vsta e-newslettervsteachers.org/sites/default/files/winter2015.pdf · by julian farrell - vsta...
TRANSCRIPT
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Calling All Activists
I N S I D E T H I S
I S S U E :
Editorial 2
Calling all... 3
Constitution
Retirees 5
NYSUT 6
V A L L E Y S T R E A M
T E A C H E R S VSTA e-Newsletter W I N T E R 2 0 1 5 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 2
VSTA President
Patrick Naglieri
VP June Innella
VP Richard Adams
VP Joe Mangini
Secretary - Treasurer
Ron Rini
As 2015 dawns upon us, we as public educa-
tors find ourselves once again in the cross-hairs of
those who feel that scapegoating teachers is a way
to correct the ills of society. The anti-teacher rheto-
ric is reaching alarming new levels; however, we
would be foolish to dismiss these words as merely
empty threats. Ignoring the grave perils to our pro-
fession can no longer be an option. The anti-union
wave that is sweeping the country is poised to strike
in New York. I know it is easy to say that “we have
heard this all before” – and this will “all work out” –
and what happened in other states (Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Florida, Rhode
Island, to name just a few) will never happen here. Naiveté and blissful igno-
rance to the imminent threats to our profession additionally imperils all of us.
In order to weather the approaching storm, it is incumbent upon ALL of us to
be ready and willing to defend our noble calling – with an increased sense of
commitment and activism.
Governor Cuomo, fresh off his re-election win in November, has begun
to ramp up the attacks on teachers unions. Since he was not supported by NY-
SUT, an emboldened Cuomo is setting his sights on teachers and public edu-
cation. In addition to his already damaging education policies, the Governor is
aggressively pursuing education “reforms” that will certainly have further
negative impacts on our schools. Such long standing and important safeguards
as tenure, collective bargaining and due process are in serious jeopardy. The
misguided and undemocratic tax cap which has hamstrung funding to our
schools is a Trojan horse that will severely challenge school districts to main-
tain their educational programs and standards. The unhealthy obsession with
testing has forced many teachers to jettison the fostering of “a love a learning”
among their students. Since many teacher evaluations are directly tied to their
By Julian Farrell - VSTA Political Action Coordinator
P A G E 2
We are the Union
V S T A E - N E W S L E T T E R
Valley Stream Teachers’ Association Valley Stream, New York - Local 1633
www.vsteachers.org
Patrick Naglieri
President
June Innella Richard Adams
Vice President - Communication Vice President - Membership
Joseph Mangini
Vice President—Operations
Ronald Rini
Secretary/Treasurer
Ginger Calderaro
E-Newsletter Editor
For anyone who’s ever been a building rep, or served on a VSTA commit-
tee, the idea of who is actually considered “the union” is a chronic problem. This
epidemic isn’t just plaguing members, it comes from above as well. How many
times have we heard, “I’m going to the union”, “what is the union’s position on
this”, “what’s the union gonna do about it”, or “...and don’t go to the union—this
is not their jurisdiction”!
When did we stop being the union? That’s the only question that keeping
swirling through my mind. The idea that any one person or small group of
elected people constitutes “the union” is absurd and we need to change our mind-
sets. The beauty of an organization like VSTA is the fact that the power really
does come from our numbers. We are a membership of over 1000 hard working
men and women. That is a rather impressive number. While of course there are
many layers of elected officials within that membership, the truth is we would be
nothing without that membership! With all of the frightening anti-teacher moti-
vation out there, the time to realize our strength is now!
They aren’t the union! There is no man behind the curtain! We are the
union! Let’s never forget it!
students’ scores, (something that Cuomo has just recently reneged on in vetoing his own
bill!), students can expect more soul draining test preparation instead of developing
higher level thinking and problem solving skills. Every student has the right to a quality
public education – which includes safe schools, appropriate class sizes, invigorating and
varied program offerings, high quality resources and sufficient staffing. All of this re-
quires adequate funding. Yet the governor has failed to meet New York’s funding obliga-
tion. Cuomo yearns to break teachers unions stating that he wants to “break what is in es-
sence one of the only remaining public monopolies”. Cuomo has even had the gall to say
“the teachers union represents the teachers…I represent the students”. These comments
echo the sentiments by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who has likened the activi-
ties of his state’s teachers unions to “thugs”. To imply that our students’ interests are not
our priority is both disingenuous and a slap in the face to teachers everywhere. We
should ALL be insulted by these bullies who hold incredible power and are on the verge
of setting in motion events that would certainly impact all of us.
