7.7.16.compressed

H H H H Celebrating Public Schools H H H H NEW YORK n Union campaign leads to boost in Teacher’s Choice funding PAGE 3 n S hanker Scholarship winners Teacher conqueredadversityPAGES10-11 n S pringfield Gardens school comes to aid of student in need PAGE 9 UNITED FEDERATION OF TEACHERS www.uft.org VOLUME LVII, NUMBER 11 n N ew certification requirements PAGE 3 JULY 7, 2016 Learning by design Architecture class helps District 75 students’ ideas take shape in Brooklyn – Page 2GARY SCHOICHET

Celebrating public schools Framing their futuresArchitecture class helps District 75 students’ ideas take shape in Brooklyn GARY SCHOICHET clockwise from top left: Parapro- fessional Elaine Berry displays the interior of the Brooklyn Art Gallery model. • Teacher Yvon Milien (left), with two students, lowers the gallery roof. • Student models include a multi-use skyscraper and a private home. • Chapter Leader Albert Justiniano (right) and two students show the materi- als they use. By LINDA OCASIO tiniano. “And they’re creating with their own hands.” other and working together.” Elaine Berry, the class paraprofessional, says students Brandon, age 16, takes pride in showing the sustain-The Brooklyn Art Gallery is a stunning piece of archi- tecture, its grounds beautifully landscaped and its walls hesitate at first when considering the class. able high school, which was envisioned with solar panels, a adorned with the artwork of students at the Brook- “First they say, ‘I can’t do it,’” Berry says. “I tell them, small farm and a greenhouse. “There’s a generator for whenlyn School for Career Development in Prospect Heights. the solar panels go dark at night,” he explains.You can’t enter the gallery — but you can lift the roof: ‘Can you draw a straight line? Then you are a candidate forIt’s a small-scale model, the handiwork of Yvon Milien’s the class.’ So many of them have ideas but don’t know how Principal Yvrose Pierre said she was inspired to bringarchitecture class at the District 75 school. Everything is to put them on paper.” the program to her school eight years ago after visiting thedesigned and constructed by his students, from the land- architecture program at nearby Brooklyn Tech HS. Eachscape to the building to the miniature artwork inside. She helps students view the world around them with new year, Milien selects eight students who he believes will be eyes. “I tell them to look around at the shapes and angles able to commit to the work. The small class keeps everyone Ashawn, age 18, explains how he helped put it together. in their bedroom or the straight lines on the street,” Berry focused and enables the students to work closely with their“I looked up museums on the computer, and I came up with says. “They begin to expand their vocabulary with words teacher and each other.ideas inspired from architecture magazines,” he says. “After like ‘horizontal’ and ‘vertical.’”I did research, I drew a floor plan on graph paper, and I used Students who have taken the class have created every-tracing paper to draw elevations. Then I took pictures of It’s not unusual for the class to visit a park in the neigh- thing from a dollhouse for a sister to a model that one fami-student artwork and had those reduced.” borhood and then be tasked with recreating the landscape ly wanted to use to build a house in Puerto Rico, says Berry. in a small-scale model. Milien shows the students how to draw a floor plan and Milien says the interdisciplinary nature of the coursethen helps them build a model using math and geometry. Student progress is visible in the room. Early attempts, helps the students understand that complex projects draw“We use foam board, glue, rulers and drawing or graphic such as small houses, are placed on shelves around the on knowledge of a variety of subjects — and that it takespapers,” he says. “All the materials architects use, we use.” room; sketches of different shapes are taped to the wall; time and perseverance to create complex things. and floor plans sit atop desks. In the center of the room The class provides an engaging and interdisciplinary are the buildings that demonstrate the students’ growing “I had to explain it’s a process, and you can’t do theway for these special-needs students between the ages of mastery: a park, a sustainable high school and a glittering, model in one day,” he says. “At lunch time, they’d come to13 and 21 to learn about math, writing, art, the environment mixed-use building based on a Dubai skyscraper with a me and say they want to finish the project.”and social studies. hotel, offices and stores. The program has paid many dividends for these stu- “They begin to observe and understand the structures Sidest, age 16, explains the model of a neighborhood dents.that are all around them,” says Chapter Leader Albert Jus- park. “I drew the landscaping first, and I had to use mea- surements and a lot of rulers,” he says. “There was a lot of “It’s the camaraderie and the teamwork and the patience,”2 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org teamwork on this project. The class is about helping each Berry says. “They take pride in their work and at the end, they say, ‘We did it.’”

