INSIDE We remembered in November APPR is job one for new Legislature | 5 Take a Look at Teaching
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
www.nysut.org | January/February 2019 INSIDE
We remembered Take a Look
in November at Teaching
APPR is job one for Summits focus on
new Legislature | 5 elevating the profession | 16
Students agree:
These pups make the grade | 12
CONTENTS NYSUT UNITED [ January/February 2019, Vol. 9, No. 3 ]
Director of Communications: Damien LaVera NYSUT United is a member publication of the Address Changes: POSTMASTER:
4: Colleges, hospitals Lead Editor/Copy Desk Chief: Clarisse Butler Banks
Assistant Editors/Writers:
AFT Communicators Network, International
Labor Communications Association, Metro
Member Records Department
800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110
reeling from years of Liza Frenette, Ned Hoskin, Sylvia Saunders,
New York Labor Communications Council, PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT LATHAM, NY
State Education Association Communicators. ADDITIONAL ENTRY OFFICE
Kara E. Smith, Matt Smith, Andrew Watson
state aid cuts Editorial and Production Department: WILLIAMSPORT, PA 17701
Photo Editor: J. El-Wise Noisette
518-213-6000 and 800-342-9810 (toll-free) NYSUT United (ISSN 21587914) and
Lead Designer: Nicole Clayton
Annual subscription: $15. NYSUT members receive
7: Why NYSUT is challeng- Art and Production: Dana Fournier a copy of NYSUT United as part of their dues benefit.
www.nysut.org are official publications of New York
State United Teachers. NYSUT United is published from
Advertising: Lori DiVeglia Households with multiple members will receive only
ing SED’s power grab Online Communications Coordinator: Bryan Thomas one copy. If you do wish to receive more than one copy,
September to June.
Advertising: Email Lori DiVeglia at ldivegli@nysutmail.
Editorial Support: Julie Malec please call 518-213-6000, ext. 6234. org or call 518-213-6000, ext. 6264 or 800-448-4ADS.
9: Our SRPs — Anne Contributor: Matthew E. Bergeron
Raymond, BOCES ESPA NYSUT Affiliated with AFT n NEA n AFL-CIO
NEW YORK STATE UNITED TEACHERS AT-LARGE DIRECTORS:
11: Lifesavers make 800 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, NY 12110
518-213-6000 n 800-342-9810
Cheryl Hughes, Joseph Cantafio, Rick Gallant, John Kozlowski, Kevin Ahern,
Don Carlisto, Maria Pacheco, Raymond Hodges, Pat Puleo, Selina Durio, Ronald
headlines and heartlines OFFICERS: Verderber, Wayne White, Debra Penny, Howard Schoor, Carmen Alvarez-Scaglione,
President: Andy Pallotta Thomas Brown, Janella Hinds, Sterling Roberson, Barbara Bowen, Frederick Kowal,
Executive Vice President: Jolene T. DiBrango Florence McCue, Shelvy Y. Abrams (SRPs), Sandra Carner-Shafran (SRPs),
18: School security Second Vice President/Acting Executive Director: Paul Pecorale Karen Lee Arthmann (SRPs), Deborah Paulin (SRPs), Angie Rivera (SRPs), Anne
Goldman (Health Care), Stephen Rechner (Private Sector Higher Ed), Andrew Sako
Secretary-Treasurer: J. Philippe Abraham
upgrades prompt mental ELECTION DISTRICT DIRECTORS: (Community Colleges), Pamela Malone (Higher Education) and Michael Fabricant
health reminders Peter Stuhlmiller, Michelle Licht, Joseph J. Najuch, Eric Talbot, Adam Urbanski, (Higher Education)
Andrew Jordan, Michael Emmi, David Derouchie, Jeanette Stapley, Anthony McCann, HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS:
Joseph Herringshaw, Stacey Caruso-Sharpe, Kathleen Taylor, Sparrow Tobin, Sean Antonia Cortese (Emerita), Thomas Y. Hobart Jr. (President Emeritus),
20: RA 2019 Campaign and Kennedy, Jeffrey Yonkers, Tomia Smith, Barbara Hafner, Christine Vasilev, John
Mansfield, Kevin Coyne, Nancy Sanders, Laura Spencer, Karen Blackwell Alford,
Alan B. Lubin (Executive Vice President Emeritus)
AFT VICE PRESIDENTS:
Election procedures Dwayne Clark, Evelyn DeJesus, Amy Arundell, Arthur Pepper, Mary Atkinson, Anthony J. Philippe Abraham, Shelvy Y. Abrams, Barbara Bowen, Don Carlisto, Evelyn
Harmon, Michael Mulgrew, Elizabeth Perez, Paul Egan, Richard Mantell, LeRoy Barr, DeJesus, Jolene T. DiBrango, Anthony M. Harmon, Frederick Kowal, Michael
Iris DeLutro (City & Private Higher Ed), Steven London (City & Private Higher Ed), Mulgrew, Andy Pallotta, Paul Pecorale, Adam Urbanski
26: 5 questions for Kevin Peterman (Community Colleges), Jamie Dangler (State Higher Ed, UUP), NEA DIRECTORS:
Rowena Blackman-Stroud (State Higher Ed, UUP), Thomas Tucker (State Higher Ed,
substitute teacher UUP), Philip Rumore, Paul Davis, Matt Hill, Loretta Donlon (Retiree), Rosemary
Serena Kotch, Thomas McMahon
Alternate Directors: Sue Raichilson, Dora Leland
Terence Virga Catanzariti (Retiree), Thomas Murphy (Retiree) Executive Committee members are underlined.
Season’s Greetings!
BEST WISHES IN THE NEW YEAR,
New York State United Teachers
Andrew Pallotta Jolene T. DiBrango Paul Pecorale J. Philippe Abraham
President Executive Vice President Second Vice President Secretary-Treasurer
2| January/February 2019 Official Publication of NYSUT
[ FIGHTING FOR YOU ]
We told you we would remember COMING UP
Jan. 9
By Matt Smith In the same way NYSUT members walked off the job, leading success- 2019 state legislative session
msmith@nysutmail.org remembered who didn’t stand by ful strikes to force lawmakers in their begins; Governor’s budget plan due
students and educators, they also re- respective states to raise their pay and
Don’t mess with NYSUT. membered those who did — staffing invest more in public schools. Jan. 11–12
phone banks and working tirelessly You’d think Sen. Flanagan would NYSUT Board of Directors meet,
I
f you run for office and call dedi- on behalf of those candidates. In the have remembered what happened Latham
cated, hard-working educators end, the union’s motivated member- to his fellow Long Islander, U.S. Sen.
and health care workers “forces ship was instrumental in flipping Alfonse D’Amato. More than 20 years
Jan. 14–15
Board of Regents meets, Albany
of evil” — as Republican Senate control of the state Senate, and elect- earlier he attacked teacher tenure and
Majority Leader John Flanagan did ing a majority of pro-public education was bounced from office by educa-
Jan. 21
a month before Election Day — our candidates. Consider: tors who had enough. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
members will remember. n 95 percent of the union’s Flanagan didn’t remember.
