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RC 12 Member Survey
We are interested in finding out how many retirees are availing themselves of the recources on our web site. Please help us in our efforts to meet your needs by completing this short (5 question) survey. Just click on the link below. Thank you. Click Here to take survey |
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From Your President
We Remember, We Believe and We Celebrate
September is around the corner and schools are gearing up to open their doors. Every time you go to the store, it is hard to ignore the shelves that are literally overflowing with notebooks, pens and other school supplies. If you are like me, at this time of year you may find yourself reflecting on your career as an educator. I remember that I was so full of anticipation that I never slept well the night before the first day of school. Names float through my mind of students who were in my class that I remember for a particular reason. If you’re lucky, years later you get to see your students as adults---you bump into them at the airport or at Target and they remember you fondly. If you’re really lucky, they may even tell you that you made a difference in their lives.
As educators, the values of integrity, respect, and justice were crucial as we worked hard to address the diverse needs of our student population. It was those values that guided our behavior both inside and outside the classroom. Every day, the faces of the children in our classes held us accountable. Our elected officials (federal, state and local representatives) need to uphold these same values. As retired teachers, our role is different now. Now we can be the face that keeps them accountable.
RC 12 is proud of all our active members who volunteer to write, call, or talk among themselves about the issues that are vital to retired teachers. Issues like the recent questioning of on our pension, arguing the creation of a new Tier 5 and especially fixing health care.
On a recent RC 12 social trip to Toronto we met an older American woman with dual citizenship who was our tour guide at the Royal Ontario Museum. She told us her story (see our website for the complete story in her words) about the great health care in Canada. She fought cancer, recovered from being in a coma and was so well now she was sharing her wealth of knowledge about the exhibits in the museum. Her bill? Unbelievable! Her story and her interest in sharing this information even with President Obama is inspiring!
New school supplies are a symbol of a new start. As you pass the three ring binders and highlighter displays, consider what you can do to bring that “back to school” excitement back into your life. As you reflect on the positive impact you had in the lives of children, I ask you to consider using some of your energy now to continue to preserve the values you upheld as an in-service teacher. I invite you to consider getting involved in NYSUT RC 12 activities as much your circumstances and schedule allow. Perhaps you could attend our three luncheon meetings, participate in our social trips, stay better informed on important legislative issues and join the Committee of 100 in March, or plan a gathering or program of interest with other retirees in your community. Don’t forget to let us know what you’ve planned and feel free to invite me and or other board members to attend. We would love to listen to your ideas, suggestions and concerns or to participate in your planned program. We’ll bring the coffee and muffins!
Let’s celebrate each new day with gratitude, hope and action!
Karen |
John Mazur RC12 Treasurer and Karen Wojcik-Hess President lobbied Congressman Paul Tonko with the AFT Positions on Health Care Reform Legislation and the Baucus Bill and Strengthening Medicare on Oct 1st 2009 at the Capitol. |
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NYSUT Leaders Pledge Continued Collaboration with New Education Commisssioner
NYSUT Media Relations - July 27, 2009
ALBANY, July 27, 2009 - New York State United Teachers, the union representing more than half a million teachers, higher education faculty at SUNY and CUNY, and other professionals in education and health care, pledged to collaborate with newly named state education Commissioner David M. Steiner to accelerate momentum in educational achievement, its leaders said today.
"We look forward to working with David M. Steiner to continue and advance our students' progress toward high academic standards," said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi.
"Dean Steiner is known for emphasizing the importance of quality teacher preparation," said NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira. "We will continue to provide perspective and insight from classroom teachers and from our members in higher education on the best ways to ensure all educators are well prepared and supported."
Neira, who oversees NYSUT policy on professional and education issues, added: "We look to his leadership in furthering the Regents' commitment that changes in education policy will be made with teachers, not to them.
"Our members share a commitment to quality research on best educational practice to assure that all students – including students of color and students who live in poverty – succeed. Sustaining and expanding quality instructional practices and research are key to continued progress toward high academic standards.
"Dean Steiner has referenced philosopher Hannah Arendt's belief that those who choose to educate the next generation must take responsibility for the world they present to students. NYSUT's leadership on educational issues and on ending the achievement gap makes it clear that teachers and higher education faculty embrace both the opportunity and responsibility of being full participants in strengthening education in New York state."
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Statewide Service and Civic Engagement Website During his State of the State address, Governor David A. Paterson announced volunteering and service as a priority of his Administration and launched New Yorkers Volunteer – a statewide campaign to elevate the number of In addition, To support these initiatives, a State website was launched at www.NewYorkersVolunteer.ny.gov. The site functions to elevate the awareness of service and provide New Yorkers with a tool to identify meaningful volunteer opportunities that meet needs in their local community. |
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QuEST 2009 Highlights
Highlights from the recently concluded 2009 AFT QuEST conference in Washington, D.C., included AFT president Randi Weingarten's keynote address, a town hall meeting with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, a panel on community schools and remarks from U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. Daily updates from the conference, as well as video highlights, can be found on the AFT's QuEST 2009 Web site.
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 On June 22, President Obama announced a nationwide service initiative, United We Serve, which is the beginning of a sustained, collaborative and focused effort to meet community needs and make service a way of life for all Americans. |
