“If I have the belief tha I can do it,
I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it
even if I may not have it at the beginning.”
Mahatma Gandhi

We need member who believe they can “do it.” MTA elections are next month and now is the time for individuals to step forward and run for positions open within the union.

It is absolutely understandable that not everyone may feel ready to undertake the duties and responsibilities of an elected position within our union. However, that should not and can not be a barrier to stepping up and becoming involved.

The MTA stands firmly committed to enabling our members to build the necessary skills and capabilities required when assuming a new role within the union. Annually, we provide the opportunity for members to attend the NYSUT Summer Leadership Conference, and, at the beginning of each school year, we provide our own building representative training. In addition, there are numerous opportunities to try on different leadership roles through the varous committees and activities that occur during the year.

Next year will be a critical juncture for the MTA. The negotiations process will begin again in the spring and before the conclusion of the 2008-2009 school year, the union will be electing individuals to fill all four officers’ positions. Now is the time to learn more about your union and commit to acquiring the capacity to work in a collaborative manner in order to effect the changes necessary for progress.

We need members who believe they can do the job even if, at the beginning, they do not possess all of the necessary skills. A positive attitude, a willingness to work on behalf of colleagues, and a desire to assume and learn new roles and responsibilites, contributes to building the collective capacity for change.

Please give serious consideration to placing your name on the ballot for an elected position in May.

Sheila

(by Gary Day)

When I retire what happens to the in-service death benefit from TRS? If you are in Tier 1, the benefit ends at the time of your retirement. For almost all members in Tiers 2, 3, & 4 the death benefit extends into your retirement. During the first year of retirement in is 50% of the death benefit in effect at the time of retirement. In year 2 of retirement it is equal to 25% and in the 3rd and ensuing years it is 10% of the benefit at age 60 or at retirement if earlier. This is a good reason to keep your designated beneficiary up to date.

How do I calculate the value of my unused personal illness days when I leave the district? There is a chart for this on page 29 of the contract. Divide your accumulated number of days by your years of service in Middletown to determine the correct column. Then use your years of service to find the appropriate row. The point of intersection is the amount that will be used for each of your days.

I am a Tier 3 member with 29 years of experience at age 55. Must I wait until age 62 to collect my pension? No, you can collect at age 55, but because you are less than age 62 with fewer than 30 years of service you will be penalized. This year you would collect 42.3% of your FAS. Next year, with 30 years of service you could collect 60% of your FAS.

When I select an option at the time of retirement, can I name my child as a beneficiary? You can name a child as a beneficiary, but if you select a survivor option (pop-up or not), your pension will be reduced dramatically as your child’s age will be a factor in the “cost” of selecting the option. The age of a beneficiary has no impact if you select a 5 or 10 year guarantee option.

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.

 by Robin Geiger

The MTA will hold its annual End of the Year Celebration on Wednesday, June 18th at the Wallkill Golf Club. The festivities will start at 4:15 (to accommodate all of our colleagues). All members who have announced their retirement will be invited to attend as guests of the MTA. Traditionally, retirees will be honored with kind words and gifts. As is also our practice, all new teachers and their buddies will receive invitations to attend as guests.

The evening starts out with munchies and a cash bar, to be followed by a buffet dinner including cake and coffee. This is always an enjoyable evening and a wonderful opportunity to honor our colleagues. Invitations for retirees, new teachers and buddies will be distributed in May. For all of the rest of us, forms will be sent out in May with all of the information. Save the date — make every effort to attend — you’ll be happy you did!