If you refuse to address the state’s endorsed candidates for Assembly NYSUT members never forget. Feb. 4–5
broken and unfair teacher evaluation won (137 endorsements, 130 wins UUP Winter Delegate Assembly,
and standardized testing system, our — including NYSUT’s own Monica Albany
members will remember. Wallace and Patrick Burke). THE VALUE OF
And if you insist on catering to the n 88 percent of NYSUT’s endorsed ENDORSEMENT Feb. 8–9
billionaire-backed charter industry at candidates for state Senate won (40 Concentrating on more than 30 NYSUT Subject Area Committee
the expense of New York’s students, endorsements, 35 wins — including races, 2,000 volunteers handed out meetings, Latham
our members will remember. former member Monica Martinez). literature door-to-door and made
“If there is one takeaway from this n 81 percent of NYSUT’s endorsed
nearly 250,000 phone calls from Feb. 12
NYSUT’s massive phone-bank opera- Higher Ed Lobby Day, Albany
election, it’s that NYSUT members candidates for Congress won (26 tion. VOTE-COPE spent more than Special Act School Lobby Day,
pay attention — and they vote,” endorsements, 21 wins). $4 million in support of endorsed Albany
NYSUT President Andy Pallotta said. The show of force by NYSUT candidates, money raised through
members — proving they are voluntary contributions to the VOTE- Feb. 15–17
a “force of good” — continues COPE political action fund. These in- NYS Association of Black and
ASSEMBLY SENATE CONGRESS dividual donations, added together,
the trend of teacher activism Puerto Rican Legislators annual
95% 88% 81%
help us to compete against the
nationwide. This past spring, legislative conference, Albany
$500,000 and $1 million checks
fed-up educators in West being written by billionaires.
NYSUT’S ENDORSEMENT SUCCESS Virginia, Arizona and Oklahoma Feb. 27
BOCES Lobby Day
March 1–2
NYSUT Health and Safety
Kudos to New York’s 98 new NBCTs Conference, Saratoga
March 4–5
N
YSUT congratulates the state’s Class of 2018 by offering informational programs, support and ad- NYSUT Committee of 100
National Board Certified Teachers, with 98 vice through online discussion forums, writing retreats legislative meetings, Albany
New York teachers recently notified they have and professional development through its Education &
achieved the prestigious national credential. Learning Trust. The union also works with teacher centers
New York State now leads the northeast, with a total of to support candidates.
2,016 NBCTs. In addition to the new NBCTs, 52 teachers In addition, NYSUT was instrumental in gaining the
ON THE COVER
successfully renewed their certification. state’s Albert Shanker Grants that cover individual costs
Created by teachers for teachers, National Board for National Board Certification. Local unions have negoti- Students from Shell Bank
Certification is the profession’s mark of accomplished ated numerous benefits for NBCTs, including salary step Intermediate School in Brooklyn
teaching. It is a voluntary, rigorous, peer-reviewed process increases, release time or stipends for achievement. receive a helping paw from school
that takes hundreds of hours. For a list of the newest NBCTs, go to www.nysut.org/ comfort dog Shelby.
NYSUT Executive Vice President Jolene DiBrango said nbct and watch for more detailed coverage in the next Cover photo by Denise Atwood.
the union strongly supports national board candidates issue of NYSUT United.
www.nysut.org January/February 2019 |3
[ FIGHTING FOR YOU ]
From study halls and ivied walls to the halls of power
Educators ride union support to election victories
By Ned Hoskin in District 3.
nhoskin@nysutmail.org “NYSUT’s pipeline
project is building a
N
record of winners,”
YSUT
said President Andy
members
Pallotta, “winners
PHOTOS: PROVIDED
know like
who share our
nobody else knows: values.”
Educators get stuff The project pro-
done! vides training and
So when making resources for NYSUT
Attorney General State Senator Assemblymember Assemblymember
endorsements for the members who want
Letitia James Monica Martinez Monica Wallace Patrick Burke
2018 general elec- to run for local or
tions, it’s no state offices. Contact your local
coincidence that many of the can- president if you are interested.
didates the union backed — and Check out these other winners
elected — are actually members of from November.
Our Union. n Michelle Roman, a member of
Letitia James, the attorney gen- the Holley Central Schools TA and
eral elect, is an adjunct lecturer at a graduate of NYSUT’s Member
Empire State College and a member Organizing Institute, was elected
of United University Professions, mayor of Lockport.
which represents academic and n Nicole Terminelli, Massena
professional faculty on state- Federation of Teachers, was
Lockport Mayor St. Lawrence Co. Legislator Mount Pleasant Town Board Member
operated SUNY campuses. Michelle Roman Nicole Terminelli Francesca Hagadus elected to the St. Lawrence County
Assemblymember Monica Wallace Legislature.
won a second term representing the n Francesca Hagadus, a retiree
143rd Assembly District. She is an left his position as an adjunct lecturer public higher education,” said UUP from the Chappaqua Congress
adjunct instructor at the University of political science at SUNY Buffalo to President Fred Kowal. of Teachers, earned a seat on the
of Buffalo School of Law and a UUP run for the Assembly. Also successful in November was Mount Pleasant Town Board.
member. Patrick Burke who pulled “We couldn’t be happier for Team Monica Martinez, a former teacher n Brian Lavine, a member of
an upset win to take the 142nd state UUP — three dedicated, hard- and member of the Brentwood NYSUT Retiree Council 12, was
Assembly District seat, was a UUP working unionists who recognize Teachers Association on Long Island, elected to the Cobleskill Town
member until last January when he the relevance of organized labor and who was elected to the state Senate Council.