The question is what are we going to do about these unjust attacks on our profes-
sion? Are we going to allow the continued corporatization of public education to take
place? Are we going to watch the solvency of our pensions erode? Are we going to stand
by and watch more “rigorous” and meaningless “teacher performance evaluators” drive
quality teachers away? Are we going to let those in power slander and belittle our voca-
tion? I hope not. NYSUT Executive Vice President Andy Pallotta chillingly reminds us
that “the enemies of public schools are relentless”. We need to meet the relentless attacks
with relentless action. Pallotta reminds us that it’s going to take a maximum effort, but
we’re in the right and we will not relent without victory”. We need to rekindle our pro-
fessional activism and be ready to do more than just watch from the sidelines as local
VSTA leaders and NYSUT officials valiantly and tirelessly champion our cause. We are
the union and we all carry a responsibility to its vitality and legacy.
As the calendar flips to another new year, in addition to all our hopes for 2015, let’s
add to our list of resolutions a willingness to take an increased commitment to our life’s
work. While great educators in the classroom we may all be – are we all doing what we
can for our fellow brothers and sisters in education? Our Union? At the very minimum-
attend your local meetings, stay abreast of issues on the local, state and national level that
impact public education. Be willing to sign petitions, appear at rallies and be a vocal sup-
porter public education. Get the MAC center app for your phone- which allows for your
voice to be heard with the click of a few buttons. Give to VOTE/COPE. Stand up to the
ignorant who spout their nonsense about teachers. Take pride in being a public educator.
Remember though, that this is about much more than our personal and professional inter-
ests- for the fight for public education is truly a fight for the future of our great nation. As
Franklin Delano Roosevelt wisely observed, “Democracy cannot succeed unless
those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely. The real safe-guard of democracy, therefore, is education”.
P A G E 3 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 2
P A G E 4
On Friday, January 9th, VSTA members were called once again
to vote, but this time it was not an election. The ballots were cast in
each building for the approval of the newly amended VSTA Constitu-
tion. Headed by Vice President of Operations, Joe Mangini, the Con-
stitutional Review Committee had been hard at work since the Spring
of 2014.
With a representative from each high school and elementary
school building, the committee took on the arduous task of reading,
reviewing, and updating the constitution which dated back to the
1960’s. According to committee member, David Fritz of South High
School, the committee focused much of their attention on the lan-
guage of the document. They were committed to making the lan-
guage itself not only more “user friendly”, but gender neutral as well.
The elections procedure also received a lot of attention. It was
clear that more uniformity was necessary. Up to this point elections
have been held with little to no supervision. VSTA is looking to in-
crease participation in elections, keep them fair, and really try to
make them mean something.
Overall the committee’s hard work paid off as the vote last Fri-
day was overwhelmingly in favor of this revised constitution.
Thanks to all those who volunteered their time to this very
worthwhile endeavor.
VSTA Constitution Amended
V S T A E - N E W S L E T T E R
REMINDER!!
There will be a retirement seminar on January 20th at 3:45 in
the Central Library for all those who are eligible for retirement
within the next five years. See your unit leader to reserve a
space!
Retiree Notes
P A G E 5 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 2
Retirement is good. Remind members to use 403b option! -Kay Olson District 13
Enjoy a healthy, happy, holiday!
Appreciatively,
Sylvia T. Brown
VSCHSD
Happy Holidays! Let’s hope this will be a happier year. Lorraine Nagle VSCHSD
I wish you all a very Happy Holiday and best
wishes in this coming year.
Carol Nelson
VSCHSD
With gratitude for all the years of
labor on behalf of teachers.
Jack and Virginia Frymire
MJH ‘59 - ‘86
We wish all a wonderful holiday season.
Best Wishes.
Carl and Jo Laurino
District 24
Wishing you and yours a Happy
Holiday!
Dorothy Pantason
District 24
Happy 2015!
Pat McGivern
South HS
Can’t believe I am in the middle of my 12th year of retirement! We enjoy
our 2 grandkids. Two big trips coming up. You’ve got to keep kicking
while you can!
Steve Borman
Memorial JHS
V S T A E - N E W S L E T T E R