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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