Enhanced MOE would ease financial burdens for campuses
By Ned Hoskin that are now being absorbed by its — and covers mandatory costs that required costs, such as utilities, build-
nhoskin@nysutmail.org four-year campuses. are now swallowing up tuition dol- ing rentals, faculty pay and benefits,
“Strong, well-funded SUNY and lars — SUNY and CUNY four-year and the so-called TAP Gap.
I
n a December public hearing CUNY systems benefit all New campuses can better meet students’ Pallotta was joined in testimony
before the Assembly Higher Yorkers and are the pathway to the educational needs.” by Fred Kowal, president of United
Education Committee, the union middle class for so many students Pallotta urged swift enactment of University Professions, NYSUT’s
called on state legislators to invest and families,” said NYSUT President legislation to require the state to sup- affiliate at State University of New
more in its public higher education Andy Pallotta. “When the state drives port its SUNY Health Science Centers
systems in 2019 and to cover costs more funding to these institutions and fund more of the system’s
Continued on page 5 ...
4| January/February 2019 Official Publication of NYSUT
[ FIGHTING FOR YOU ]
Pallotta: APPR is job one for new Legislature
By Ned Hoskin last spring should equitable state aid more equitable and affordable for lo-
nhoskin@nysutmail.org be reintroduced for schools and cal institutions, including exemptions
when the 2019 public higher for certain capital expenses, manda-
I
n April, it looked like a slam dunk. session education. tory costs and security investments.
NYSUT-backed legislation to opens in Virtually The union also seeks to eliminate the
fix the broken test-and-punish January, every pro- undemocratic 60 percent superma-
teacher evaluation system had strong he said. gressive jority requirement to pass a local
bipartisan support in both houses. Pallotta Democrat budget that exceeds the cap. NYSUT
By the end of June, thanks to the promised who maintains the new Senate could re-
cynical Republican leadership in NYSUT ran for move many of the obstacles to these
the Senate, it rolled to a stop like a will work office cam- common-sense proposals.
deflated basketball. with the paigned
As we prepare for the 2019 legisla- Assembly and on the need Charter schools
tive session in New York, the game the Senate, now to provide more Thanks to campaign donations
has changed. led by Democrats state funding for from wealthy, private supporters of
Thanks in large part to the union’s who owe their powerful local districts. Advocates the charter school industry, the pub-
support, Democrats won enough majority to support from our union say the state’s 2003 Foundation licly funded but privately operated
state Senate races in November’s members, to pass a bill again. Aid Formula, which was supposed schools have enjoyed benevolent
general elections to secure a majority “Our bill was derailed by senators to ensure fairer, more predictable backing from Senate Republicans.
for the first time since 2010, and in who voted to enrich their anti-union, distribution of aid, has never been NYSUT supported numerous
the process gained control of the anti-public-education donors at the implemented and the state owes bil- progressive Democrats who want
New York State Legislature. It’s time expense of students, parents and lions to districts. to increase oversight, transparency
for a reset. educators,” Pallotta said. “We need NYSUT also will continue to and accountability of the schools.
“Now that we have a new Senate, to complete that legislative commit- work with the Assembly and the Proposals to regulate them more
we would hope that their first ment to local control and collective new Senate leadership to ensure closely routinely failed in the GOP-
order of business would be to fix bargaining.” adequate and equitable funding for controlled Senate.
this broken testing and evaluation What else does the change of our chronically underfunded public The state recently approved more
system,” President Andy Pallotta told power mean in the new legislative higher education systems. charter school openings in New York
Newsday. The Annual Professional session? City, moving closer to a legal limit on
Performance Review law that was Tax cap how many charters can operate in the
passed almost unanimously by Funding NYSUT has advocated many com- state. The industry will be lobbying
the Assembly and blocked by the For years, NYSUT has worked with mon-sense changes to the ill-con- to raise that limit, and NYSUT will be
Republican leadership in the Senate Assembly Democrats to seek more ceived tax cap law that could make it working to cap it.
York state-operated campuses, and shuttering departments to close defi-
Barbara Bowen, president of the cits in their budgets.” From left, PSC
President Barbara
Professional Staff Congress, the affili- Bowen testified, “In the absence
Bowen, UUP
ate at City University of New York. of a full MOE, CUNY is being forced President Fred
Kowal called for an “enhanced” to cannibalize its own inadequate Kowal and NYSUT
Maintenance of Effort that “would budget to cover costs that should be President Andy
Pallotta call on
provide much-needed operational automatically funded by New York lawmakers to invest
support for financially beleaguered State.” more in its public
SUNY campuses, several of which You can find links to NYSUT’s full higher education
systems.
are facing the grim possibility of testimony, as well as that of UUP and
curtailing or cutting programs and PSC, at www.nysut.org.
EL-WISE NOISETTE
www.nysut.org January/February 2019 |5
[ FIGHTING FOR YOU ]
Activism, capacity building
focus of NYSUT Women’s Committee EL-WISE NOISETTE
By Kara Smith DiBrango called on members
ksmith@nysutmail.org to grow the number of women in
leadership roles in their locals and to
A
prepare for the statewide network of
isha Cook is a woman of
women’s marches in January. The
action. So when members
meeting featured committee sub-
of the NYSUT Women’s
groups on women’s health, sexual
Committee were called on to form
harassment, coalition building, men-
women’s groups back in their com-
toring and women in leadership.
munities, Cook went to work.
With 70 members, the group
Using the 10-step guide the com-
has raised more than $2,800 for
mittee developed to help members
EL-WISE NOISETTE REBECCA MILLER the NYSUT Disaster Relief Fund,
organize women’s committees
hosted a booth at the 2018 NYSUT
locally, Cook posted a sign up sheet Clockwise from top: Members of the NYSUT Women’s Committee met in November to plan for the year Representative Assembly and high-
and background information at a ahead. Aisha Cook, New Rochelle Federation of United School Employees, has already started a women’s
committee in her local. NYSUT Executive Vice President Jolene DiBrango addresses Women’s Committee lighted stories of inspiring NYSUT
“sticking with our union” party her
members. women using a ‘HERstory’ article tem-
local hosted in November. “About
plate. To see examples, visit nysut.