Union campaign leads to boost in Teacher’s Choice funding By SUZANNE POPADIN Mayor Bill de Blasio (at podium), with Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (to his left), an- budget must be in place by July 1. nounces on June 8 a final city budget that included a 27.5 percent increase in Teacher’s Choice Teacher’s Choice, traditionally funded byA27.5 percent increase in funding for funding. Teacher’s Choice, the UFT’s top the City Council, reimburses educators for budget priority, was secured for the support strengthen our ability to serve the “We want our members to know how much some of their out-of-pocket costs for supplies2016–17 fiscal year after an intense lobby- children of this city,” he said. “These pro- their lobbying efforts have meant to us,” he and has a direct impact on what teachers caning campaign by members on social media grams actually make a difference in the class- said. “We thank everyone who shared a story accomplish in the classroom. The averageand by union leaders at Council meetings room and they are important to our members, or participated in any way in our campaign.” teacher spends more than $500 a year on hisand hearings. who can do great things when they have the or her students, and many have expenditures right tools.” Mayor Bill de Blasio and City Coun- that top $1,000. Teachers buy everything The budget allotment of $12.3 million is cil Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito shook from crayons to glue sticks to telescopes toup from $9.65 million last year, thanks to the And he thanked UFT members for mak- hands on an $82.1 billion budget agree- computer software.more than 1,000 UFT members who tweeted ing their voices heard among the many ment on June 8, the earliest a deal has beenat Council members or told their stories of groups vying for a piece of the budget pie. reached since 2001. By law, the new city “These are not extraneous expenditures,”out-of-pocket spending on school supplies Mulgrew said. “These are educational toolsto their Council members in an email cam- that make the classroom experience specialpaign. The exact amount that each educator and memorable.”will receive in Teacher’s Choice funds for thecoming school year will be determined by the This school year, teachers received $122Department of Education during the summer, in Teacher’s Choice funds (guidance counsel-once it has a clearer sense of the total number ors, school social workers and psychologists,of eligible educators. school secretaries and lab specialists received smaller amounts). The union had urged the Funding for the UFT’s Community Council to restore the prerecession allotment.Learning Schools Initiative — a network of The UFT’s ultimate goal, Mulgrew has said,28 schools with community partnerships to is to make Teacher’s Choice “a permanentintegrate vital support services into schools item in the budget.”— was also at the top of the UFT’s list ofmust-have resources. The new budget sets The City Council declined to allocateaside $475,000 for the initiative, maintain- funding for the Positive Learning Collab-ing its current level of funding. orative, a joint initiative of the union and the DOE that supports schools in creating a Mulgrew thanked the Council for its sup- positive learning environment. The UFT isport. “The Council’s tireless advocacy and looking for other public and private funding sources for this needed program.Certification requirements revised UFT boroughNew policies and procedures regard- offices are open ing certification and the tracking of Who needs to register? will be registered automatically. professional development hours were • Teachers holding permanent When must I register? for businessapproved as part of the 2015 state budget. this summer! certificates Beginning July 1, you should register Starting in July, all permanently or pro- • Teachers holding professional during the month of your birth. If you were All UFT offices will close atfessionally certified teachers and Level III born in July, you will register in July, etc. 4 p.m. on Friday, July 1, and willteaching assistants working in public schools certificates How do I register? be closed on Monday, July 4, in(those certified before 2004) are required to •  Paraprofessionals holding Level III observance of Independence Day.register with the State Education Depart- Teaching Assistant certificates •  You will register through your TEACHment. This new one-time requirement also •  Retired teachers who wish to maintain account at www.highered.nysed.gov/ Beginning Tuesday, July 5,affects retired teachers who want to maintain their certification tcert/teach by logging on with your borough offices will betheir certification. Teachers who hold Initial, Transitional username and password. open Monday–Thursday, •  If you have never created a TEACH Professional and Level III teaching A, Transitional B, Internship or Conditional account, you must self-register with 9 a.m.–5:15 p.m., through Sept. 2.assistant certificate holders will also now Initial certificates and paraprofessionals who TEACH at www.highered.nysed.gov/ Offices will be closed on Fridays.be required to complete and show proof hold Level I or Level II Teaching Assistant tcert/teach/selfreg.html by creating an All borough offices will be closedof 100 hours of professional development certificates do not need to register. account; then you will log on to register.(also known as Continuing Teacher and How does the new state law affect how the weeks of Aug. 14 and 21.Leader Education or CTLE hours) every If your professional or Level III teaching I track PD hours? However, UFT central headquartersfive years. certificate is issued after July 1, 2016, you •  Professional and Level III teachingNew online registration requirement assistant certificate holders are required will remain open. All UFT offices will be closed on If you hold a permanent, professional or to collect and track 100 PD (or CTLE) Monday, Sept. 5, in observance ofLevel III teaching assistant certificate, new hours in each five-year cycle.regulations require that you register with the •  Permanent certificate holders are still Labor Day.state during the 2016–17 school year through not required to track PD hours. Regular office hours will resume onyour online TEACH account. • Everyone who registers will begin a new five-year PD cycle in the 2016– Tuesday, Sept. 6. Registering online is a way of verifying 17 school year. Security procedures require you toyour identity and alerting the state that you •  Any PD hours you complete after July check in at the reception desk atwish to keep your teaching certificate active. 1, 2016, will count toward your 100- each office and to show a photo ID.There is no fee associated with registration. hour requirement, even if you do not register until later in the year. www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 3

THE VALUE OF YOUR UNIONI ran into a boy who was my JONATHAN FICKIESstudent in grade 2 at theUFT’s Thanksgiving mealfor homeless students. When I decided to volunteer for the luncheon, I never expected to end up crying.My former student and I recognized each other right away, and he didn’t leave myside all day. It all hit home for me when I saw him there. How sad I was to see him and hisfamily going through a housing crisis, but how great it was to see him having funthat day with the other kids away from the shelter. I’ve always worked at schools where the students confront challenges like povertyand language barriers. Our work as teachers goes beyond the four walls of ourschool. The UFT makes us aware of all the different ways we can help kids and givethem the things they don’t have. — Jennifer Colonna, 3rd-grade teacher and co-chapter leader, PS 192, BrooklynYou want to do good. The UFT gives you the power to have a greater impact.WHAT WE DO FOR OUR STUDENTS: The Albert Shanker Scholarship Fund awards nearly $1 million in schol-Dial-A-Teacher provides free homework help to elementary and middle arships each year to academically excellent and financially eligible stu-school students from classroom teachers. Students can call on weekday dents from New York City public schools.afternoons on days when school is in session and get help in any ofeight languages. The union’s partnership with the Coalition for the Homeless