STICKING WITH OUR UNION - WNY locals say: We're 100 percent all in! Are you? - NYSUT
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STICKING WITH
OUR UNION
WNY locals say: We’re
100 percent all in!
www.nysut.org | March/April 2018
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
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OFFICERS:
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President: Andy Pallotta
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Executive Vice President: Jolene T. DiBrango Ronald Verderber, Wayne White, Debra Penny,
Sylvia Saunders, Kara E. Smith, Matt Smith, from September to June.
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Labor Communications Association, Metro ber Benefits Corporation. NYSUT Member Benefits
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Only advertisements from vendors who have been
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& 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:
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Andrew Sako, Serena Kotch (interim)
Blackman-Stroud (State Higher Ed, UUP), Thomas POSTMASTER:
Alternate Director: Sue Raichilson
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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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
Meet School Me, NEA’s new variety of free resources to help
March 6
School NYSUT Board Executive
online tool for educators students cope with traumatic
Crisis Committee meets, Albany
events and national tragedies.
School Me — neatoday.org/schoolme —is a new Guide b e fo r e
They contain methods to help March 9–11
web-based resource from the National Education Help and Healing
in a Time of Crisi
du r i n g
students who are continually s
Somos el Futuro Conference,
Association, one of NYSUT’s national affiliates, to a fte r
help new and early educators grow into seasoned hearing about senseless gun Albany
professionals. violence in or near schools and Produced with generous
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-crisis-guide/.
School Me podcast on iTunes. April 25
If you or someone you know would like to become a NYSUT Board Executive
contributor, encourage them to submit ideas to Women’s history
Celebrate
Women’s
Committee meets, Buffalo
newedsubmissions@nea.org.
Historyposter features
April 25
Online seminar on disability Mary Mary Heaton NYSUT Board of Directors
Heaton Vorse meets, Buffalo
awareness tailored to SRPs Vorse
NYSUT celebrates Women’s
NYSUT’s Education & Learning Trust offers a new
History Month in March — with
1932 — Mary Heaton Vorse, far left,
and fellow activists prepare to leave April 26
online seminar for School-
food
on a relief expedition to provide
for striking miners in Kentucky.
NYSUT Local & Retiree Council
Related Professionals who have a free poster highlighting Mary
Mary Heaton Vorse (1874–1966) was
an American journalist, labor activist,
social critic and novelist. She was active
including women’s suffrage, civil rights
in a number of social justice causes,
and opposition to World War I. Presidents Conference, Buffalo
important roles with students Heaton Vorse (1874–1966) an
In 1962, Vorse became the first recipient
for her work as a labor journalist in
of the United Auto Workers Social
the 1920s and 1930s. Former First
Justice Award
Lady Eleanor Roosevelt
the award ceremony.
and novelist Upton Sinclair attended
with disabilities and who might American journalist, labor activ-
Each year the Metro Labor Communications
Council of New York City awards
R VOI CE
O U OUR
union journalism honor.
The Mary Heaton Vorse Award, its highest
work closely with one student ist, social critic and novelist.
NYSUT, a statewide union of professionals,
Downloadable PDF versions and printed
is proud to honor the contributions of
copies of this poster are free, in limited
For ordering information, visit www.nysut.org/poster.
women throughout history.
quantities, to NYSUT members.
516_18
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 S
seminar, will help SRPs gain a general understanding UR
In 1962, Vorse became the first recipient of the United VA L 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
Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and NYSUT Representative
is relevant whether an SRP works with students in the
novelist Upton Sinclair at- Assembly, Buffalo
special education classroom, on the bus, in the cafete-
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
[ FIGHTING FOR YOU ]
When ‘1-2-1’ equals 100 DENNIS STIERER
pA
bove: 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.
nhoskin@nysutmail.org The commitment to defy the
W
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
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. pF
rom 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
about union solidarity. members of the Newfane Teachers
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 STICKIN
told the crowd at the Day of Action “Here in Newfane, we have a G
in Mahattan’s strong union history, and our mem-
WITH OUR
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
pN
YSUT 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
of unionists with
— conversa- Newfane’s neighbors and 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
T
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-
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.
pT
he 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,
A TRADITION OF STRENGTH
nhoskin@nysutmail.org like never before, is on the line.
In Washington, D.C., and in
I
n the spring of 2017, polls Albany, we face serious threats —
showed that many likely voters to collective bargaining rights, to
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.”
“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,
VOTE-COPE set a record, again,
Only a massive grassroots educa- to pensions, and to Social Security and Medicare. They become
collecting more than $10.7 million
tion campaign by NYSUT members more dire every year. Do your part to fight back: Donate to our in voluntary donations in 2017, a 6.4
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
N
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
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
a state budget hearing on K-12 school aid, of $253 per full-time equivalent student. This
NYSUT opposes any proposal that would allow school districts,
strongly urges the Legislature to provide an would move the state closer to fulfilling its statutory
BOCES and private schools to petition the State Education
increase of $1.5 billion to schools to maintain obligation to provide 40 percent of operating costs to
Department for flexibility in complying with certain special
current academic programs and services for students. An community colleges. The state should implement a multi-year plan to
education requirements. Such action would erode the quality
additional $500 million in funding would support struggling meet this funding obligation.
