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Delegate's Report: Jim Daszenski

5/17/2015

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Seven GNTA members, selected as delegates by our membership last year, attended the NYSUT 43rd Annual Representative Assembly in Buffalo from May 1-2. This yearly convention of almost 2,000 members is NYSUT’s highest policy-making body. Here's what our delegates have to say:

JIM DASZENSKI
GNTA VP, Administration
South High School

This was my fourth Representative Assembly and a far less contentious one than last year when an overwhelming anti-incumbent sentiment swept in a new NYSUT Executive Board led by Karen Magee. It's been a year and now President Magee was the first to address the almost 2000 NYSUT delegates in the Buffalo-Niagara Convention Center at the start of the RA. Her message was emphatic and unequivocal: “A year ago you made it clear you wanted a fighting union--well, you've got it. We are organizing, energizing, and mobilizing….We are truly a union driven by the rank and file.” To support this, Magee noted a statewide barrage of newly energized members attending rallies and fighting back against Cuomo’s toxic agenda through social media. She also paused briefly to thank Cuomo for unwittingly being “the greatest union organizer in modern New York State history.” The irony was not lost on the convention delegates who first chuckled, then booed.

Although less than successful in fighting back against Cuomo’s latest state budget that includes an unfair, test-heavy evaluation system for teachers, Magee declared that “We are not standing down!” She said, "NYSUT is 100 percent committed to fixing what the governor has broken--and we will do more.” She promised renewed efforts to protect tenure and due process while fighting the undemocratic property tax cap. Cuomo’s approval rating has continued to slide as his stance towards public education becomes more draconian. Magee urged members to keep the faith and keep up the pressure: “As we continue to fight for public education in the state of New York: BE the union,” Magee said. “When we speak up as the collective voice that cannot be ignored, BE the union!”

You can view her speech on YouTube. Below is a small gallery of images from the Representative Assembly. You can read the RA Reports from our other Delegates in our News Blog.
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Delegate's Report: Michael Norberto

5/16/2015

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Seven GNTA members, selected as delegates by our membership last year, attended the NYSUT 43rd Annual Representative Assembly in Buffalo from May 1-2. This yearly convention of almost 2,000 members is NYSUT’s highest policy-making body. Here's what our delegates have to say:

MICHAEL NORBERTO
GNTA VOTE-COPE Coordinator
John F. Kennedy School

I had the privilege of representing GNTA at the 43rd NYSUT Representative Assembly in Buffalo, NY.  This was my second RA and the weekend again proved memorable and, for me, there were several highlights. First, I was proud to see that the LGBTQ Task Force made its debut at the RA’s NYSUT Benefits and Services on Display. The LGBTQ booth had a great deal of traffic, which reflected NYSUT’s long-term support of the LGBTQ community. Another highlight was the speech by New York State AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento, who pledged to stand side by side with NYSUT in the fight against Governor Cuomo’s toxic agenda. He also shared a poignant story of a dinner table conversation in which his daughters grasped the importance of opting out of the state tests in support of their teachers. Lastly, it was uplifting to join other labor groups at the International Workers’ Day rally in Niagara Square in the name of solidarity.

NYSUT members across the state contributed $9,021,490.44 to VOTE-COPE, the most money ever raised during an annual drive. This sounds great until you realize that each billionaire hedge fund donor can contribute that much or more individually. Locally, NYSUT members of Nassau County contributed over $1,000,000. And, drumroll please, GNTA was awarded the June Smith Award, which recognizes locals that contribute an average of $50 or more per member.  We did have a successful campaign but I think we could do even better. As discussed at the RA, it remains vitally important that we continue and strive to increase our contributions. This money is used to support pro-education and pro-union legislation. Without our continued contributions locally and across the state, our ability to fight back against politicians seeking to break unions and push anti-teacher agenda is weakened. Worse, we could find ourselves in the same situation as our fellow teachers and other public employees in states such as Wisconsin who have seen their unions defeated and stripped of collective bargaining rights, which would have the same dire effects in our state: an even greater test and punish agenda, the elimination of tenure and the Triborough Amendment, and the continuation of the tax cap.
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Michael Norberto (on the right) at NYSUT's LGBTQ information table
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Delegate's Report: Bill Toto

5/16/2015

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Seven GNTA members, selected as delegates by our membership last year, attended the NYSUT 43rd Annual Representative Assembly in Buffalo from May 1-2. This yearly convention of almost 2,000 members is NYSUT’s highest policy-making body. Here's what our delegates have to say:

