There will be a General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, September 21 at the MMS auditorium starting at 4:15pm. Please try to attend.

Welcome back greetings to all and a very special welcome to our new MTA members! As I write this, we number 657 teachers, teaching assistants and nurses and this is before the new appointments to be made at the September 8th Board of Education meeting.

As I mentioned on Opening Day, our newest members impressed us on August 30th with their incredible enthusi-asm and energy. These are certainly attributes we should all try to harness (or re-harness), particularly given the climate in which we are working. Within a few short days, it has become evident that we have a lot of work to do and a lot of adversity to overcome. This can only be done through a united voice and a firm resolve that we will continue to stand for what is educationally sound–for our students and for ourselves. In just a few short days, the number of issues and concerns that have come through the buildings is overwhelming. It is unbelievable that we entered the school year without a working print shop, without master schedules, without teaching assignments, without classroom assignments, without advance notice of lesson plan changes, etc., etc.!

What kind of way is this to run a school district? What would happen to us if we came in this unprepared? I, for one, am sick and tired of hearing “We need to do this for the students.” Or, “You need to remember the children.” I believe that is why all of our MTA members report for work each day. I’m certain that’s why our teachers paid for their own photocopying so that students wouldn’t go without materials. I know many teachers who, despite going over their contractual work time, stayed on the opening days of school to supervise children whose busses were incredibly late. What about the HS staff, some of whom have been moved, moved again, and yet again–within less than a week! There isn’t a high school member who is not working under incredibly frustrating and stressful circumstances.

The problems exist district-wide, across all grade levels and disciplines. Sadly, many of these issues aren’t new but have carried over from the last school year. The current state of affairs in this district is so atrocious that it warranted my making a trip to the microphone at last week’s BOE meeting. For the full version of my statement, go to www.middletownteachers.org. While there, perhaps you would like to re-read the thank you letter sent to all of you last week. The MTA’s Executive Board is deeply appreciative of the hard work and effort that all of you put forth in order to get through the opening days of school. Your actions did not go unnoticed by your colleagues.

In order to effect change, the kind of change that is purposeful and meaningful, we must stand together and voice our professional viewpoints. We cannot continue to undergo the wide-sweeping changes, made without shared decision-making, which we have experienced over the past year. The effects, I fear, will be devastating. For that reason, in my comments to the BOE on September 8th, I very firmly stated that “The line needs to be drawn.” By that I meant we will not allow our members to be held responsible for the issues and problems that are clearly not within their duties and responsibilities, nor will we accept the blame for circumstances that are well beyond our control. It’s clearly time for those who are responsible, to step up and take responsibility!

We will continue to use our collective voice as well as our individual ones, in order to bring forth issues and concerns. We will not be silent and we will continue to work toward obtaining the professional respect and appreciation that is long overdue us. This can only be accomplished through open, honest communication within an established atmosphere of trust. On your behalf, I will continue to work toward achieving that goal.

On June 20th, Fortune Esposito, MTA member for 32 years, was named first runner-up for the New York State Teacher of the Year Award. Chosen out of 525,000 NYSUT members, the state’s honoree had some timely and heartfelt words that spoke for all of his colleagues in the MTA.

He said,  “We’ve had so many black eyes in the press in the district and the thought that someone today was going to stand up and say, ‘And now, from the Enlarged City School District of Middle-town, something good’ – I stood there and said how proud I was to be starting my 33rd year in Middletown.”

Black eyes, indeed. Yet Forty’s accomplishments, while unique and reflective of his personal talents and generosity, also favorably redound upon all of his colleagues in the classrooms of our schools. His success symbolically belies the rude criticisms, condescending speeches, and disrespectful labels that teachers in Middletown have grown tired of hearing from those who should, and do, know better. What we forget when we allow ourselves to be demoralized, is what our critics fear to admit. As teachers, we embody the expertise, the generosity, and the will to accomplish the task of educating the next generations. The framework of the system is supposed to support the teachers who are really the “top” in “top down,” and “bottom” only in the sense of the bottom line. It cannot be “all about the students” if it is nothing about the teachers.

So as we begin this new school year, we should count our fortune, and show it off as often as we possibly can. We begin with Forty, first runner-up for the New York State Teacher of the Year Award and move on to the forty teachers and TAs who received tenure this year. Then there is MHS Science Department Chairperson Shirley Thompson, honored by a former student with a $4000 scholarship established in her name via Cornell University’s Merrill Presidential Scholar Program.