10 women signed up that day,”
deciding whether we want to stay President Jolene DiBrango, commit- org/women and click “HERstories.”
said Cook, vice president of the
local or travel to the Washington, D.C., tee chair, encouraged members to The NYSUT Women’s Committee
New Rochelle Federation of United
march,” said Cook noting that future keep standing strong. aims to educate female members
School Employees. She hopes to
plans include a Women’s History “While it has been an incredible about the work of the union, and
grow the committee to 30. “I also
Month commemoration in March, and year of resistance, persistence, soli- highlight issues important to women,
wrote about it in our newsletter and
hosting speakers from a local domes- darity and sisterhood, it has also been including inequalities in pay, health
got some more sign-ups from that.”
tic violence prevention organization. an incredibly painful year for so many care and education for women.
At a late November organizing
Be the change of us,” said DiBrango citing attacks Follow the committee on Facebook
meeting, the fledgling New Rochelle
Forming local committees isn’t the on women’s rights and voter suppres- or Instagram at NYSUTwomen, or on
committee discussed plans for the
only charge from the NYSUT commit- sion. “We can’t look away and stop Twitter @NYSUTWomensComm —
women’s march in January and
tee meeting. NYSUT Executive Vice engaging and advocating — we must be sure to use #NYSUTWomen.
made posters for the event. “We’re
be the change we want and deserve.”
6| January/February 2019 Official Publication of NYSUT
[ FIGHTING FOR YOU ]
Beat back the TEACH Grant loan
union busters relief available
By Ned Hoskin Go to nysut.org/unionbusters to By Kara Smith improperly filed paperwork resulted
nhoskin@nysutmail.org download and print signs to display ksmith@nysutmail.org in some grants being converted into
on your front door: “Anti-union solici- loans, leaving many participants
U I
tors aren’t welcome here. I’m sticking f you’re an educator who had your deep in debt. A DOE audit found that
nion busters from
with our union!” federal TEACH Grant converted these errors by the company hired to
NewChoiceNY, funded
Read and share the handy FAQ into an interest-bearing loan, manage the program affected more
by billionaires like Betsy
guide. It explains that the can- you may be eligible for debt relief. than 12,000 educators — one in
DeVos, have sent paid canvassers to
vassers are working to limit The U.S. Education Department an- three program participants.
spend the holiday season
the voices of teachers and nounced a plan in December to give TEACH Grants require educators
knocking on doors and
working people so that teachers a chance to have their loans to submit paperwork annually for
dropping anti-union
NewChoiceNY can push converted back into grants. four years certifying that they teach
literature at homes of
“What a relief,” said Morgan in a low-income school. However, the
union members. They its anti-union, anti-public
Jackson, Medina Teachers paperwork is notoriously confusing
even paid people to services agenda.
Association, in response to a NYSUT and the deadlines varied.
dress up like elves and At our web page you’ll
Facebook post announcing the deci- For more info, visit www.student
wander the Empire also find a video to view
sion. “Thank you to everyone who aid.gov/teach-reconsideration.
State Plaza harassing and share that urges mem-
bers to “Say No to Betsy” and spoke up and fought this battle. I’m
public employees.
her union-busting buddies. Share the forever grateful.”
So far, the doorknockers have
Since it began in 2008, the
LET US KNOW
gone to the homes of members in link nysut.org/saynotobetsy.
Teacher Education Assistance for We want to hear from you.
the Capital Region and Western New Finally, report any union bust-
Were you caught in the TEACH Grant
ers who knock on your door to our College and Higher Education Grant
York. If they darken your door, here’s net and will now go through the recon-
Member Relations Teams at program has recruited talented
what you can do to stand strong: sideration process? Please share your
unionbusters@nysutmail.org. educators into hard-to-fill jobs in
stories at united@nysutmail.org.
lower-income school districts. But
Why NYSUT is challenging SED’s power grab
By Matthew E. Bergeron Law clearly says that “such an obli- designated as “comprehensive TA, led by Adam Urbanski, have al-
NYSUT’s Office of General Counsel gation does not compel either party support and improvement,” or CSI ready negotiated contract provisions
to agree to a proposal or require the schools, to change their collective that outline very specific teacher
N
ew York’s Taylor Law gives making of a concession.” bargaining agreements to limit teach- transfer rights. What these regula-
workers the right to form NYSUT’s Office of General Counsel ers who can transfer into CSI schools tions do is require unions to throw
unions to act as their voice filed a lawsuit in state court — with to those only with either “effective” or out their pre-existing, collectively bar-
on the job and negotiate their terms the union, NYSUT President Andy “highly effective” APPR ratings; and gained transfer rights. The problem
and conditions of employment. The Pallotta, the Syracuse Teachers n Where a school has either been is, under the current state of the law,
process of collective bargaining is Association and the Rochester TA as phased out or closed under the new the Board of Regents cannot order
tantamount to a blank canvas, and plaintiffs — challenging the Board of regulations and the district opens unions to change their contracts;
unless the State Legislature says oth- Regents’ adoption of certain regula- a new school in its place, teachers only the State Legislature can do
erwise, the possibilities of what can tions it claims are necessary to imple- transferring into that school must also that. And, in fact, ESSA itself says that
be put on that canvas are nearly end- ment the recently adopted federal be rated either “effective” or “highly it was not intended to interfere with
less. Collective bargaining is about Every Student Succeeds Act. effective.” rights under existing contracts or the
give and take. It is a back-and-forth Specifically, the challenged regu- These regulations were adopted Taylor Law.
process and while each side must lations do two things: irrespective of the fact that many We hope to receive a decision
bargain in “good faith,” the Taylor n The regulations require dis- locals, including the Syracuse TA, led sometime in the Spring of 2019.
tricts with schools that have been by Megan Root, and the Rochester
www.nysut.org January/February 2019 |7
[ RESOURCES FOR YOU ]
Free Black History Month poster Coding 101
NYSUT cel- In 1963, Code.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to
ebrates Black Hamer was ar- expanding access to computer science in schools
History Month in rested for sitting and increasing participation by women and under-
February with a in a “whites- represented minorities, offers free coding for students
poster highlighting only” restaurant in grades K–12. Free courses for educators are also
Fannie Lou Hamer in Charleston, available.
(1917–1977), an South Carolina. The organization, which sponsors the annual Hour
American civil Brutally beaten of Code campaign, offers courses in more than 50
rights, voting and while jailed, she languages. Visit https://code.org to set up an
women’s rights suffered lifelong account and start taking free courses.
activist, Hamer injuries, a blood
co-founded and clot in her eye and
vice-chaired kidney and leg Teaching through times of crisis
the Mississippi damage.
