For our members, the expression “What a year!” is the ultimate epitome of an understatement yet it completely summarizes the year’s accumulation of trials and tribulations. I gave serious consideration to detailing a month by month retrospective of this past year but decided instead to look ahead.

The MTA does not take the summer off! Kicking things off will be a political action event—a Meet the Candidates Breakfast on June 27th in Highland Falls. This is a chance for local union leaders to ask questions of those running for political office in the fall. Executive Board meets in July and August, the MTA budget committee convenes in the summer, four MTA members will be attending the NYSUT Summer Leadership Conference, we have a representative attending the AFT Conference, and New Teacher Orientation will take place during the last week in August. In addition, discussion has already begun and will continue over the summer to plan and prepare for conducting our own Building Representative training session in the fall.

As we look forward to the ’06-’07 school year, the events of this year will not be forgotten. To that end, over the summer I continue monthly meetings with the superintendent, and the MTA will also be following through on recently filed grievances. Some of the issues that will continue to be discussed this summer include: administrative evaluation and supervision of teachers, teacher improvement plans, health and safety concerns, job postings, class size, and student failure rates.

On a more positive note, in last month’s newsletter I asked for members to give consideration to taking part in one of four MTA events taking place before the end of the school year. I would like to thank all of you who did so! We saw members contributing (or increasing contributions) to Vote/Cope, there was a wonderful representation of MTA members at the June 1st Board of Education meeting when tenure was conferred, 21 members took part in the MTA’s water stop table for the Classic 10K run, and a large and very enthusiastic group gathered for the MTA social on June 8th!

The MTA workload is large but is lightened considerably through the efforts of the MTA members who so willingly come forward to work for the betterment of all. Many thanks to those of you who worked on an MTA committee this year!

Here’s to a relaxing and restorative summer because as we all know— “What a year!!!”

–Sheila

I am completing my 27th year of service (inclusive of out-of-district service) at the end of this school year. When will I start receiving the payment for longevity 28? You should start receiving it this coming September. Members should be aware that you start to receive each longevity at the beginning of each of those years (13, 16, 19, 22, 25 & 28).

If I were to retire mid-year during either of the next 2 school years will I receive any additional health insurance coverage from the most recent Memorandum of Agreement? No, the benefit of being considered an “active” employee for July and August health coverage is only available to those retiring as of June 30 of the years 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010.

A few years ago I taught for about 1 month prior to taking a Child Care Leave for the rest of the year. Why does my TRS Benefit Profile show 3 months of service credit for that school year? You received the 3 months credit because the month you worked plus the 6 weeks of pay that you received while using your sick time generated enough pay to get credited for 3 months of service.

I am Tier 3 and paid my 3% for 17 years. Am I going to get credit for the extra 7 years of contributions? At this time there is no credit for the extra 7 years of payments, but the NYSUT legislative package has a bill for giving teachers 1 month service credit for each year of contribution beyond 10. This situation is one of the many reasons members should contribute to VOTE/COPE so that tier inequities can be addressed prior to a member’s date of retirement.

Any questions regarding retirement, salary, or the Benefit Fund, may be e-mailed to: questions@middletownteachers.org. All questions will receive a reply; some may appear in future newsletters. Visit our archives at: middletownteachers.org!

(Submitted by Kristine Hanington)
As of today there are 2 roads that can be taken to certification. Those roads diverged on Feb. 2, 2004. Prior to this date, your certification would follow the regulations for provisional and permanent certification. From this date on your certification will be called initial, transitional, or conditional eventually leading to a professional certificate.

Basic requirements for those who originally applied for certification prior to Feb. 2, 2004 are as follows:

Before you received your provisional certification you would have completed the following requirements:

• Baccalaureate degree
• Student teaching
• Take and pass the LAST (Liberal Arts and Sciences Test)
• Take and pass the ATS-W (Assessment of Teaching Skills – Written)
• Required for some academic subject areas is the CST (Content Specialty Test)
• Child Abuse Identification Training Class
• School Violence Prevention Class
• Fingerprinted

After receiving your provisional certification you would have begun working toward your permanent certification. The last effective date for most provisional certificates is 2009. (Some special circumstances may apply.) These are the requirements for permanent certification. They are in addition to the requirements for provisional certification.

• Two years of teaching experience
• Master’s degree
• Take and pass the CST if not already done so
• Complete the ATS-P (Assessment of Teaching Skills - Performance) video
• Additional Application for Certification
• Other tests may apply depending upon the certification area

Basic requirements for those applying for certification from Feb. 2, 2004 and beyond are as follows:

Prior to receiving an initial certificate you would have completed the following.