benefits thou- sands of children living in city shelters. Together, the union and coalitionBe BRAVE Against Bullying is a UFT campaign to combat bullying in distribute donated school supplies and host Thanksgiving and Christmasschools. The BRAVE campaign offers professional development for meals where homeless children receive holiday gifts and winter geareducators and resources for parents. The UFT also operates a hotline donated by members. Each year, UFT members also donate formal wearfor students who need a counselor to talk to about bullying. for proms to students in need.WHAT WE DO FOR THE BROADER COMMUNITY: Member donations to the fund also help relief efforts overseas when natu-Making Strides Against Breast Cancer draws thousands of UFT members ral disasters strike.each year, making the union one of the top fundraisers for the Strides walksponsored by the American Cancer Society. Go Pink is an annual day of The UFT Community Learning Schools Initiative helps students from low-action when educators dress in pink to raise awareness about breast cancer. income neighborhoods thrive by reducing the barriers to education. Each of the UFT’s 28 community learning schools has become a hub for theThe UFT Disaster Relief Fund was founded after 9/11 to help members community by providing health and social services, after-school programs,who lost loved ones in the attacks. The union and its members plunged academic programming and more to students and their families.into the relief effort in city communities devastated by Hurricane Sandy. Compiled by Hannah Brown Helping members help others … a reason to be Union Loud and Proud4 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org

Co-location thwarted in BrooklynMeyer Levin School community convinces DOE to halt plans to add charter BRUCE COTLER By SUZANNE POPADIN Students march outside IS 285 Meyer Levin School for the Performing Arts in East Flatbush on May this whole ordeal,” he said. “Betty was the 10 to demonstrate their opposition to the proposed co-location. source of our strength and inspiration. SheCity school officials have withdrawn a came to all the meetings to encourage us, controversial proposal to co-locate a “Today I saw how hard work and dedi- and marches and conducted letter-writing support us, get us angry when we were sad charter school at IS 285 Meyer Levin cation can pay off,” drama teacher Daisy campaigns. When the decision to drop the and celebrate the tiny wins when we hadSchool for the Performing Arts in East Flat- Rodriguez posted on Facebook. “Five long plan was announced, Zohar said, there was them.”bush after the school community and neigh- months filled with weekly strategy meetings, “celebrating in the hallways.”borhood groups joined forces to organize a countless emails and texts, and tearful phone The school — named for Sgt. Meyergrassroots campaign to oppose it. calls. It is possible for the good guy to win.” Tichard Chapman, a music teacher at the Levin, a World War II bombardier and pilot school and the founder of Higher Levin, said and the first American-Jewish hero of the “The DOE made the right decision. For Betty Zohar, the UFT’s parent and com- Zohar’s leadership was pivotal to their victo- war — provides training in dance, drama,co-locations to work, all of the stakeholders munity liaison in Brooklyn, praised com- ry. “Betty gave us the energy and motivation chorus, theater production, instrumentalhave to agree,” said UFT President Michael mitted volunteers who organized rallies to push on and kept us focused throughout band and steel pan orchestra. The arts pro-Mulgrew. “One school community can’t be gram has become an integral part of the Eastasked to make all the sacrifices, whether Flatbush community.that’s giving up smaller class sizes, or art ormusic rooms.” “It was an arduous five months but worth every second because our students and this Parents, educators, students, local politi- community deserve the very best and nowcians and community leaders pulled together we can get back to the task of ensuring weto fight the co-location plan, saying it would deliver exactly that,” Chapter Leader Roccohave hurt the performing arts program Meyer Romano said.Levin is known for and taken crucial spaceaway from that program and from others. Effects of the co-location would haveUnder the proposal, the elementary grades of been “devastating to the young minds andUncommon Kings Collegiate Charter School psyches of the children of Meyer Levin” andwould have occupied the third floor of the denied them the “opportunity for successschool building, now home to performance that we had,” said actor Reno Wilson, bestspaces; computer labs; a special education known for television roles on “The Cosbyroom; the not-for-profit Higher Levin, an Show” and “Mike & Molly.” “What I andafter-school alternative to the streets; and the other alumni have in common is we allEast Flatbush Village, a community organi- harken back to those years in Meyer Levinzation offering mentoring and sports. as that turning point in our lives that set us up for success.”Labor laurels JONATHAN FICKIESManhattan chapter leader wins30G scholarship from Murphy Institute By LINDA OCASIO New York. He’ll pursue a master’s in labor Chapter Leader Arturo Molina talks with col- Molina receives his award from Prof. Ruth studies at the institute starting this fall while leagues at a recent chapter meeting. Milkman of the Murphy Institute.The conversation was lively and intense continuing to teach at Roosevelt. as a group of 20 teachers gathered in a “I always have a good conversation with the www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 5 5th-floor classroom for a chapter meet- Molina, a Spanish teacher, has encour- administration, and they reach out to me toing at Eleanor Roosevelt HS on the Upper aged this kind of meaningful dialogue since ask questions. Communication is more fluidEast Side of Manhattan in early June. Topics becoming chapter leader in 2012. He says now between the administration and the staff.”ranged from teacher evaluations to changing it’s all about teachers understanding theircertification requirements to the benefits of contract and their rights — and their own Peter D’Amico, a science teacher at thean eight-period day vs. a nine-period day. power as union members. The culture of the school for 11 years, has worked closely with school, which opened in 2002, had not fos- Molina as a member of the school’s consulta- Voices were sometimes raised, and people tered that kind of empowerment in the past. tion committee. “Since Arturo became chap-sometimes spoke over each other, but Chap- Previously, UFT members had not engaged ter leader, he has done a great job of makingter Leader Arturo Molina was a calm center, in the school-based options process, and the us and the administration accountable andbringing the group back to a dialogue where administration made most of the program- working with the administration in a posi-each member was heard and respected. ming decisions on their behalf. tive way,” D’Amico said. “That’s a benefit to everyone. It’s made the chapter stronger.” “Teachers have a lot of good input here,” “It wasn’t clear what we as memberssaid Rose Davis, a veteran social studies could do,” Molina said. “I had to clarify what While Molina is honored to have won theteacher who transferred to Eleanor Roosevelt the contract stated. I told members my goal Murphy Institute scholarship, he is just asHS in October. She credited Molina with is not to be contentious, but communicative.” proud that his high school won the first UFTengaging the school’s members in civil dis- Team HS Award for Collaboration in 2015.cussions on sometimes thorny topics. “He’s Once elected, Molina established a con-been a great chapter leader.” sultation committee, in addition to Measures “To change the culture, it has to be col- of Student Learning and professional devel- lective,” Molina said. In a testament to those union leadership opment committees to ensure UFT membersskills, Molina won a $30,000 scholarship — have input into the school decisions thatone of only four winners — from the Joseph affect them.S. Murphy Institute for Worker Educationand Labor Studies at the City University of “I let them know that we actually have more power than you think,” Molina said.