Freedom Hamer an- “Student dies after shooting at North Carolina high school”
Democratic nounced her
“Democrats targeted in wave of mail bomb deliveries”
Party, which candidacy for the
challenged Mississippi House
the all-white of Representatives When America major national and inter-
Mississippi delegation’s in 1964, but was grapples with tragedy national news stories.
efforts to block African American blocked from the ballot. In 1970, she and crisis, educators SML partners with
participation at the 1964 Democratic led legal action against Sunflower grapple with how to help “PBS NewsHour Extra”
National Convention. County, Mississippi, for continued their students under- and other education
Hamer also worked with the illegal segregation. Hamer was post- stand, process and cope. organizations. Each
Student Nonviolent Coordinating humously inducted into the National And with crises coming resource features a video,
Committee to organize Mississippi’s Women’s Hall of Fame in 1993. discussion questions
fast and furious, it can be
Freedom Summer, and co-founded Printable posters can be down-
hard to keep up and find and extension activities,
the National Women’s Political loaded or ordered at www.nysut.
appropriate, vetted ma- as well as links to related
Caucus, an organization that recruit- org/poster. You will need your mem-
terials to guide students classroom resources.
ed, trained and supported women of ber ID to place orders.
through these important Recent topics in-
all races who sought elected office.
discussions. clude suicide preven-
The American tion; immigrant family
STEM Institute seeks presenters Federation of Teachers’ separations; gun violence
Share My Lesson and mass shootings;
The New “STEM Connects offers “Today’s News, voter suppression;
York State STEM ALL: Never Too Early Tomorrow’s Lesson” — education and the Pittsburgh synagogue
Collaborative — Never Too Late” resources designed to help teachers shooting. For the full topic list,
Summer Institute is is the theme for the and students identify the who, what, visit https://sharemylesson.com/
set for July 28–30 2019 conference. where and why-it-matters of the todays-news-tomorrows-lesson.
at Alfred State, To submit pre-
SUNY College sentation proposals,
of Technology. visit www.nys
A.C. Moore teacher rewards
Interested in stemeducation. A.C. Moore, a retailer of arts and percent on almost every item in the
presenting? The org. Online hous- crafts supplies, offers a free store. The program also
Institute is accept- ing and registration rewards program with includes a $10 certificate
ing presentations links open April special discounts for for every $200 spent in a
and poster presentations that ad- 15. Attendees can earn up to 18 educators, students and 12-month period.
dress learning levels K–20 and dem- Continuing Teacher and Leader members of the military. For more information,
onstrate how to integrate two or more Education professional development The teacher program visit www.acmoore.
STEM/STEAM learning disciplines. hours. includes discounts of 15 com/loyaltyprogram.
8| January/February 2019 Official Publication of NYSUT
[ OUR SRP S ]
Getting to know ... Anne Raymond
Anne Raymond is an educational and my first union meeting ever was members working in 22 component
materials aide at “The Barn” BOCES as an infant in my car seat with my schools spread across two coun-
Center in Olean and co-president mom! She would take me to pickets ties, Cattaraugus and Allegany. It’s
of the BOCES Educational Support of all kinds. My mom, Mary Raymond, difficult to get union news to every
Personnel Association. She was modeled unionism for me, and she member so our executive board has
interviewed by Claudia Leone, a still does. As a NYSUT retiree my come up with a plan to have building
member of the Brocton TA and mom is president of Retiree Council reps reach out to our members. We
NYSUT’s SRP Advisory Committee. 4, a retiree delegate to the NYSUT hope that this quick dissemination
Representative Assembly and a mem- of information will aid in member en-
Tell us about your job and ber of the NYSUT Member Organizing gagement. Prior to and since Janus, I
why you love what you do. Institute. have had many, many conversations
I was a special education teacher In my own union, I was “voluntold” with members helping them under-
aide for 16 years. I needed a change by the then president that I should be stand the value of their union.
and when my current position treasurer. Currently, I am co-president Town Justice. As a first time candi-
opened up, I jumped at the chance to with Deanne Steffenhagen. I also Tell me about your commu- date, I received almost 40 percent
work in another division. I love my job serve as the VOTE-COPE and PAC nity engagement, hobbies. of the votes. I am the treasurer
because it’s teaching me that BOCES chair, and RA delegate. I organized a weekly picket at my for the Democratic Committee in
is more than special education and current congressional representa- Cattaraugus County. Political action
Career and Technical Education. How do you make a tive’s office in Olean, NY (Tom Reed). is my hobby because despite how
difference? All members of the community were you may feel about politics, politics
How did you get involved in I help guide my executive board invited to join the picket line. I also are very interested in you. On a lighter
your union? toward a member engagement became involved in local politics side I enjoy classic literature, and
I come from a pro-union household focused agenda. My local has in 2017 when I ran for Allegany music of all kinds.
2018 SRP Recognition Day
South Countr
ers Guard Associatiyon
@CuseTeach chers
@GreeceTea Valhalla TA
@UFTParas PHOTOS: PROVIDED
Albany Public School
Valley Central TA United Employees
www.nysut.org January/February 2019 |9
[ CHECK IT OUT ] [ TEACHING & LEARNING ]
The Poetry
Friday
Anthology BOCES union leaders voice concerns
for Middle
School on staff shortages, increased violence
Compiled by:
Sylvia Vardell and By Sylvia Saunders frustration that administrators accept counselors to work with teachers.
Janet Wong ssaunder@nysutmail.org students with disabilities who need NYSUT’s David Rothfuss, an expert
Recommended by: Jennifer Groff, 1:1 supervision before the necessary on special education services, urged
C
librarian, Lincoln Middle School, staff person is hired. leaders to pay close attention to doc-
oncerned with the violent
Syracuse Teachers Association “It’s just expected we’ll fill in the umentation — filing incident reports,
conditions in too many
Suitable for: Middle school students, gaps when a classroom is out of com- keeping copies of communication
BOCES classrooms, union
teachers, librarians pliance,” said one BOCES leader. “It’s with administration and parents, and
leaders say a critical shortage of staff
Why I chose this book: Educators can exacerbates an already challenging a huge frustration.” participating in districtwide school
easily use this book to integrate poetry Leaders shared ideas on contract safety teams.
learning environment.
into classroom curriculum or school- language that could help. Douglas NYSUT Executive Vice President
“We’re losing staff and we’re burn-
wide practice. The book provides strate- Andreotti of United Staff Association Jolene DiBrango discussed the
ing (people) out,” said Tracie Clark,
gies and tips on how to teach about of Putnam and Northern Westchester
president of Onondaga-Cortland- union’s “Take a Look at Teaching”
each poem, which scaffolds success for
Madison BOCES Federation of BOCES said the union pushed for a initiative and urged BOCES leaders
teachers who may be hesitant when it
Teachers. plan on how to appropriately move to consider hosting events to explore
comes to introducing poetry.