And where does this inventory of our fortune end but in the hands holding this paper on a break from working wonders?

Reported by Robin Geiger

On Tuesday, August 30th, 50 new teachers and 3 new Teacher Assistants were welcomed at the MTA offices as part of their orientation. They arrived, via school bus, at the offices at approximately 10:00 AM and were cordially greeted, given handouts, folders and forms, and genially encouraged to help themselves to refreshments. Sheila Esposito, MTA President, began the orientation by introducing her fellow officers (Robin Geiger, VP; Gary Day, Treasurer; Peggy Fellows, Secretary), the Senior Building Representatives who were able to attend (Kathy Bellars, Lois Samsel-Cronk, Lynann Day, Greg Farina, Kristine Hanington, Angela Urbina, and Janet Myruski) and Teaching Assistant VP, Denise Knebel. At that point the new teaching assistants, with Denise, went to the adjoining office to conduct their orientation. In her opening remarks, Sheila gave an overview of the union’s role and importance to its members, and encouraged the new members to visit the MTA office for assistance, for support, or just to chat.

The meeting was then turned over to Kristine Hanington, New Teacher Chairperson, who gave the new teachers a packet with relevant and important information including the names of key union and district people and how to contact them, websites, important dates, and helpful checklists. They were given folders to keep all of their important papers, and they were reminded to make copies of all official documents or forms they submit. Each member was surprised to find a new teacher’s “goody bag” under their seats filled with useful and sweet items.

Robin Geiger then addressed the paperwork, and all of the necessary forms were filled out. Gary Day continued the meeting by explaining the Benefit Fund (vision plan, legal plan, accidental death and dismemberment benefit, and Assist America). Lynann Day gave a brief overview of our Political Action division. And last but certainly not least, Janet Myruski gave initial information involving the importance of VOTE/COPE, and the need for new members to contribute when contacted in early fall.

By then, it was time for lunch. All 53 boarded the buses for a short trip to Nonna Lucia’s for a delicious and relaxing meal. There was no shortage of good food and lively talk! Two members won NYSUT tote bags – our traditional door prize. At 12:50 the busses arrived, and the new members departed – enthusiastically expressing their thanks and gratitude. As a matter of fact, everything about this group was lively and enthusiastic!

The MTA wishes all of its new members a productive and professionally rewarding school year. And, remember, we are always here for you.

(To view photos of the New Teacher Orientation & Luncheon, click here.

The MTA teacher membership is now up to 518 members. With teaching assistants and nurses, we number 657! What I am going to say tonight is not relative to a particular building or a particular group within our membership. And, what I am about to say is not simply teachers complaining (again).

We are faced with deeply entrenched systemic problems that are so negatively affecting our members that I fear we may never completely recover.

On May 5th of this past school year, I stood here and expressed my deep concern regarding 31 district-wide issues of vital importance. Sadly, this afternoon, when I reviewed the list, 24 remained. Compounding that depressing statistic is the fact that more issues and concerns are mounting on a daily basis.

Just last Thursday, when I spoke on Opening Day, I stated that the MTA will firmly support what is educationally sound and in the best interests of our students and colleagues. Tonight I need to express the collective outrage regarding all that is occurring and is not consistent with sound educational practices.

The following is just a sampling of what our teachers have experienced in the first five days of work:
• On Sept. 1st, there were teachers who had no idea of their teaching assignments.
• Teachers returned to school and learned for the first time that they were assigned to teach classes that were totally new to them.
• Teachers returned to school and were shocked to learn they were teaching a class outside of their certification area.
• Teachers returned to school and were surprised to find out that they had been placed in a team-teaching situation.
• Teachers reported for work and had no assigned classroom/office space.
• Class lists were not distributed in some buildings until Tuesday morning!
• New lesson plan formats were presented to elementary teachers with no advance notice and there are many corresponding concerns associated with this change.
• There are schools where no master schedule has been distributed.
• Teachers came in and found out workbooks they expected to have for their classes had been cancelled.

