Reminder to save the date -

MTA New Teacher Social
at the MTA office,
Friday, October 26th
from 3:30-6:00 PM
RSVP by October 17th -
Robin Geiger through Outlook Express

It doesn’t seem possible that we will be wrapping up the month of September by the time all of you receive this newsletter.  Hopefully, summer has been a time of rest and rejuvenation and is not too much of a distant memory!

We will need our individual strengths this year as well as our collective strength if July, August and the beginning of September are any indication of what is in store for us this year.

I found it necessary to include in this issue the remarks I made at the last Board of Education meeting in August.  Sadly, we couldn’t even get through the summer without major problems that directly resulted from Central Administration’s lack of planning, organization and communication.  It would have been so much nicer to begin the school year with news of positive events and circumstances.  However, if I must begin this issue continuing where I left off last year then so be it.  Telling the truth and revealing the truth must take precedence.

Here we are, barely into the new school year, and we have issues that extend across the district:

• Scheduling of elementary in-service trainings violated contract language.
• The lack of planning and preparation at the High School (yet again)  caused chaos and confusion and contributed to an embarrassing and extremely unsatisfactory start.
• Cross Pointe has once again proven that it cannot handle the scheduling of high school classes.
• No apparent planning for the new 9th Grade Academy was evident when teachers entered school on September 4th and no training was in place nor was there any information to guide and support teachers who were assigned to be a part of this new venture.
• Necessary supplies and materials were not available to teachers– including textbooks that should have been ordered months ago.
• Duty rosters for HS teachers were e-mailed on the evening of Wednesday, September 12th, long after teachers were gone and at the start of a four day weekend (with duties to begin on the Monday teachers return).
• There was no uniform distribution and no standardized training provided on the new Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) document that took the entire school 2006-2007 year to create.  The completion of this document was due in large part to the concerted effort of the teacher majority on the APPR committee.  The committee made clear recommendations to the Superintendent regarding how the document should be presented to both administrators and teachers.  Unfortunately, the correct and appropriate handling of such an extremely important document did not occur as envisioned.

The above list is not comprehensive and serves only to provide some examples of what has been experienced by our members within the first month of school.  The MTA will continue to work on behalf of all its members but in turn we will need your help throughout this year.  Do not be a stranger to this office and please step forward to lend your union a hand when it is needed.

Through unity we build strength and the foreshadowing is evident.  We will need a surplus of strength in this new school year!

With the start of a new school year only days away I think it is important to re-emphasize the MTA’s desire to be a part of a clear and effective system of communication that will only serve to benefit all.   Without clear, consistent, and open communication, the potential for misunderstandings is always a possibility and the ramifications of poor (or non-existent) communication will be frustrating at best and potentially disastrous at worst.

Recently there have been some major communication gaffes directly involving the MTA and it is necessary to bring them to your attention.  On August 14th, interviews were held for the position of Personal Administrator.  It was extremely upsetting and very unfortunate that at 10:20 a.m. on the morning of Aug. 14th both Gary Day and I were called at our homes and notified that the first interview had begun at 10:00.  Neither of us had been notified regarding the interview details—the date was not confirmed, and the time and location were not communicated nor were any other related pieces of information made available (meeting ahead of time to formulate questions, format/structure of interview process, role of each member, etc.).  It was extremely upsetting and very embarrassing to have somehow been left out of the informational loop.

On Monday, August 27th—the first day of New Teacher Orientation, a near disaster occurred.  The schedule of events specifically designed to welcome and introduce new teachers to the district called for our new teachers to board a bus at Monhagen Middle School between 10:45 -11:00 and be transported to the MTA office for the union’s portion of the morning.  By 11:10 when there was no arrival of the new teachers, a phone call was placed to Monhagen to determine if the bus had left.  It was at this point that we learned no bus had arrived and we subsequently found out that no bus had been ordered by the district.  To add further insult to injury, my name was cited as being the person responsible for ordering the bus!  (To the best of my knowledge I have not been authorized to expend district funds!)  As upsetting as it was to have my name falsely linked to this mistake, it was far worse to have 39 brand new employees left to wait under the broiling sun while a series of calls were placed to secure transportation for them.  This was incredibly embarrassing, and it was very frustrating for our newest members who were left for an hour with nothing to do but wait.  By the time a bus was secured (a huge thank you to Mike Tuttle) and the teachers arrived at the MTA office, we had lost over 45 minutes of our well-planned and very detailed presentation for the newest members of our union.