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
and the state must continue to provide the necessary funding Community schools
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,
tioned to continue to provide care to all, regardless especially due to inadequate health care;
Repeal receivership law
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-
hensive, ongoing professional development and Special Act, 853, 4201 and 4410 Schools
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 –
vices for new educators. Likewise, funding to support National Student opportunity programs receive funding in keeping with surrounding traditional
which educate students with unique physical and
emotional needs – are in dire need of more state
resources. Albany should do everything it can
WATCH THE VIDEO
Board Certification, the highest credential in the teaching public school districts. To learn more, watch
to support these schools and the professional,
dedicated, quality educators who provide
NYSUT urges the Legislature to make a strong critical services to our at-risk students.
profession, should be increased to $1 million to develop, ALBANY our videos at www.nysut.org/specialact.
investment in student financial aid and opportu- DON’T FORGET THESE SCHOOLS
retain and recognize accomplished educators. nity programs. This includes updating the Tuition Representing more than 600,000 professionals
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
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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
msmith@nysutmail.org should join the 37 other states that behind other states not because we
N
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
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 MATT SMITH
Columbia already have some form of
Have to Choose Between their Job deserves a convenient opportunity pA
dvocates 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 on lawmakers to update the state’s
Save Democracy” recently rallied legislative director of the League of
least in part, why only 29 percent of voter laws to allow early voting,
at the state Capitol Women Voters of New York State.
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,”
said
65% of all New Yorkers NO MATTER WHERE THEY LIVE
NYSUT
think New York State should have early voting — Siena Research Institute poll, 2018
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
J
pN
YSUT President
. Philippe Abraham, NYSUT’s April 2017, Abraham is NYSUT’s first
Andy Pallotta,
higher education member to serve
first vice president, was left, and First Vice
as a statewide officer. Abraham is President/Secretary-
elected to the office of secre-
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’s Voice
From The School of Education School in Lackawanna, seeking better pay and project or practice NYSU T’s jour
nal of best
prac tices in
educ ation
a voice in the day-to-day decisions that affect that works well in
At St. Thomas Aquinas College
C a all for
e
P for
rtiCle roPosals
’ V , V . Xii duCator s
your classroom?
oiCe ol
students and staff, have voted to unionize and Culturally Respon
sive
affiliate with NYSUT. Here’s an opportu- Teaching: Celebratin
Diversity in Our Sch g
ools
The School of Education Graduate Programs The 99 teachers and other professionals nity to write about d eadline for
P
it, and to become
: J 15, 2018 roPosal une
at Global Concepts voted overwhelmingly
MSEd Programs last year to organize and form a union — the published in our
For more inform
the author subm
http://www.nysut
ation and to down
ission form, please
load
visit:
The Master of Science in Education programs are
.org/educatorsvoi
member journal.
ce
Global Concepts Charter School Teachers
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
Childhood Education; Childhood and Special Education; “NYSUT is looking forward to being a partner Schools.” Go to www.nysut.org/
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. nysut.org/resources/special-resources
Global Concepts is the ninth charter school
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.
A
education s a member of a NYSUT local union, you are en- The second case
teacher. titled to free legal representation from a NYSUT
attorney should you ever face discipline or
Four weeks after the first case was dismissed, admin-
istrators brought a second 3020-a case against Smith,
Administrators discharge. Here’s how one member was helped. Any
seeking her termination for an alleged incident in the
identifying information has been changed to protect
same school year. These charges alleged that Smith
want the the NYSUT member’s identity.
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.”
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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
lfrenett@nysutmail.org TA, are raising funds for the island. To see the video, visit http://
program. bit.ly/2ozysEP. Other fundraising
L 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
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. pJ
ane 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 Miranda.
John Vandenbergh mutton chops.
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 Students did extensive research on
learn more about different cultures.
get — mutton chops won. Red Cross, Americares and Operation Puerto Rico, creating a fact sheet and
“We are in a rural district so this
Local barber Mike Rabbit of Main Agua. Future funding will include decorating buckets with the Puerto
helps students broaden their knowl-
Street Barber donated his time — solar chargers. Rican flag.
edge outside their small world,”
and students and staff paid $1 each In the North Country, each of the Students also wrote about the ex-
Doupe said. After the devastating
to watch the razor-sharp trimming. 18 districts in St. Lawrence County — perience, including one who wrote,
hurricane, students researched ways
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
as well as a collaborative effort with the club reach its goal, Doupe said.
of Teachers. She is working with
NYSUT,” said Amorosi, a science former student Carlie Leary on proj- In Saranac Lake, Spanish teacher
Lisa Kollmer, a building representa- HOW YOU CAN HELP
teacher at the F. Donald Myers ects to raise funds and spirits. One
tive for the SLTA, put a fun The need is great, with thousands
Education Center. “It reinforced district plans a letter-writing effort for
— and educational — in Puerto Rico still without
social skills that students work on students to send warm wishes to their electricity, water and basic
regularly, such as communicating ap- peers on the island. twist on an emer-
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- pJ
anis Schachter, a United Teachers of Northport member, left, teaches high school
lfrenett@nysutmail.org fused about the news. seniors how to examine news for verification, independence and accuracy.
One-third of his students tended
F
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
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
and propoganda,” says Howard what is real and true, says Jonathan 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
“One of the collateral benefits is about news literacy are also
ism school in 2006. While develop- retary. Direct evidence is video, audio
available via the American
ing plans for the program, he was evidence-based critical thinking ... or a photo; documents; records; Federation of Teachers at
teaching an Ethics and Values of Judgments lead to actions,” he says, 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 NYSUTYou can also read