Union Union to conduct survey to study teacher turnover Loud and Proud By JOE LoVERDE Two approved I’m free and clear and don’t have UFT President Michael Mulgrew said the New York City to worry about public school system, with the UFT leading the way, has losing my job moved forward further and faster than any school district in The delegates passed two the state — but the work isn’t nished. resolutions in their nal meet- resolutions thanks to the UFT. I needed the Dignity Next year, Mulgrew said during his report at the nal ing of the year. for All Students Act (DASA) workshop Delegate Assembly of the school year on June 15, the union The rst resolution called MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY credit to keep my license. I began looking for a course last September will focus on the following things: for the UFT and the Depart- • making sure every school is managed properly; ment of Education to work — in plenty of time, I thought, to • supporting the work of educators; together to nd a better system meet the mandate by June — but • ensuring a respectful environment for educators in for assigning social workers every school; and and guidance counselors from everywhere I turned, the classes • making sure schools are suf ciently funded. the ATR pool to schools. The were full. Seeing the problem, Mulgrew said the union is responsible for all of the lobby- delegates recommended alter- the UFT added more DASA ing on behalf of ing the current rotation system workshops. I made it into a the city’s public president’s report so these educators have suf - Emma Mendez, the UFT class in March. — Veronica Washington, schools. cient time in a school to meet liaison to the DOE’s Division paraprofessional, PS 3, “There is a reason why we have a $570 million increase the social and emotional of Specialized Instruc- Manhattan in funding from last year going into next year,” he said. “It needs of their students. tion and Student Support, I am having a was our work.” The other resolution con- introduces a resolution wonderful time Which is why every school should have more than enough demned the heinous night- about guidance counselors money to operate properly, he said — even if the principal club shooting in Orlando and and social workers in the woodworking tells them differently. offered support for that city’s ATR pool. and hiking “If you met enrollment, you have more money,” he residents. The resolution also said. called for ghting for stronger gun laws, promoting toler- in upstate New York in my One way the union will help ensure the system is man- ance and diversity, and taking part in the Pride march on retirement, and it’s all due aged better next year will be to address the root causes of June 26. to my UFT pension. After teacher turnover in certain schools. 32 years in the classroom, Many schools, he said, have already improved in that I have a pension that area. Still the question remains, he said, “Why are there cer- gives me economic tain schools in which people continually leave? Why is the NEW YORK TEACHER/City Edition stability and a sense churn rate so high?” of tranquility knowing He told chapter leaders they would be receiving a survey VOLUME LVII, NUMBER 11, JULY 7, 2016 from the union asking them to report the turnover rate at that I have their school and, if the school has high teacher turnover, to INDEX financial security. — Jonathan Turkel, pinpoint the cause. 38 Classified Ads 18 News Briefs There are some instances when turnover is not caused by 13 Comments 13 President’s Column retired teacher poor management, he said, such as when a school is closing. 12 Editorials 36 RTC News But in cases where poor management is to blame, Mulgrew 15 Linking to Learning 21 Secure Your Future In our battle to stop a said, he would like the issue to be openly discussed in those 41 Just for Fun 12 Teacher to Teacher co-location that schools next year. 17 Know Your Benefits 21 Variable Annuity would have hurt Mulgrew urged chapter leaders in schools where turnover 16 Know Your Rights 14 VPerspective our school, is a problem to broach the issue at the rst consultation com- 59 New Teacher Page 33 What I Do mittee meeting with the principal in the fall. the union gave us a crucial ally in Mulgrew said the union might also publicize these schools Betty Zohar, the UFT’s Brooklyn and “let teachers know where they should try to work if they UNITED FEDERATION OF TEACHERS parent liaison. Without her, we OFFICERS would not have been able to want to be supported properly.” win. Although we knew the In his end-of-year wrap-up, Mulgrew said the union PRESIDENT: Michael Mulgrew; SECRETARY: Howard Schoor; fight was just and needed achieved several important goals this school year, such as ASSISTANT SECRETARY: LeRoy Barr; TREASURER: Mel Aaronson; to be fought, Betty was our establishing stronger school chapters and offering more sup- ASSISTANT TREASURER: Tom Brown; VICE PRESIDENTS: Karen Alford, cheerleader. She port to the union’s newest members. went over and “Our chapter advocacy program was quite successful and Carmen Alvarez, Evelyn DeJesus, Anne Goldman, Janella Hinds, beyond to ensure we are looking to expand it,” he said. Richard Mantell, Sterling Roberson. our success. He noted the union’s new teacher program also has had an impact. “Among the most common things new teachers NEW YORK TEACHER CITY EDITION — Tichard told us is that almost every supply they received came from Chapman, the UFT,” he said, “which is great — but really sad at the EXECUTIVE EDITOR: Deidre McFadyen; EDITOR: Joe LoVerde; music teacher, SENIOR EDITOR: Anne Silverstein; SENIOR EDITOR/REPORTER: Cara Metz; IS 285, Brooklyn REPORTERS: Dorothy Callaci, Christina Cheakalos, To read more Union Loud and Proud stories, Rachel Nobel, Linda Ocasio, Suzanne Popadin; go to http://unionproud.uft.org. EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Shermaine Andrew;6 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org ART & PRODUCTION: Ernst Raymond, Miguel Romero; PHOTO COORDINATOR: Charles Dudley; ADVERTISING SALES: Jacqueline Gottlieb. same time.” EMAIL: Letters to the Editor: [email protected] OTHER CORRESPONDENCE: [email protected] PHONE: 1-212-598-7750 Mulgrew thanked the delegates for lobbying and par- ticipating in the union’s social media campaigns. Member The New York Teacher accepts paid advertising. The appearance of any advertisement activism paid off, he said. The nal city budget had a 27.5 does not imply any endorsement by or connection whatsoever with the United Federa- percent increase in Teacher’s Choice funding, and the city tion of Teachers. is taking steps to make its specialized high schools more New York Teacher (ISSN 1074-0503) is the official publication of the United Federation diverse. of Teachers. United Federation of Teachers, 52 Broadway, New York, New York 10004. The meeting began on a somber note, with members Published monthly. Annual subscription $15 (subscription cost is included in UFT standing for a moment of silence for the victims of the night- members’ dues). club shooting in Orlando, Florida, on June 12. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: New York Teacher, UFT Membership Depart- ment, 52 Broadway, 11th floor, New York, N.Y. 10004. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT NEW YORK, N.Y. AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES.