What is most upsetting about both of these examples if that up to this very minute, no apology has been extended for either incident!  No explanations have been offered, nor has there been any acknowledgement of the phone calls I placed regarding both of these occurrences.  I am just incredulous at the lack of common courtesy and the total absence of anyone taking responsibility.  It is extremely difficult not to feel insulted and ignored.  As a member of an educational community, I assume that everyone should model the behaviors expected of our students—taking responsibility, offering apologies, inquiring as to the well-being of others and/or making amends are all examples of  appropriate responses when a mistake has been made.  As teachers, are we not valued enough to be the recipients of courteous behavior from the leaders of our district?

As I have been conducting exit interviews over the summer, many of the teachers who have resigned from the district have mentioned the frustration of poor communication as a factor in seeking employment elsewhere.  And, as recently as today, I have been receiving phone calls from members asking basic beginning of the year questions because they have received no official information from the school district.

With the start of a new school year only days away, we need to know that timely, clear and professional communication will become commonplace across the district.  I am not happy to have to publicly ask for something that should be a natural occurrence.

(Submitted by Pam House)

What is a union?  When I began teaching I wasn’t too concerned about “the union.” I felt I was too busy getting settled into the job and had little time for anything extra. I would hear people make comments in passing about “the union” as if it were some separate organization. In the lunchroom I listened to some of the veterans talking about years past when they walked picket lines and considered going on strike. Listening to them I realized that the things we had in place in our contract came about only because of “the union” and that “the union” was something I was a part of.

I started to pay attention to what people were saying about “the union” and began to wonder about how it all works. Whenever there was a problem I would hear people say “what will ‘the union’ do about that?” Sometimes I would hear negative comments about “the union.” “The union doesn’t do anything”, “the union doesn’t care,” “the union doesn’t fight for us.” I did not hear a lot of positive things being said and it seemed that no one cared about being involved in the union but they sure did like to complain if they did not like the outcome of a situation.

Who is “the union?” I wondered. I found that the union spokespeople- Building reps and exec. Board members were teachers just like me and when they settled on a contract or agreed to something it would affect them just as much as anyone else. I decided to get more involved and ran for building rep. I have been a building rep. for many years now and recently became a Senior building rep. Both positions have been positive experiences. I have learned so much about how “the union” functions and that a successful union takes a lot of work.  I think that everyone should take a turn at being a rep. so they can have a better understanding of OUR UNION and get a closer look at how much good we do accomplish.

You see, it is not “the union.” This is OUR UNION and it can only be as strong as WE make it. The people who do the work in OUR UNION do so for the good of all. Unfortunately the number of members who step up to the plate to help OUR UNION is often small. It is often difficult to get members to serve on committees, run for building rep., help with mailings, attend the yearly general membership meetings, etc. All of us are busy I know but if we all gave a little we could be such a strong force. Apathy is our greatest downfall.

So the next time “the union” puts out a call asking for a little help with a mailing, a drive, a task force, etc. please consider stepping up to the plate and helping out because it is OUR UNION not “the union and you are part of it. And even if you are new and busy getting settled into the job, there are some activities you can do that will only take up a small amount of your time. Be an active part of OUR UNION and you will find out how much we do accomplish for the benefit of all and YOU can be a part of making good things happen.

I have just started my 13th year of service in Middletown.  When will I start to receive longevity 13?  You should receive longevity 13 during this school year.  Teachers start receiving longevities during the year of service, not after completing the year.

I am a part-time TA.  Am I a member of the retirement system?  As a part-time TA you have the option to join the New York State Teachers Retirement System and qualify to collect a pension when you reach retirement age.  If you do join, you will be required to contribute 3% of your gross salary for no longer than 10 years.  Also, after joining the system and earning 2 years of service credit you can apply for all of your prior years of service.  See your TA rep for a TRS enrollment form.

I am a new teacher with a Masters degree and I am working on a second Masters.  Will I receive 2 Masters stipends after completing my degree requirements?  No, you will only receive the Masters stipend for your first degree.  However, you can receive salary credit for the courses you complete for your second degree as long as you receive prior approval for the coursework and submit transcripts after completing the courses.

During new teacher orientation at the MTA office I know that I signed enrollment forms for the MTA and NYSUT.  When will I be able to join the national teacher union affiliates?  That is already taken care of.  The enrollment forms that you completed have also covered the 2 national affiliates, the AFT and the NEA.

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.

(Submitted by Kristine Hanington)

During one of my courses at Summer Leadership I found out that State Ed is looking to keep personal information of those licensed in the state up to date.  To do this they are relying on individuals to keep their own information current.  I am sure many of you, especially those who have tried to contact the state recently, are thinking how do I do this?  It is highly recommended that you set up an account with TEACH.  The system is relatively new and does have some kinks but it is a good place to get started.  If you are newly certified this is a place where you can keep a record of your professional development requirements as well.  If you and your spouse or significant other are both teachers you will need separate e-mail accounts to each set up your own TEACH account.