There were knowing nods around staff when colleagues are sick. ways to recruit and retain high-need
What I like best: The book is divided
the room as about 30 local union Some unions have won contract special education and Career and
by grade level and provides a poem and
leaders gathered in December for provisions that ensure injured staffers Technical Education staffers.
subject for each week, and includes
NYSUT’s BOCES Leadership Council. out on worker’s compensation do NYSUT Legislative staffer Jackie
poems by diverse, contemporary
voices. Poets include Cynthia Cotten, One upstate leader noted her staff not lose pay. Another leader shared Paredes said the union will be
who is also a children’s book author; has already had 10 serious injuries — how a successful grievance forced advocating for, among other things,
Jacqueline Jules, picture book author; more than they usually experience in the district to provide bite guards and a workplace violence safety bill at
Debbie Levy, a children’s author who an entire school year. protective gloves. BOCES Lobby Day on Feb. 27.
has written books about Ruth Bader Leaders of BOCES around the United BOCES TA President “It makes a real impression to have
Gingsberg and Martin Luther King; and state reported an uptick in staff inju- John Dedrick said his Cattaraugus- the students with you” at lobby day,
Mary Quattlebaum, who writes fiction for ries and tremendous difficulty hiring Allegany-Erie-Wyoming BOCES is said Jim Beck of BOCES Educators
children. — and keeping — teaching assis- having good success with a new of Eastern Suffolk. “It changes the
How teachers can use this book: tants and aides. They also expressed model that increased the number of whole dynamic.”
As a starting point, teachers can follow
the “Take 5” suggestions that are given
for each poem. They can also use the
poems to build a classroom collection Union social justice initiatives
that can be used to connect to content
area, to provide free reading choice, or support causes near and far
as another resource for creating posters
NYSUT members looking to support efforts to create a more
and other activities.
just economy in developing nations, while boosting their
About the author: Visit www.janet
statewide union’s disaster relief efforts, can now do both at
wong.org to learn about this children’s
once — thanks to a new partnership with Fair Trade coffee
book author and poet; or www.sylvia
vardell.com to learn about Vardell, who distributor Dean’s Beans.
is a professor of children’s and young Under the agreement, members and others can purchase
adult literature who has published five special NYSUT-branded coffee — with $2 from each bag of
books on literature. coffee being rebated by Massachusetts-based Dean’s Beans
“Check it Out” features books to NYSUT’s Disaster Relief Fund. NYSUT’s Civil and Human
recommended to teachers and parents Rights Committee, working with Secretary-Treasurer Philippe
by school librarians and other educators. Abraham, right, is spearheading the project. The commit-
Have a recommendation? Send tee works tirelessly on Fair Trade and other social justice
suggestions, along with your name and issues. To learn more — and order coffee — visit nysut.org/
local union, to lfrenett@nysutmail.org.
deansbeans. EL-WISE NOISETTE
10 | January/February 2019 Official Publication of NYSUT[ TEACHING & LEARNING ]
Lifesavers make headlines and heartlines
By Liza Frenette contacted his daughter Elizabeth.
lfrenett@nysutmail.org Weaver and the crew of hero
O
teachers gathered at St. Joseph’s
neida teacher Shannon Hospital that October morning to
Weaver pulled into the await the outcome of Haag’s surgery.
parking lot for her last He had one artery that was 100
Saturday morning class in a graduate percent blocked, and another that
course, spotting a car on the grass was partially blocked. Doctors put
and a classmate standing nearby. stents in.
She jumped out of her car and saw Robinson said that when doctors
their course instructor, Fred Haag, wheeled him out of surgery, Haag
out cold in the driver’s seat of his car. looked around at his students and
“Fred was lying back in his seat, said, “I hope everybody picked up
his eyes closed. He was not respond- their homework.”
ing,” she said. The support from Haag’s students
After quickly assessing the situa- didn’t end at his rescue. Robinson
tion she opened the car door, low- PHOTOS: MARK WARNER helped set up an online meal sched-
ered the seat back, and began chest North Syracuse Education Association retiree and NYSUT ELT instructor Fred Haag reunites with his uler and teachers signed up to bring
compressions. rescuer, Shannon Weaver, Oneida Teachers Association. Weaver performed lifesaving CPR on Haag. Haag three weeks worth of healthy
A volleyball coach certified in CPR meals.
and defibrillator use, Weaver had “The EMTs said if I hadn’t started and said he’d had some pain across Robinson has taken many ELT
practiced on a mannequin, but never compressions, he would’ve died,” his chest and back. courses with Haag, a very popular
on an actual person. She pushed on Weaver said. “We couldn’t convince him to go regional instructor. This gradu-
his lifeless chest, while her Oneida Once Haag started breathing, the to Urgent Care or the emergency ate course was “Making Thinking
Teachers Association colleague 911 operator gave instructions to room,” Robinson said. But she in- Visible,” which included discussions
Kathy Zangrilli ran into the NYSUT stop CPR, but he had Spinelli tell him sisted on following him home. on the laws of attraction — drawing
Central New York regional office for each time Haag took a breath. The trip was brief. people to you that you need.
an Automated External Defibrillator. “I’ve never called 911 for a medical “We weren’t on the main highway Weaver finds that surreal.