JONATHAN FICKIESUFT President Michael Mulgrew tells those assembled how the long-planned kickoff celebration for Pride Month took on new meaning after the Orlando nightclub massacre.UFT members show pride & unity with Orlando By LINDA OCASIO years ago,” Berkovic said. “Now I don’t have remarked on recent civil rights milestones, Weingarten said. “I thank you personally and to hide a part of who I am. Thank you, UFT, particularly for the LGBTQ community. professionally.”More than 200 UFT members gathered for caring about us.” at union headquarters on June 16 for “It’s 2016 and we still have a long way Anthony Harmon, the UFT director of an event that was initially intended to Tracy Tran, a teacher at Urban Assembly to go,” he said. “But we never thought we’d parent and community outreach, said thekick off Pride Month but became a show of School for Law and Justice in Brooklyn, said have marriage equality. We never thought original venue for the kickoff, which fea-solidarity after the mass shooting in a gay it was important for her to be at the union’s we’d have an African American president. tured remarks by several elected of cialsnightclub in Orlando, Florida, on June 12. event, especially after the Orlando incident. And we’re hoping for the rst female presi- and faith-based leaders, had to be changed The gathering was both a celebration of dent.” to accommodate all the union members who Shoshana Berkovic, a teacher at New Pride Month and a demonstration of support wanted to participate.Utrecht HS in Brooklyn, attended the kick- for the LGBTQ community. AFT President Randi Weingarten, whooff and said she planned to participate in the led the UFT for 11 years, recalled her own “We need to show support for the Orlan-Pride march on June 26. “I feel I had to be here in solidarity,” she coming out and praised the evolution of the do victims and families and to let members said. UFT on LGBTQ rights. know that an injury to one is an injury to all,” “I would have been afraid to march ve Harmon said. UFT President Michael Mulgrew “What an amazing journey for the union,”Annual Pride march MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY‘Love always wins’ union float. It was the second Pride march for teach- We’re united as one. It’s important to come together and ers Jennifer Winkler and Christina Steel from PS 32 in support each other.” Steel said spectators were excitedUFT members joined the annual Pride march along Fifth Fort Greene, Brooklyn. “I want to be a part of something to see the UFT contingent march by. “They were yelling,Avenue on Sunday, June 26, an event that took on deeper bigger than myself,” said Winkler. “There’s a lot of hate ‘Oh, my mom’s a teacher!’” she said. “In the teachingsignificance in the wake of the Orlando shooting two in this world, especially after Orlando.” For Winkler, the profession, you’re not necessarily allowed to be who youweeks earlier. UFT President Michael Mulgrew and AFT march — which was reportedly the largest ever, draw- are at work. It’s important to show support.” LEFT: SteelPresident Randi Weingarten joined other union officials ing more than 1 million spectators — was a celebration (left) and Winkler at the UFT float. RIGHT: UFT revelers rideand dozens of UFT members marching alongside the of love. “It’s about love always wins, whoever you are. down Fifth Avenue. www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 7

State’s farmworkers fighting to organize By SUZANNE POPADIN day off each week. New York farmworkers do not have the IMAGE FROM “AFTER I PICK THE FRUIT,” COURTESY OF DIRECTOR NANCY GHERTNER right to overtime pay, unemployment benefits or Workers’After working on the same dairy farm in upstate New Compensation insurance — all rights that UFT members and Farmworkers harvest cabbage in New York State. York for 12 hours a day, six days a week for three years, other workers take for granted. Legislation now being considered by the state Senate Crispin Hernandez was fired for meeting with a unionorganizer. Has the time come for farmworkers to attain the While the right of workers to organize is federally pro- and Assembly — the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Actrights they have been long denied? tected by the 1935 National Labor Relations Act, farmers — would give basic rights to the state’s farmworkers and were excluded then and still are. eliminate some exemptions for agricultural workers granted The New York Civil Liberties Union under federal law.filed a lawsuit in May against the state “We reject the Farm Bureau’s continuedand Gov. Andrew Cuomo that alleges pre- assertions that this racist, holdover policy Things have begun to change in New York State, saysventing farmworkers from organizing is a from Jim Crowe has any place in NewYork Bronfenbrenner, because Democratic lawmakers in Albanyviolation of the State Constitution. Hours today,” said Erin Beth Harrist, a senior staff have started to ask if there is a constitutional argument forafter the suit was filed, Gov. Cuomo said attorney at the New York Civil Liberties denying farmworkers the rights that other workers are enti-his administration will not defend it in Union and lead counsel on the case. tled to.court. The Civil Liberties Union suit was “It’s not there,” she said. “I agree with the NYCLU that the exclusion of farm- filed on behalf of Hernandez and two advocacy groups, theworkers from the labor relations act is inconsistent with our Workers’ Center of Central NewYork and the Worker Justiceconstitutional principles,” the governor said in a statement. Center of New York. Hernandez was fired after his employer — Marks Farms LLC in Lowville, one of the largest dairies But the battle has grown. Now the New York State Farm in New York — saw him meeting with co-workers and anBureau, the state’s largest agricultural lobbying group, wants organizer, after work hours in a worker’s residence.to defend the ban. The bureau, which represents big agribusi-ness, filed a motion in State Supreme Court on June 20 seek- The Farm Bureau has justified its motion by saying farmsing intervenor status in the lawsuit, saying the ability of its don’t work like other businesses and a strike at the wrong timemembers to produce food would be harmed if the plaintiffs could wipe out a year’s crop. At issue in the bureau’s attempt toprevail. insert itself as a defendant may be whether the bureau speaks for the employers, according to Kate Bronfenbrenner, the direc- In the state with the highest union membership rate in the tor of Labor Education Research and a senior lecturer at Cor-nation and in an industry worth $6.36 billion in 2014, New nell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. “SoYork farmworkers do not have the right to organize without many of the people who hire farmworkers in New York Statefear of retaliation. They are not guaranteed a full 24-hour are not represented by the Farm Bureau,” she said.Albany passes pension bill benefiting veterans By LINDA OCASIO “Many of our members have served their combat roles were, therefore, not eligible. of only six state pension systems to limit ser- country and continue to give back in the Eligible members in Tiers I through IV of vice credit based on dates or combat service.Gov. Andrew Cuomo on May 31 signed classroom,” said UFT President Michael The bill to expand eligibility was passed by into law a bill that