your full-time academic able and how to apply. You may also Retirement System’s secure, self- ext. 6250, or visit www.nystrs.org schedule could require a minimum be able to receive credit for military service member portal. Although for further information. of 200 or 170 days. service. It is very important that you the traditional eight-page paper ap- Part-time school employees earn claim — as early as possible — all plication is still available, the online An online application service credit based on the number the service credit you are entitled to format is a welcome addition. It cuts Q: sounds great. Can I save of days they work. Part-time credit is receive because records document- out snail mail and features built-in my work over several sessions, or calculated by dividing the number ing your previous service may be logic to ensure you don’t make the do I have to complete the entire of days worked by the number of lost or destroyed with the passage type of mistake that would cause a retirement application in one days in a full-time year. Let’s say a of time. paper application to be rejected. sitting? school employee works 135 days If you have questions specific to Unfortunately, if you’re filing for in a year, and 180 is considered full- your account, please contact us at disability retirement, are not at least You can complete your time: 135 days worked/180 days in a www.contactNYSLRS.com. application over several year = 0.75 years of service credit, or A: sessions since the system automati- 75 percent of a full-time year. NYSUT TRS consultants cally saves and stores your answers The most convenient way NYSUT ERS consultants TRS members with questions as you go. A big plus is that when to find out how much service may call your teacher-members Most NYSUT School-Related you do return, you can quickly see you’ve earned with ERS is through * on the New York State Teachers’ Professionals belong to the New the application sections you’ve al- Retirement Online, our self-service York State and Local Employees’ Retirement System Board ready completed, and the sections tool that gives you access to your Retirement System (ERS). NYSUT of Directors: retirement account information. You ERS consultants are available to David Keefe • 516-741-1241 that still need filling in. You can also can register or sign in at www.osc. help SRP members navigate the (Retiree Representative) modify previously answered parts. retirement system. Consultants can A “review & submit my application” answer questions, provide forms Paul Farfaglia • 315-431-4040 In every issue, state Comptroller button will appear only when the and help members contact the ERS. [email protected] Thomas P. DiNapoli, administra- form has been fully completed. Contact any one of our consultants Sheila Sullivan Buck tive head of the New York State After you submit your application, for assistance. 585-454-5550 and Local Employees’ Retirement check your inbox for an email con- System (ERS) and trustee of the Trudi Davis • 914-592-4411 [email protected] [email protected] firming that NYSTRS received it. Common Retirement Fund, provides informa- Ronald Gross • 631-273-8822 tion on the System, which delivers retirement Kathy Hine • 585-454-5550, ext. 144 [email protected] benefits to many NYSUT School-Related [email protected] Professionals and other support staff. If you Patti Lennon • 516-496-2035, ext. 324 are an ERS member with a question of gen- [email protected] For MyNYSTRS account eral interest, email [email protected]. *Note: Certified teaching assistants holders, 2017 tax statements For immediate assistance, call the ERS belong to the state Teachers’ (1099-R) are available online. Contact Center toll-free at 866-805-0990 Retirement System (TRS). or 518-474-7736 in the Capital District. www.nysut.org March / April 2018 | 31 NYSUT members receive a 33% NYSUT United | March/April 2018 Advance your career discount off of tuition for graduate NYSUT represents teachers, school-related professionals, higher education faculty, With NYSUT ELT: courses. ELT is now a CTLE provider and many courses professionals in education, human services and health care, and retirees. • learn research-based, classroom are applicable tested, methods in our seminars for NYSED and/or graduate courses; Certification. • meet certification requirements; and • collaborate with fellow educators across New York state — online or site-based! Register Your choice. Your professional learning. ONLINE

Be a fan. Register: http://elt.nysut.org • 800.528.6208

NYSUT Member Benefits. More than discounts... memberbenefits.nysut.org • 800-626-8101

As an additional value to NYSUT members and their families, your union membership allows you to enjoy the benefits of more than 40 programs & services endorsed by NYSUT Member Benefits. Participation in Member Benefits-endorsed programs also gives you a trusted advocate ready to assist you with any issues or concerns with these programs.

You count on your union to be there for you when you need it... count on NYSUT Member Benefits to be there for you too!

NYSUT Member Benefits offers something for everyone: Life, Auto & Homeowners Ins. Theme Park Discounts Medical Alert Services Competitive Savings Rates Car & Truck Rentals Vision & Dental Plans Wills/Trusts/Estate Planning Sporting Events Identity Theft Protection Financial Counseling Concert Tickets Heating Oil & Propane Hotel & Vacation Discounts Retail Store Discounts Car Buying Service Office Supply Discounts Electronics Discounts Member Shopping Program

An Added Bonus Exclusively for NYSUT Members - Payroll & Pension Deduction SAVE WITH PAYROLL & Membership in NYSUT also allows you to enjoy the PENSION convenience, additional coverage and/or discounted premiums of using Payroll or Pension Deduction as your payment method DEDUCTION! to purchase Member Benefits-endorsed programs & services. Call or visit us at: 800-626-8101 memberbenefits.nysut.org