Teacher Cristi Spinelli relayed infor- emergency before and it was very yet and he pulled his car off the road.”
mation from the 911 operator she hard to stay calm, but I tried my best,” Haag only
had on the phone. said Spinelli, a third-grade teacher recalls that he
Weaver worked. and member of the Fayetteville- was driving
Chest compressions, rescue Manlius TA. and “things
breaths. Chest compressions, rescue Haag, a retiree from the North began to ...
breaths. Syracuse Education Association, swirl around in
“It was instinctual,” Weaver said. recalls feeling unwell and sweaty my head, and
“You recall everything you learned when he woke up that morning. He I said, ‘I can’t
but you don’t realize you’re recall- decided he would go into class to be driving
ing it as you’re doing it. It was a very drop off paperwork and instructions, like this.’” He
stressful moment. Emotions were then come home and rest. pulled over.
high.” He has taught for NYSUT’s When he
Finally, she heard Haag breathe. Education & Learning Trust for woke up at
“He gasped for air as he came decades. the hospital,
back. I could feel his pulse again.” Early to class, Beth Robinson, a several of his
The AED wasn’t needed, and the member of the Fayetteville-Manlius students were
ambulance arrived within minutes. there and had From left, Fred Haag’s rescue team included fellow educators Shannon Weaver,
TA, noticed that Haag looked gray
Christi Spinelli and Beth Robinson.
www.nysut.org January/February 2019 | 11[ TEACHING & LEARNING ]
These schools have gone to the dogs
By Liza Frenette in the fur of unconditional love; or the also receive training in the member becomes a dog’s owner.
lfrenett@nysutmail.org third-graders learning self control by Mutt-i-grees curriculum. They make sure students who have
watching a dog model behavioral in- The comfort dog program kicked a fear of dogs are not in contact with
O
live has a black button structions. Dogs are used for counsel- off at Shell Bank Intermediate School the animal unless they choose.
nose so shiny it would ing, speech therapy, reading, trauma in Brooklyn. The school began using Students help train the dogs, learn-
make a snowman jealous. response, social-emotional learning the Mutt-i-grees program to focus on ing patience. They attend classes
Shelby was rescued from a shelter. and test anxiety. respect and empathy. in animal behavior. They discuss
Brody gets called to the principal’s The New York City Department of “I was looking for something feelings and emotions. They are
office every day — but it’s no big deal Education announced it will expand different for SEL,” said Terri Ahearn, given tasks to help care for the dog,
because that’s where he works now. its comfort dog program from 45 to school principal and former special learning responsibility.
Who let these dogs out? Mutts and 60 schools by the end of this school education teacher. When shelter Studies have shown students who
pedigrees are sniffing and pawing year. That leap follows an increase in dogs were invited to the school so help with duties for the dog dramati-
their way into the textured lexicon 2017 from seven schools to 30. students could interact with the ani- cally improve their attendance. One
of social-emotional learning (SEL). The DOE works with each school mals, United Federation of Teachers child at Shell Bank went from 47
Ask the little boy from a distressing to adopt a rescue animal that has member Denise Atwood fell for a soft percent to 89 percent and is now in
home life who now lights up when he been evaluated by North Shore gray-and-white border collie rescue. a veterinary studies program in high
comes into school, wrapping himself Animal League America. Schools can She adopted the dog, named her school.
Shelby (after the school), and “We have kids with all different
started bringing her to work. types of needs,” said Atwood, who
Banksy, Bruno and Molly retired but still works at Shell Bank
then joined the lineup, work- in after-school programs and as a
ing as therapy dogs, hall moni- substitute teacher. “We had a kid
tors and calming canines with who wouldn’t get off the bus. They
teachers, school counselors put Shelby on the bus and he walked
and social workers. him off.”
Brody is joined in the prin- The Guilderland Central School
cipal’s office by Laney, a four- District in the Capital Region is a
legged pal who assists school study in the success of using dogs in
secretary and UFT member schools.
Kieran O’Sullivan. Kate Tymeson has been an
A trainer works with all elementary teacher for 19 years, but
the dogs. Ahearn said seven only became the owner of a school
families have also adopted dog this year. Olive lopes around her
shelter dogs after parents saw classroom with 40 pounds of labra-
the positive effects on their doodle love.
children. “After enough years in the district,
“Molly is used to minimize seeing the needs that kids come to
shutting down and withdraw- school with, I thought it would relieve
ing for a child with autistim. It some of their stress,” said Tymeson,
used to take this student 30– a member of the Guilderland Central
40 minutes to speak up, but Teachers Association. Olive also
with the dog, she pets it, and works with school counselor Jenny
she starts talking openly,” said Riley and her students twice a week.
counselor Michael Hanna. “To Olive is kept on leash, and she is
EL-WISE NOISETTE
get a student to open up and hypoallergenic, as are all of the dogs
This school year is the first with a therapy dog for Kate Tymeson, an elementary teacher and communicate is important.” used in Guilderland schools.
member of the Guilderland Central Teachers Association. Olive, an 8-month-old labradoodle, Typically, a teacher, school
works with several classes in the building.
health care professional or staff Continued on page 13
12 | January/February 2019 Official Publication of NYSUT[ TEACHING & LEARNING ]
Shelby, a therapy dog at Shell Bank Intermediate School in Brooklyn is one Culturally responsive
of several dogs in the Comfort Dog Program in New York City schools.
teaching: Celebrating
diversity in our schools
“They look 2016. Ricchetti was honored for her
out for her. It gets work with animal-assisted education NYSUT is soliciting authors for an
them thinking as New York’s School Social Worker upcoming installment of Educator’s
about someone of the Year in 2018 by the National Voice, its journal of best practices.
else. That’s not Association of School Social Workers. Volume XII will explore culturally re-
easy when you’re Brain research shows that dogs sponsive teaching. The deadline for
5,” said kinder- can improve behavioral and physi- proposals is Jan. 22.
garten teacher cal health in humans due to a brain Culturally responsive teaching
Christina Ryan. chemical called oxytocin, which is encourages all students to share
GCTA mem- linked to a desire to be more socially their own perspectives, experiences
ber Catherine connected, Ricchetti said. and differences to foster a commu-
nity of learning that nurtures these
Ricchetti is a ”Looking into a dog’s eyes
characteristics and incorporates
school social increases the oxytocin in a person’s
them into the fabric of the school.
worker who first brain. When we think of a child who
Editors are seeking articles that
began the use is struggling to connect socially, who
document CRT practices across
of therapy dogs is sad, anxious, depressed, new to the
K–12 or in partnership with higher
in her district, school — we give them access to a
education. For more info, or to
which authorized dog so we can increase their desire to download the call for proposals, vis-
seven more connect socially.” it www.nysut.org/educatorsvoice.
DENISE ATWOOD
therapy dogs in
NYSUT members
save on the #1
pet insurance
Visit memberbenefits.nysut.org
and click on “Insurance”
or call toll-free 866-838-3461.