enables public school Mulgrew. “It’s only fitting that they have a the pension system will be required to pay 3 the state Legislature twice before, but both teachers and other public employees chance to benefit from a provision that was percent of their most recent salary per year times the governor vetoed it.who are honorably discharged veterans denied them for so long.” of additional service credit; Tier VI membersand have five years in their civilian jobs to would pay 6 percent of their most recent sal- “I must have taken 12 trips up to Albanypurchase up to three years of service credit Previously, the pension credit was only ary per year. Veterans would need three years to lobby on this issue,” said John Garvey, thetoward their pensions. available to veterans who served in certain of military duty to purchase three years of chair of the UFT Veterans Committee and conflicts, including World War II, the Korean pension credit. a teacher at Long Island City HS. “The old For the first time, female public employ- War, the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf rules were arcane. This legislation is a thankees who are veterans will have the opportu- War, and who had been actively engaged in “Our veterans take on the enormous risk you for stepping up and doing the job. It wasnity to purchase service credit. combat. Many women who served in non- of injury or even death when they enlist in the the moral thing to do.” military,” said Democratic Assemblywoman SAVE THE DATE! Amy Paulin of Scarsdale, who wrote and The legislation appropriates $24.8 million2016 Labor Day Parade introduced the bill. “This bill offers service to cover the cost of the newly covered veterans. members an incentive to stay here in New York State and continue to make meaningful UFT members who are veterans are contributions to our communities.” advised to contact the UFT Pension Depart- ment to discuss the costs as well as the ben- NewYork State’s pension system was one efits of purchasing service credit. MILLER PHOTOGRAPHYSaturday, Sept. 10 JONATHAN FICKIES Be part of this annual celebration with your fellow UFT members. UFT President Michael Mulgrew said “many of our members have served their country and continue8 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org to give back in the classroom,” as Fred Kapp (right) and John Garvey of the UFT Veterans Committee showed during a visit to Curtis HS on Staten Island a couple of years ago.

There for TrishanaSpringfield Gardens school comes to aid of student in need JONATHAN FICKIES By CARA METZ needed anything, to come to her.” Trishana, she had arrived in this country from clockwise from left: Graduating senior Trishana James, a first-year school social worker, Jamaica during her high school years. When Brown (center) is heading to college next yearFamily comes in many forms. And many Trishana was enrolled in Davis’ astronomy thanks to the support she received from educa- sizes. gave Trishana her phone number, saying, class, Trishana confided in the teacher. tors at the Preparatory Academy for Writers, Trishana Brown, a 19-year-old high “No matter what happens to mom, I’m going including (from left) Chapter Leader DeShannaschool senior, has one that’s as big as a to help you.” “I saw a need and I wanted to get Barker, teacher Stephanie Tello, guidanceschool community. involved,” Davis said. “I talk to her every counselor Irene Chan, school counselor Gabri- James — and other educators at the day. She says, ‘You’re my second mom.’” elle James and teacher Aziza Davis. • Trishana Trishana arrived here from Jamaica near- school — lived up to that promise. went on the senior class trip to Florida thanksly three years ago with her mom and three The school community’s efforts did not to the school’s educators, who paid her way. •siblings, and when she most needed support, When her mother could no longer work, end there: James connected the family with In happier times, talented daughter and motherPreparatory Academy for Writers: A Col- the family had to move from an apartment in free legal services to put them on the path sing a duet.lege Board School in Springfield Gardens, Queens to a shelter in Brooklyn. “We made to citizenship. “The court process has beenQueens, stepped in to be the second family sure she had no early-morning classes so she finalized, and we’re just waiting on the paper- The trip was expensive, James said, butshe needed. could get there in time,” James said. work for her green card,” James said. “So to “it was priceless to see her smiling, laughing know that a child’s life has really changed, and having a good time.” Trishana’s mother, Simone, was diag- Getting to the hospital was a taxi ride that’s a good feeling because how could shenosed with stage 4 cancer in the spring of away, money that Trishana didn’t have. “Ms. afford college without a green card?” Educators also pitched in to help cover2015. “Her mom was a courageous fighter, James picked me up at the shelter and took her expenses for graduation and the prom.and so is Trishana,” said DeShanna Barker, me to see my mom at the hospital and also With concern and prodding, her teach-the school’s chapter leader. took me there after school,” Trishana said. ers made sure college did not fall by the “I’m trying to be a role model for my wayside. “Ms. James and my teachers were younger brother and sister by going to col- Once Trishana reached out for help, edu- James discussed with Simone what would always reminding me, ‘Did you apply to col- lege,” Trishana said. Her goal is to attend acators rallied around the graduating senior. happen to her children if she did not regain leges?’” Trishana recalled. They also found CUNY school and either study to becomeThey helped in ways large and small, offer- her health, which led to the decision to bring ways to ensure that application fees were a registered nurse, because her mother ben-ing comfort and guidance during the course the children’s grandmother to this country. available for the stellar student. efited from wonderful nurses, or to follow inof her mother’s unsuccessful chemotherapy her mother’s footsteps (she was the managertreatment and during the grieving in the When Simone passed away, the family Despite the adversity, Trishana main- of a restaurant) and study culinary arts.wake of her death. was left without resources: All their savings tained her focus on schoolwork, grades and had been spent on her medical treatment. her future, graduating with a 3.8 GPA. “She Trishana says she loves Prep Academy Trishana sought out her senior advisory The school community held fundraisers and is an amazing student — I feel blessed to and its staff. “They are engaged in everythingteacher, Gabrielle James, when her mom’s educators dug deep into their own pockets. have her in my life,” said Barker. and make sure every student is taken careillness was weighing on her. “She start- They accompanied Trishana to a funeral of,” she said.ed giving me good advice, like how to be home and, in an effort spearheaded by sci- The school community also providedstrong,” said Trishana. “I didn’t like talking ence and special ed teacher Aziza Davis, the family with Christmas gifts, and when Said Davis, “It’s a very close-knit schoolmuch; I was keeping stuff to myself. When were able to raise enough money to ensure it came time for the senior trip to Universal where everyone is ready to give. We mournI started telling her, she told me anytime I that “the child can now go to a grave to visit Studios and a water park in Florida in April, together, and we’re happy together.” her mother,” James said. they paid Trishana’s way. www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 9 “I did it from my heart,” said Davis. Like