• Baccalaureate degree that includes general education, content specific, and pedagogical coursework
• Student teaching
• Take and pass the LAST
• Take and pass the ATS-W
• In most cases take and pass the CST
• Child Abuse Identification Training Class
• School Violence Prevention Class
• Fingerprinted

After receiving your initial certificate you would have begun working toward your professional certification. These requirements are in addition to the requirement for initial certification. (The first initial certificates were issued in September 2004.)

• Three years of teaching experience with the first year as a mentored teaching experience
• Master’s degree
• Additional application for certification
• United States Permanent Residence status
• Other tests may apply depending upon your specific certification area

In order to maintain a professional certificate you will have to complete 175 hours of professional development every 5 years. The MTA has worked diligently to create a form in which you can document your completed hours. (These are available through your senior building representatives.) The district is required to submit your completed hours to the state but it is in your best interest to keep copies of all documentation related to professional development.

Please be aware that these tests and applications also come with fees. For every certification that is applied for, a separate fee is charged. Each test also has its own fee.

Every circumstance is different. Some other requirements may apply to you or someone you know. This is just a guideline of the basics that apply to most everyone.

As an employee of the district you must maintain a valid and current certificate. You are also required to provide the district with such documentation. The burden of proof is yours.

To find information on specific certifica-tions and answers to more specific questions the following resources may be helpful to you:

State Education Web site:
www.highered.gov/tcert

Testing Web site:
www.nystce.nesinc.com

Regional Certification Officer at Orange/Ulster BOCES:
Charlotte Zupetz
Telephone (845) 291-0140
(there are specific hours to call regarding certification).
E-mail:
czupetz@ouboces.org
Web site:
www.ouboces.org/mgmtserv/eachercert.html

Start planning now so that when the paychecks start rolling in again in the fall you are prepared:
• Payment Options – The deadline for requesting to be placed on the 26 paycheck option (balloon check) is June 30th. If you miss that deadline you will be on the 21 check option. You could still plan ahead for summer 2007 by setting up a vacation club at the credit union or other financial institution.
• DIRECT DEPOSIT – This option is available to all MTA members. Notify payroll of your desire to start this option and have your check directly deposited to your credit union or bank account. (Direct deposit is not available for the final check of the school year.)
• FIRST PAYROLL DATE - For teachers and full-time TA’s the first payroll will be September 13th. Part-time TA’s will receive their first check on September 27th.
• VOTE/COPE - The annual VOTE/COPE payroll deduction will occur on October 11th.
• MTA DUES – While the exact dues amount will not be established until mid-September, the 10 consecutive payroll deductions will commence on October 25th and end on February 28th. Cash-pay members must make full payment by October 31st.
• THREE PAYCHECK MONTH – January will be the month during next school year when you will receive 3 checks.

(Submitted by Robin Geiger)
The MTA held its annual End of the Year Celebration on Thursday, June 8th at the Brookside Manor. The event was attended by approximately 168 people (comprised of teachers, TAs, nurses and invited guests). As people arrived they were able to mingle with colleagues, nibble on light appetizers, and unwind from the day’s previous work activities. Soon after, the buffet was set out and guests enjoyed dinner as they chatted.

As people continued to enjoy their meals, Sheila Esposito, MTA President, started the official festivities by recognizing the new teachers and their buddies. Next, 16 retirees were honored. Senior building reps introduced the retirees from their respective buildings by reading biographical information supplied by the retiree, and by sharing personal anecdotes and observations. All of the retirees were given an opportunity to speak, with comments ranging from sincere, heartfelt thank yous to some retirees expressing their various feelings about their profession, the MTA and their retirement. The comments (wonderfully positive and collegial) greatly impacted the audience and gently reminded us of the importance of our work and of the importance in our supporting each other. All of the retirees received a Tiffany crystal apple and a personalized crystal clock from the MTA as tokens of appreciation for their dedication and contribution to the teaching profession. Coffee and dessert were served while speeches continued.

As the evening came to an early end, it was apparent that everyone had a lovely time. The social was a wonderful reminder that we need to celebrate our accomplishments, and that the praise, encouragement and support from our colleagues is invaluable and necessary. If you could not attend this year, we will do it again – same time, next year!

(Submitted by Robin Geiger)
The Orange Classic may have changed its name (the First Annual 10K Classic Road Race) but some things never change - the MTA continued its tradition of maintaining a water station for the race. Twenty-one of our members (all buildings were well represented) showed up bright and early by the Middletown Police Station and began set up. Janet Myruski, chairperson, organized our group making sure that all went well, starting with a light breakfast of coffee, juice, bagels, and other homemade goodies brought by the group. We looked great in our cheery yellow official t-shirts despite the chilly temperature and intermittent wind. The weather did not seem to deter the enthusiastic runners and ran they did – definitely making our water spot a busy place!

The MTA had a great time supporting our community and the local runners. Next year, if you’re not running, think about joining us – it’s always a good time!