In addition, there is the district-wide crisis of our Print Shop that is not in operation. This is absolutely unfathomable! How can a district of our size operate without a printing facility? Does anyone recognize how deeply this hurts our students? Here’s one example: We have math curricula that is brand new and textbooks that do not match this new curricula. Teachers have been told to secure appropriate supplemental materials in order to provide copies to students. How???

How can we do our jobs and help our students when we are working under such handicapping conditions? How can this be allowed to occur when we have been identified as a District in Need of Improvement?

In this short time span I’m not able to elaborate upon the fact that we have heard nothing about our Re-Structuring Plans that were submitted before the end of the last school year, nor have we seen the final PDP document that was worked on last year.

On Opening Day I stated that we cannot afford to lose valuable members and that we must work to ensure that our teachers are respected and valued. I fail to see how that has been evidenced by the District over the past five days.

For months I have asked pointed questions relating to the functioning of this school year. On behalf of our members I have been active in bringing forth items of concern and have always expressed a willingness to be a part of effecting solutions. The mechanism for clear communication is non-existent. To a large extent we have been left out of what could have and should have been many opportunities for shared decision–making.

It is a tribute to our members and their professionalism that they have, once again, kept the system running. However, the line needs to be clearly drawn tonight. Our members will not be held responsible for district-wide issues and problems that so clearly go beyond their customary duties and responsibilities. Enough is enough!

At last Wedesday’s MTA Executive Board Meeting, it was our unanimous decision to recognize and thank all of our members for their dedication and professionalism under the most trying of circumstances during these first few days of the new school year. Never have we experienced and opening such as this one!

We recognize that the incredible turmoil resulting from a disorganized and chaotic opening has created undue stress and unecessary trials and tribulations for our members and their students. We are absolutely committted to working on behalf of our members in order to bring about resolutions to building level and district-wide problems and issues.

Our voice must be strong and we must remain united as we work to rectify the multitude of problems we are experiencing. Please continue to communicate any questions of concerns to your building representatives! The MTA is here to support you and we will continue to work on your behalf.

Again, our thanks go out to all of you!

Click to visit: The MTA Executive Board

Did you know that Wal-Mart provides healthcare coverage to just 48 percent of its work force? Part-timers—anybody below 34 hours a week—must wait two years before they can enroll and are ineligible for family healthcare coverage. Full-time hourly employees must wait 180 days (approximately six months) before being able to enroll in Wal-Mart’s health insurance plan.

By now all MTA members should have received their ’05 – ‘06 NYSUT calendar. If you did not receive one please contact your Sr. Building Rep. If you did receive your calendar but noticed that your name and/or address was incorrectly printed on the label then you must send updated information to Gary Day at Twin Towers. Name and address changes that are made at the Board Office are not forwarded to the MTA or NYSUT.

The Photo Gallery has been updated to include photos from this year’s New Teacher Orientation & Luncheon. Enjoy!

Reported by Lynann Day

Many thanks to the large number of MTA members who have already registered to be part of Team MTA for the October 16th “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk” at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets.

If you are not yet registered, it is not too late to become part of our team. Just contact your building team leader and get a registration form. Return the form and your sponsors’ contributions to the registration tent on the morning of the event. On October 16th the registration tent opens at 7:45 am and the walk begins at 9:00am. The official Team MTA photo will be taken between 8:30 and 8:45.

Mark your calendar and become part of this worthwhile community event. Join your colleagues in the walk and perhaps even partake of some shopping with the coupon book that all registered walkers will receive. In addition, many of the stores will be offering additional discounts for registered walkers.

Register……Walk……Shop……Have Fun……Support a Great Cause!

Reported by Lynann Day

This summer there were a few items that passed both houses of the state legislature and were signed into law by the governor. Here are a couple items that have become law that might have an impact upon you and your pension:

EFFECTIVE DATE OF NEW LEGISLATION – This legislation assures that any legislation affecting benefits provided by NYSTRS will take effect no later than June 30 of the year in which the legislation is enacted. (Effective date of 6/30/2005)

NON-CONTRIBUTORY MILITARY SERVICE CREDIT – This new legislation makes military service credit non-contributory for members of public retirement systems called to active military duty on or after September 11, 2001 through December 31, 2005. (Effective date of 9/11/2001)

For a complete list of legislation that passed go to www.nysut.org/legislation and click on the Summer 2005 End of Session Recap.