Albert Shanker Scholarship AwardsCONQUERING ADVERSITY MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY By SUZANNE POPADIN named for Albert Shanker, the UFT’s legendary leader. His widow, retired teacher Eadie Shanker, is on the schol-Many of the nearly 200 students who this year arship committee and was a guest at the ceremony. received the UFT’s Albert Shanker college schol- arships have achieved in spite Judge Sweeting said Anthony Harmon, the directorof challenging personal circumstanc- of the scholarship fund and a speciales. That put them in good company assistant to UFT President Michaelat the 47th annual awards ceremony Mulgrew, wears many hats, but “theon June 13. one he wears most proudly is the one that shows his compassion for “I was raised in the Polo Grounds young people.”housing project in the village of Har- Said Harmon, “This ceremony islem,” the Hon. J. Machelle Sweeting, one of the highlights of all the worka Civil Court judge and the keynote I am involved with; it is where youspeaker, told the honorees in Shanker see some of the best and brightestHall at union headquarters in Man- in our public schools. After nearlyhattan. “There were more things I 20 years in a high school classroom,was told I could not do than there I know how important scholarshipswas a picture of what I could.’’ But, are.”Sweeting said, because of public Mulgrew had some advice forschools and committed teachers, “I was able to soar fromthe projects to the bench.” the honorees: “Surround yourselves with positive people and good things are going to happen,” he said. “This The 180 high school seniors and nine prospective investment in you is an investment to make our city andgraduate students shared nearly $1 million in scholarships our world better.” See more photos in the gallery at www.uft.org CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Students Sadia Uddin (left) and Ayshe Turan (right) of the Young Women’s Leadership School of Astoria, Queens, ank Lauren Quigley, the director of college counseling at the school. • Eadie Shanker, a UFT retiree and the widow Albert Shanker, con- gratulates Albert Shanker College Scholarship recipient Jerson Mejia Castro. Looking on are (from left) Anthony Harmon, the director of the scholarship fund and a special assistant to the UFT president; Jerson’s mother, Irma Castro; and Jessica Torres, Jerson’s college counselor at the HS of Computers and Technology in the Bronx. • Benjamin Sorkin of Staten Island Technical HS enjoys a moment in the spotlight. • Students applaud during the ceremony. • The Hon. J. Machelle Sweeting, a civil court judge from Harlem, delivers the keynote address.10 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org

Albert Shanker Scholarship Awards MILLER PHOTOGRAPHYPaul Turner “would throw himself into” things that sparked his interest, said his 7th-grade Teacher Stacy Blair (left) says Hope Shing commits herself in ways most teenagers wouldteacher, Mariah Henry. not. Against all odds: Hope for the hungry: Paul Turner Hope ShingMariah Henry hadn’t seen Paul it also introduced him to Henry. Hope Shing credits Stacy Blair, her Even at Essex Street, a project- Turner since she was his middle “She was there for me in my time of French teacher at Essex Street and community service-based school, school English teacher. But she Academy in Manhattan, with Hope fulfilled her desire to help peoplemade an impact on his life and he hasn’t need,” Paul recalled. “She came to my helping her believe she can do any- by being a teaching assistant in mul-forgotten. father’s funeral. “ thing. “She is passionate about what tiple subjects. she does and she encouraged me to try A graduating senior of the Fac- Henry didn’t see her support for her things to find my passion.” But it was while visiting impover-ing History School in Manhattan, Paul grieving student as unusual. “It’s part ished areas as a volunteer with Newknows about challenging circumstances. of my role as a teacher,” she said. “It Hope found she is passionate about York Cares that Hope became interest-After the death of his father in 2010, the seemed wrong not to go to the funeral.” nutrition, or the lack of it. She will ed in nutrition. “It shocks me when I18-year-old and his mom struggled, shut- She said she was surprised, happy and study dietetics at New York University see how some children look,” she said.tling between New York, Pennsylvania “very humbled” that Paul remembered. in the fall; her goal is to establish a “Lethargic, skinny, hungry; I can’tand Detroit until finally moving to a city nonprofit food bank to provide healthy believe children are expected to go tohomeless shelter two years ago. Paul admitted he had trouble focus- alternatives to low-income families. school and perform when they don’t ing on schoolwork after his father died. have food to feed their brains.” Paul’s tenacity and his success in spite His mother, he said, “was always a solid The 18-year-old has lived most ofof the odds are the result of “how my par- person,” but she, too, was going through her life in the Bronx with her single Blair said Hope exudes positivity;ents raised me,” he said. “I never lost sight a tough time. Henry “was there for emo- mom, a younger sister and her grand- she doesn’t let personal challengesof that voice in my head telling me to keep tional support. I confided in her and she mother, whose “legacy of kindness” or financial hardships get in her way.going,” and be the best I could be. was very kind,” said Paul, who will study has shaped Hope’s goals. From Blair’s vantage point, Hope’s physics at Hamilton College in the fall. passion is “for learning and better Before he died, Paul’s dad spent She “used to take me to local understanding the world.”months helping him prepare for Mott “Paul would always bring humor to churches to feed the homeless,” HopeHall middle school’s arduous application whatever we were working on,” Henry wrote of her grandmother in an essay. Hope “sets herself apart from herprocess. He never saw his son graduate. recalled. “His intellect and curiosity She “believes in giving back to her peers as a mature, responsible, dedi-But the school not only gave Paul the were apparent in middle school, and the community. I have tried to live by her cated and extremely bright student,”solid education his father had expected, fact that he overcame such obstacles example.” Blair said. really makes him remarkable.” www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 11

