“Real clout comes from being
empathetic, cooperative and communicative.”
From Greater Good by Dacher Keltner
At this time of year it is quite natural to look back over the past year and reflect upon its ups and downs. The interesting thing about the low points–the times of feeling stress and worry, experiencing the contentiousness of others, fielding implied accusations, and viewing maliciously written letters (anonymously sent)–all pale in comparison to the good that has been experienced this year.
We are ending the school year with no outstanding grievances; we had successful collaboration on the District’s PDP committee; we made significant progress with the implementation of the new APPR documents; we have a committee of teachers ready to re-vamp the elementary PALS testing this summer; we have many new teachers joining School Improvement Teams for next year; we have newly elected building representatives coming on board in the fall; and we have twelve members going to the NYSUT Summer Leadership Training.
Our MTA committees that run throughout the year had many new participants—a very good sign of strength and involvement for the future, and we are especially proud to have established what we hope will become a long-standing tradition of recognizing “MTA Members of the Year.”
The MTA has been vigilant in protecting the rights of its members (just one of many examples: “No, we don’t write our own job descriptions!”) and equally vigilant in revealing varied concerns occurring across the district (e.g., over-lapping testing schedules, plagiarism, health and safety issues and attendance policy interpretation).
I have been buoyed by the number of members who have taken the time to come in this year and talk about concerns and ask how to best solve a problem. I have been very grateful for the e-mails and comments from colleagues saying they appreciate the balance I use when directly expressing the truth but without a negative or confrontational tone. Recently, one comment was shared with me that perhaps meant the most. A colleague expressed thanks for the vision the MTA had when negotiating the last contract and although she didn’t see it at the time, she now realizes the benefits of what we did and why. That one conversation solidified for me the reason why the positives will always outweigh the negatives. The MTA is member-oriented. We are here to protect the rights of our members, not just in a given moment or circumstance, but also for the years ahead. It is extremely difficult to represent over 500 members; the reality is that not everyone will agree or sometimes understand why certain decisions have to be made. However, as president, it has always been my intent to act ethically, treat members fairly and with respect, be mindful of members’ best interests and act in accordance for the good of all. That is the path that I have taken for the past five years and will continue to follow as I complete my last term of office as your president.
The quote I selected for this month came from an article (on-line at Utne.com) entitled “The Power of Kindness and Emotional Intelligence.” Professor Dacher Keltner (UC Berkeley), the author of the article, through scientific research, challenges the Machiavellian viewpoint of power in favor of what he calls a “more socially intelligent model of power.” I urge you to make time this summer to read this short and very interesting article. Words I often find myself using such as “respect” and “camaraderie” are found in Dr. Keltner’s work, and on a personal level, it was encouraging to read that research is supporting the benefits of leaders utilizing a model of social intelligence.
As we wind down to the final days before leaving, I would like to wish all of our retirees many happy years ahead. May all of you treasure new paths and fond memories!
Enjoy the summer everyone—travel safely, have fun, relax and refresh!!!
Sheila