The pet insurance program from Nationwide® is a NYSUT Member Benefits Corporation (Member Benefits)-endorsed program. Member Benefits
has an endorsement arrangement of 5% of net base premium for this program. 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.
Underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company (CA), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2017); National Casualty Company (all
other states), Columbus, OH, an A.M. Best A+ rated company (2017). Agency of Record: DVM Insurance Agency. Nationwide, the Nationwide N
and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. Third party marks are the property of their
respective owners. ©2018 Nationwide. 18GRP5762
www.nysut.org January/February 2019 | 13WrapPlan® II Flexible Premium Adjustable Universal Life Insurance
Help protect your family,
finances and future
Make sure you have the life insurance you need
at a rate you can afford!
Prepare now with WrapPlan® II Universal Life Insurance endorsed by the NYSUT
Member Benefits Trust. Flexible benefits supplement your term life coverage today
and increase to fill the gap when your term life insurance plan decreases or terminates.
• Apply for up to $300,000 of coverage • No medical exam or blood tests*
• Tax-deferred growth - Minimum • Retirees are eligible for a maximum
guaranteed rate of 4.00% benefit amount of $100,000
• Apply through age 70 • Protection up to age 95
WrapPlan II is available to you as a NYSUT member. This innovative Universal Life
Insurance policy allows you to purchase life insurance coverage that increases when your
existing term life insurance decreases or terminates.
* Acceptance will be based upon answers to questions on your application.
Lock in the low rate for your age today.
Call now toll-free to learn more!
866-697-8897
or visit www.nywrapplan.com
Underwritten by Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Company, Harrison, NY. Policy Form number FPWRAPUL and FCWRAPUL.
Limitations and exclusions may apply. Refer to the policy, certificate and riders for complete details.
Transamerica Financial Life Insurance Company’s Flexible Premium Adjustable Life Insurance (WrapPlan® II) is a NYSUT Member Benefits
Trust (Member Benefits)-endorsed program. Member Benefits has an endorsement arrangement of 6.5% of first year premium and 0.195%
of renewal premium, with a guaranteed annual minimum amount of $100,000 for this program. 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.
This material was prepared for general distribution. It is being provided for informational purposes only and
should not be viewed as an investment recommendation. If you need advice regarding your particular
investment needs, please contact a financial professional.
EBD ECNYSUTAD 1117
14 | January/February 2019 Official Publication of NYSUT[ TEACHING & LEARNING ]
Teacher of the Year finalist shares his award
with a special former teacher
By Sylvia Saunders three days of Green’s relentless inter-
ssaunder@nysutmail.org ruptions, Higgins kicked him out.
‘‘This is not a mandatory program,”
W
hen Teacher of the Year Higgins said. “You may leave. Now. “
finalists are formally That summer Green did a lot of
recognized by the Board soul searching and wanted to start
of Regents, they typically bring their his high school career with a better
parents, spouse or a special student attitude. But when he walked into first
to join them for the big honor. period class at his new school, he was
For Bronx science teacher William shocked to see Higgins standing in
Green, the choice was unconven- front of his ninth-grade English class.
tional but simple: He brought Jane “Imagine out of 350 high schools
Kehoe-Higgins, a former teacher who in New York City, we ended up to-
literally saved his life. gether again,” Green said. “I couldn’t
The moment was not lost on believe it.”
Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa, who Looking back now, he believes
invited Higgins to the front of the their second chance together was
room to join Green for the emotional meant to be.
presentation. “Jane was not only an amazing
English teacher, she was relentless in
terms of fighting for her students — PROVIDED
TAKE A LOOK AT both inside and outside the class- 2019 Teacher of the Year finalist William Green, a member of the United Federation of Teachers,
celebrates the recognition with his former teacher and mentor, Jane Kehoe-Higgins, left, a member
room,” Green said. of the Professional Staff Congress at CUNY, and Regents Chancellor Betty Rosa.
Aside from pushing him academi-
cally, Higgins made sure he had a or dead,” he said. After serving as a science teacher
winter coat and food since she knew The day after high school gradua- at the East River Academy at the
he was living in shelters and squat- tion, Higgins packed up her car and Rikers Island Correctional Facility,
“Billy just shared with me that this
ting in buildings. She guided him to- drove Green to Williams College for Green is now a chemistry teacher,
is the ninth grade teacher who saved
ward books that helped him come to his six-week summer science pro- the science department chair and
him from the streets,” Rosa said. “Billy
terms with his identity as a gay teen- gram. She left him with some cash, a new teacher instructional coach at
spent much of his childhood living on
ager. When his appendix ruptured, phone card and hope. Frederick Douglass Academy III High
the streets and in shelters.”
she met his mother, who struggled “He was entering pre-med, and I School in the South Bronx.
They posed for a photo and Rosa
and Higgins dabbed away tears. with heroin addiction, at the hospital was glad,” she said. “I told him to be He is involved with a wide range of
Truth be told, there have been a and the two stayed in close touch. powerful, make money, dream big! ” community-based programs, includ-
lot of tears — both sad and joyful — “His mom made a great sacrifice When he went to South Africa on ing an LGBTQ support group serving
along Green’s journey to becoming by knowing she needed others to a medical mission, Green discovered more than 150 kids.
one of two finalists for 2019 New York help as she battled the disease of his true love was being an educator. Higgins, who is now director of the
State Teacher of the Year. addiction,” Higgins said. “Without her He also couldn’t forget the last NYC Writing Project at CUNY Lehman
He got off to a rough start with intelligence and love, Billy’s success words that his mom left for him on a College, is glad Green didn’t listen to
Higgins. The two met in an eighth and his place in this world wouldn’t voicemail message, shortly before her and became a teacher.
grade summer school bridge have happened.” she passed away. “I know you think “He chose the right path ... I’m
program. Green said he was totally Higgins later met with his mother I want you to be a doctor,” she said. thrilled that Billy teaches and will
disrespectful and cursed Higgins out, at jail and the two “conspired” to get “Follow your heart. Go with teaching.” move on to a PhD program and help
telling her he didn’t need “some great him out of the city for college. “It really was a calling,” he said. us make change in our education
white savior” like Michelle Pfeiffer in “We knew that if I stayed in the city, “I knew I had to go back to Spanish system,” Higgins said. “He may not be
the movie “Dangerous Minds.” After I would have ended up a drug dealer Harlem and teach It forward.” rich, but he is powerful.”
www.nysut.org January/February 2019 | 15You can also read