BILL TOTO
President, GNTA Retired Educators Chapter

As warmer temperatures prevailed and icy Lake Erie became liquefied, again, about 2,000 delegates from all over New York State descended on the Buffalo-Niagara Convention Center for the 43rd Annual New York State United Teachers Representative Assembly. They were elected by their local unions to discuss and to debate 46 resolutions which would be the legislative program and agenda for NYSUT’s lobbyists. The delegates were also present to network and to learn. This was the first convention for the new slate of officers who were elected in last year’s contentious election. Karen Magee, NYSUT’s new president, began her first state of the union address with “ A year ago you made it clear you wanted a fighting union--well you’ve got it!…We are truly a union driven by the rank and file.” She said that NYSUT will continue to work closely with its allies: parents, community groups and other groups in the AFL-CIO. The fight must continue on many fronts to expose and to fix the test-and-punish agenda of Governor Andrew Cuomo. She attributes the governor with being the greatest union organizer in modern New York State history due to his senseless, vindictive anti-teacher and anti-public education stands. Magee's new positive vision for public education in New York State respects students, parents and teachers. It is a vision that rejects privatization and profits, focusing on what students need to learn-from preschool through college. Finally, she exhorted those present to BE the union.

Speakers are always an important part of the Representative Assembly. Randi Weingarten, AFT president, applauded NYSUT’s staunch activism against Gov. Cuomo’s attacks on public education. She rejected the notion that linking student test scores to teacher evaluation will foster improvements in teaching and learning. Regarding the battle for sanity in education with the governor and his test-obsessed allies, President Weingarten stated, “You didn’t pick this fight, but it’s not a fight you intend to lose--and we [the AFT] are with you 1,000 percent.”

When New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli was introduced, the delegates gave him a prolonged standing ovation. His office now examines how charter schools spend taxpayers’ money. “To me, it’s always been common sense to demand the same level of transparency and accountability from charter schools as we do from every other school receiving public dollars,” DiNapoli announced. He then went on to discuss the state’s pension plans and how they have recovered since the economic recession. He concluded, “You are part of well-run and well-funded pension plans. That’s the reality…There is simply no reason to replace the defined-benefit pension system with defined contribution.”

Before a final decision is determined concerning resolutions submitted by local unions and retiree councils, a specific process is followed. They are placed in seven categories prior to the convention which become seven committees at the convention. Delegates choose to attend one committee where the resolutions in that category are debated and resolved for the first time. All resolutions with each committee’s recommendations are then presented to the entire delegate body in plenary sessions for final decision-making. Supporting legislation for pension credit for veterans, school safety, overturning Citizens United and Hobby Lobby decisions, opposition to more charter schools, calling for Chancellor Merryl Tisch’s resignation from the Board of Regents, supporting the "I Refuse" movement to oppose high stakes testing, greater focus on students’ social and emotional needs, boycotting Pearson publishing and NYSUT’s Continued Engagement Plan to Fight for Public Education are just a few of the varied resolutions which were presented for deliberation.

This year’s convention can be summed up as one in which NYSUT members were praised for their efforts fighting the governor’s toxic plans and fighting for students, public education, and staying the course. “We are one,” and “Solidarity Forever” were consistent themes pervading the two-day meetings.
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Delegate's Report: Maura Carroll

5/13/2015

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Seven GNTA members, selected as delegates by our membership last year, attended the NYSUT 43rd Annual Representative Assembly in Buffalo from May 1-2. This yearly convention of almost 2,000 members is NYSUT’s highest policy-making body. Here's what our delegates have to say:

MAURA CARROLL
GNTA Treasurer
North Middle School

One of the most dynamic speakers at this year’s RA was New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  He is and has always been a true friend to NYSUT. Tom began by thanking the NYSUT leadership, local presidents, and all of us who make a difference. He reminded and encouraged us that we must continue to inspire and educate.  DiNapoli has made many enemies in Albany and among Gov. Cuomo’s friends because he has examined how charter schools spend taxpayer’s money. “To me, it’s always been common sense to demand the same level of transparency and accountability from charter schools as we do from every other school receiving public dollars,” DiNapoli told RA delegates Saturday. This was meet with much applause.

He promised to continue to invest in higher education.  Through both the CUNY and SUNY programs. 

Another important topic to the delegates was that of our pension. He explained and elaborated on the strong health of the NYSUT members’ state pension plans. The funds earnings have bounced back so much since the economic downturn that the state has been able to reduce its contribution significantly. “You are part of well-run and well-funded pension plans,” he said. “That’s the reality... there is simply no reason to replace the defined-benefit pension system with defined contributions through 401K programs. I will continue to fight!”