The system can be accessed at the following: http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/certificate/

(Submitted by Frank Lentino)

Thank you to the MTA for encouraging me to attend the 2007 NYSUT Summer Leadership conference August 15—17.  The courses I attended, Basic Negotiations, Teachers’ Retirement System, and Certification Issues were well run and very informative.  Our LRS (Labor Relations Specialists) representatives from the  Tarrytown Regional Office were accessible and answered every question we had as best they could.  The materials we received will be a valued resource for all our members.

Just as importantly, networking with members from other locals and colleagues from the MTA that I may have not known was well worthwhile.  Also, the accommodations and food were outstanding.  I encourage any member old or new to consider attending in the future.  Again, my thanks to our leadership for giving me this opportunity.

All MTA members should have received their ’07 – ‘08 NYSUT calendar.  The distribution was delayed this year due to circumstances at NYSUT headquarters.  Contact your Sr. Building Rep if you did not receive your calendar.  If you noticed that your name and/or address was incorrectly printed on the label then you must e-mail or 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.

Newsletter submissions can be forwarded to Kristine Hanington at mtanews@middletownteachers.org.  All submissions should also be copied to Robin Geiger at rgeiger1@hvc.rr.com.  The next submission deadline is October 12, 2007.  Please  use private e-mails for newsletter articles.

I believe an August edition of the MTA newsletter may be a first.  Your union office has been busy this summer and the Executive Board felt that it was necessary to get certain information out to you before the start of school.

In addition to planning many future events for the upcoming year, much work has taken place on a daily basis and union activities have not stopped since June.  To date:
More grievances were filed this summer keeping Lois Cronk, our grievance chair, quite busy.

I met regularly with Dr. Eastwood to address items of both old and new business matters.

Work continued on APPR (Annual Professional Performance Review) and hopefully the completed document will be presented to the Board of Education on August 30th.
Board of Education meetings in July and August were attended regularly by union officers and teachers.

Planning and organization took place for the August 27th New Teacher Orientation.
The MTA conducted its own exit interviews with members who resigned since June and a more detailed report will follow in the September newsletter.

Ten MTA members attended the NYSUT Summer Leadership Conference (see related article)

In addition to the above, quite a few members came in to the office regarding matters requiring personal attention.  Issues included insurance matters, hiring practices, possible terminations, step placements, retirements, resignations, maternity/child care leaves and overall district practices and procedures.  Needless to say, the days have flown by since June 22nd!

Please enjoy the rest of your summer.  I look forward to seeing all of you in September!

Start planning now so that when the paychecks start rolling in again in September you are prepared:

PAYMENT OPTIONS– The deadline for requesting to be placed on the 26 paycheck option (balloon check) was June 29th.  If you missed that deadline you will automatically be on the 21 check option.  You could still plan ahead for summer 2008 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 (326-1141) 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, full-time TA’s and nurses the first payroll will be September 12th.  Part-time TA’s will receive their first check on September 26th.

VOTE/COPE - The annual VOTE/COPE payroll deduction will occur on October 10th.  Unless you have rescinded or changed your authorization, the deduction will be the same as last year’s.

MTA DUES – While the exact dues amount will not be established until mid-September, the 10 consecutive payroll deductions will commence on October 24th and end on February 27th.  Cash-pay members must make full payment by October 31st.

3-PAYCHECK MONTH – January will be the month during this school year when you will receive 3 checks.

3-WEEK PAYROLL GAP – Every few years the calendar requires a 3-week gap in one of the payroll periods.  This year there will be a 3- week gap in June.  The June dates for paychecks will be June 4 and June 27.  Plan ahead now for this occurrence.

As we closed the 2006 – 2007 school year the balance of days in the MTA Sick Bank fell below the 4,000 day mark.  In accordance with our contract provision, this new balance will require that all teachers contribute 1 day to the Sick Bank.  Since this is the first year that teachers have contributed to the bank since the 2000 – 2001 school year, many of our members will be contributing for the first time.  This contribution will result in your individual sick day balance being increased by 13 days rather than the customary 14 days.

Consult your contract to become more familiar with this contract provision that was gained in bargaining in June 1977 (the year that the MTA membership had authorized a strike).

More details regarding the Sick Bank will be disseminated at the September Rep Council meeting.

• October 21 – Making Strides walk •
• October 26 – New Teacher Social •
• December 8 – NYC bus trip •
• January 30 – Tenure workshop •
• June 18 – End of the Year Celebration •