At the conclusion to his speech he exited the hall with shouts of “Tom for Governor!”  I have heard him speak before. He has always been dynamic and has always advocated for teachers and education in New York State.
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New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli
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Delegate's Report: Jennifer Snyder

5/12/2015

 
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Seven GNTA members, selected as delegates by our membership last year, attended the NYSUT 43rd Annual Representative Assembly in Buffalo from May 1-2. This yearly convention of almost 2,000 members is NYSUT’s highest policy-making body. Here's what our delegates have to say:

JENNIFER SNYDER
GNTA VP for Professional Rights & Responsibilities
E. M. Baker 

Andy Pallotta once again energized the delegation with his summary of political action this past year. Referring to the best of times, the worst of times, Andy reminded the delegates that NYSUT is a powerful, united, and strong union that is in this fight for the long haul.  He stated that NYSUT had sent the largest delegation in history to this year’s AFL/CIO endorsement conference, and further explained that our voices were heard and that the Governor received “no endorsement” from the AFL/CIO.  He spoke of the 300,000 faxes that legislators received in the first quarter alone and of the over 79,000 MAC E-Activists ready to respond within a moment’s notice. Pallotta referred to the Governor as one of the best organizers NYSUT could ever have. Never before has there been such mobilization of the membership. Never before has there been stronger community ties with parents, teachers, administrators, school board members, and friends standing together to support public education. “Coalitions have been formed within communities that will last long past this current crisis,” Pallotta explained.

As for the worst of times, Pallotta explained that it is clear that the Governor owed his friends in the Charter Schools and the Hedge Fund leaders for their campaign contributions and that he is intent on paying this debt. Cuomo's attack on tenure, probation, and APPR is real. With Citizens United, the rules of the game have been seriously altered. “Public educators are disrespected and demoralized by scripted curricula and the overemphasis in testing,” Pallotta said. “What we have here is a fundamental difference in the purpose of public education. There is the misapplication of business models and industrial efficiency models, the results of which lead to creativity, autonomy, and innovation being stifled by the misguided notion that we need to fix what is not even broken.”  

Pallotta summed up his speech with a call out to the delegation saying, “We are not deterred, and we will continue to fight. We have to remember that people are trying to divide us, and that we need to keep our eye on the real enemy.” He ended by leading the delegation in a chant stating, “The union, united, will never be defeated. The union, united, will never be defeated!” 
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NYSUT Executive Vice President Andy Pallotta

2015 LITBF Scholarship Winners

5/12/2015

 
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Congratulations to the winners of the 2015 Long Island Teachers Benevolent Fund Scholarships:
  • Rachel Coons, South High School, daughter of Sally Coons (EMB)
  • Ji Ann Greenberg, South High School, daughter of Joan Greenberg (SHS/SMS)
  • Maxwell Tanner, North High School, son of Stacy Tanner (SMS)
  • Joseph Leone, Floral Park High School, son of Donna Leone (Phipps)

GNTA and its affiliates (OSA, Paraprofessionals, Per Diem, & Adult Ed.) belong to an organization called the Long Island Teachers Benevolent Fund.  One of the benefits offered by this membership is the opportunity for children of members of participating NYSUT locals to apply for a scholarship with a maximum award of $500. Applicants must be high school seniors who will be attending a post-secondary institution on a full time basis next fall.

The criteria to be considered for this grant include academic achievement as evidenced by school transcripts, including photocopies of the student’s SAT scores and class rank or grade point average.

Delegate's Report: Jeff Bernstein

5/11/2015

 
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Seven GNTA members, selected as delegates by our membership last year, attended the NYSUT 43rd Annual Representative Assembly in Buffalo from May 1-2. This yearly convention of almost 2,000 members is NYSUT’s highest policy-making body. Here's what our delegates have to say:

JEFF BERNSTEIN
GNTA High School Director
Village School

One of the most exciting developments at this year’s NYSUT RA was the emergence of the Stronger Together Caucus (STCaucus), which is committed to a more member-driven and democratic style of unionism. The initial meeting of the STCaucus was attended by more than 500 delegates, including 145 local presidents. NYSUT has been dominated for many years by the New York State Unity Caucus, which is led by the UFT Unity Caucus and other big city locals. Keep in mind that the issues that concern the cities, and therefore Unity, are often different than those facing suburban and rural districts. One important example is the tax cap, to which the city school districts are not bound because of the way they are funded. Membership in the UFT Unity Caucus is by invitation only, and their members are required to vote as instructed by their leadership. In contrast, the STCaucus is open to all members of NYSUT, and is committed to a more democratic union as evidenced by the two Constitutional Amendments that were brought to the floor at the RA. 

The first amendment called for regional voting for the election of NYSUT officers. Elections are typically held when the RA meets in New York City. Last year only 30% of NYSUT’s locals participated in the first contested election in many years. Many small locals (several across the state are below 100 total members) simply do not have the money to pay for their delegates to travel to New York City and stay at the Hilton for a weekend, while the UFT is always able to send their 800 delegates (all of whom have taken an oath to vote as they are told by their leadership) to the RA. The STCaucus believes that this undermines democracy within our union and contributes to thousands of members feeling as though they do not have a voice. STCaucus’ amendment would have allowed the delegates of every local across the state to vote at their own regional office, minimizing travel and expenses, and making it more feasible for all locals to participate in elections.

The second amendment concerned the election of at-large directors.  Currently delegates from the entire state are allowed to vote for all the at-large directors, most of whom work in different regions. This allows the New York State Unity Caucus to use the weight of their 800 UFT delegates to determine at-large directors who represent parts of the state outside of New York City. Last year, for example, at-large directors in a number of areas received less than 10% of the votes in that area but were elected because they had the support of Unity. STCaucus’ amendment would have made voting for at-large directors regional, with only members within a region eligible to vote for the at-large director for that region.

These amendments both represented a threat to the ability of the Unity Caucus and the UFT to dominate NYSUT elections. The New York State Unity Caucus instructed their members to vote against both amendments, and both were defeated despite getting strong vocal support from the floor, primarily because two-thirds were required to ratify. The actual vote appeared to be much closer to 50/50.

Following the defeat of the amendments, resolutions that address the flawed nature of the standardized tests in New York State were proposed by the STCaucus and passed by the delegates after an agreement between the leaders of Unity and STCaucus, who spoke side by side at the microphone in support. This was a sure sign that Unity has recognized that the STCaucus is not to be ignored.

Having attended the Unity Caucus meeting at the 2014 RA, which was anything but open and democratic, the STCaucus was a sure sign that the movement for bottom-up, member-driven, democratic unionism is alive and well within NYSUT.

You can find out more about the STCaucus at http://stcaucus.weebly.com/.
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Delegate's Report: Sandi Cooper

5/11/2015

 
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Seven GNTA members, selected as delegates by our membership last year, attended the NYSUT 43rd Annual Representative Assembly in Buffalo from May 1-2. This yearly convention of almost 2,000 members is NYSUT’s highest policy-making body. Here's what our delegates have to say:

SANDI COOPER
South Middle School

It was a great privilege to represent the Great Neck faculty at this year's NYSUT Representative Assembly.  New to the process, it was a bit daunting at times. Thankfully, my esteemed colleagues made sure that I was brought up to speed on all the necessary protocol and helped ensure that I understood the practices put in place, helping to make this an eye-opening experience into the democratic process that is our union.  
 
The weekend was filled with powerful speeches, serious discussions, passionate arguments, and lots of great camaraderie.  It was impressive to be around so may members of our union from all over the state, sharing their personal views about education and the impact of testing on their local districts. It is not often that we get an opportunity to step outside our own world and see these changes through the eyes of our colleagues. We, teachers of New York State, are quite an impressive bunch!
 
When President Randi Weingarten took the stage, the energy was palpable. She began by thanking NYSUT for the activism against Governor Cuomo’s attack on public education. “These are trying times in New York State, but its’ been great to witness NYSUT standing up,” AFT President Weingarten said. “I’ve seen it in New York City at the governor’s office, on Long Island, in Syracuse, in the North Country and in thousands of posts on Twitter and Facebook.”  Weingarten said that it was our activism that has turned the tide in our favor, and has brought the court of public opinion on our side. The public now understands that Gov. Cuomo and his test-obsessed friends has ‘stacked the deck’ against public education and that’s just not okay.  She spoke powerfully against testing, stating that tests should be used for informing and not for undermining the work teachers do or worse, as a tool of intimidation.  
 
She went on to say share her views regarding of the current situation in Baltimore and in many of our cities across the country, stating the importance for us, as a union to through our weight to the side of justice – the future of our kids.  
 
Finally, she made a request for union members to run for political offices, and to continue to support our unions through activism.  And in closing, pledged her support to us as well.  “You didn’t pick this fight, but it’s not a fight you intend to lose – and we are with you 1,000 percent.”
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AFT President Randi Weingarten

Become a Great Neck Mentor

5/8/2015

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Attend an upcoming training session to become a Great Neck mentor. Get all the details...
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Learn about End of Life Directives

5/8/2015

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End of life directives--such as assigning durable power of attorney and creating a last will and testament--are available under GNTA's Legal Services Plan not only to you, the member, but also to your spouse, your parents, and your spouse’s parents at no cost. Learn more...


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Great Neck Teachers Association
NYSUT, AFT-NEA, AFL-CIO #2686 | The Cottage • 343 Lakeville Road • Great Neck, NY 11020 
gnteachers@gmail.com | @GNTeachers
(516) 829-9070