PAUL SCHICKLEReditorialsCombating inequityome of the best high schools in New ter for the test. Those who do take the test been a resource that thousands of New York community, offering workshops for York City are deficient when it comes often lack the resources to pay for the test City public school students turn to for help parents and school parent coordinators prep and private tutoring that can help them with their homework after school. on test-taking tips, home activities andSto enrolling black and Latino students. achieve higher scores. Offering after-school more. And Dial-A-Teacher field coordi- tutoring and test prep can begin to level Nearly 50 certified teachers fill its bus- nators regularly visit schools to discussIt’s an issue that has concerned the UFT the playing field. And giving the test on a tling headquarters four days a week after the program with teachers and supportfor some time: In 2012, the union sup- weekday also helps students who may not school, ready to field calls — 71,380 of outreach to parents.ported the civil rights complaint filed by be able to travel to a test site on the week- them this year — about reading, math,the NAACP Legal Defense Fund against end, when the test is usually administered. writing and science from elementary and In the past few years, Dial-A-Teacherthe city’s admission process for the eight middle school students. has even gone digital. Using Dial-A-Teacherelite schools and later established its But the city’s effort should not end there. online, students can upload documents forown task force to investigate solutions. In 2014, the UFT Specialized High School To serve a diverse population of teachers to review or share an online white-Although black and Latino students make Task Force, led by UFT Vice President for students and parents, Dial-A-Teacher board with teachers to see math calculations.up 68 percent of the New York City public Academic High Schools Janella Hinds, can accommodate questions in English,school population, they represent only 11 proposed more sweeping reforms. Recom- Spanish, French, Russian, Mandarin, School may be out for the summer, butpercent of the enrollment at our most pres- mendations included revising the test and Cantonese and Bengali. Dial-A-Teacher when students return in the fall, Dial-A-tigious high schools, which include Bronx making it one of several measures for entry; has also expanded its outreach into the Teacher will be back in session, too.HS of Science, Stuyvesant HS in Manhat- creating a path for admission for the toptan and Brooklyn Technical HS. These 8th-grade performer in each of the city’sschools base admissions solely on how middle schools; preregistering all 8th-gradewell students score on the Specialized High students for the Specialized High SchoolsSchools Admissions Test. Admissions Test; and bringing back the Discovery Program to all eight high schools Mayor Bill de Blasio, whose son Dante to introduce students from lower-incomegraduated from Brooklyn Technical HS, neighborhoods to the schools.announced in May the city’s efforts toaddress that imbalance: hiring up to five It’s our hope that the city will moveoutreach workers to recruit more black and more aggressively over time in the direc-Latino students; offering more after-school tion the task force envisioned. The inequi-tutoring and test prep for middle school ties that have shaped our school systemstudents; and offering the admissions test for decades require that level of action andduring the school day at five schools this commitment to make meaningful changefall. The after-school portion of the pro- happen.gram will cost $15 million over four yearsand will begin this summer to help students Homework helpearning doesn’t stop when the schooltake the test in October. day ends. For more than 35 years, the It’s a start. Outreach should help bring LUFT’s Dial-A-Teacher program hasin more black and Latino students to regis-teacher to teacherFlipping lessons and homework I do this every day during the do-now. It takes about three minutes for me to scan student notes for the appropriate formulas or vocabulary words. By JONELLE HINCHCLIFFE At first, some students were a little resistant because What happens if my students don’t watch the video? they thought I wouldn’t be “teaching.” But as the year Students who don’t watch the video have, in essence,This year, I used a different teaching model that helped progressed, all student feedback was incredibly positive. not completed their homework. My students know that if me use my time with my high school math students Students watched the videos on their personal devices they didn’t watch the video, they should go straight to my more productively: I “flipped” my class so the lesson and took notes before class. Plus, the videos are archived desk, grab an iPad and headphones and watch the video rightwas taught at home and traditional homework was done in on my classroom website, so students can go back and away. I have seven iPads and headphones in my classroomclass. watch them again when they are reviewing for tests. for student use. After watching the video, they can embark Think about how useful that is for students who are fre- on the work. Unfortunately, these students will not have This strategy was easy to implement and helped many quently absent. time to finish so they will have to take it home to completeof my students to understand at a deeper level and achieve without my support. They must hand their work in the nexthigher scores in class. You can record your own mini lesson More important, students love that they have more sup- day for a grade.or find an instructional video online and assign it to your port when doing the actual work. In a 45-minute period, we How do I create a bank of instructional videos?students to watch for homework. Students watch the video can spend 40 minutes practicing, collaborating and discuss- There are different options. Some people take a videoand take notes in preparation for class the next day. In class, ing. Many say they understand in more depth and wish their of themselves at a whiteboard, marker in hand, with Vimeoafter students complete a “do now,” you answer clarifying other classes were taught this way. or another video app. Others use videos created by Khanquestions and then they get straight to work. All the prac- Academy or TED videos. I use ShowMe, which is a digi-tice and application of strategies is done in class with the There are a lot of details to think through before flipping tal whiteboard app available for iPads. It records my voiceteacher’s support. a class. Here are the answers to some frequently asked ques- while I write on the screen. tions to help you. I do not consider myself technologically advanced. I This flipped model puts the easier work at home, where asked for a little help from a colleague to start my classroomnotes, vocabulary and formulas can all be shared via video. How do I know if students watched the video? website (I used Google Classroom). On my site, I have aThis work is easier to complete without teacher support. Some websites will host your video and capture the stu- catalog of every video I created throughout the year. I putFor example, students can pause the video to copy down dents who log in to view it. Some sites will even tell you videos in virtual folders with copies of the classwork weinformation or rewind the video if they need to hear some- how much of the video the students watched and will allow did that day and links to additional videos or resources bything again. Conversely, the more difficult exercises and you to prevent fast-forwarding. You can also embed ques- other providers. This works wonders for chronically absentapplications are done in class, where the teacher can clear tions that students have to answer before the video will pro- students, students who join the class midyear and studentsup misunderstandings. ceed. (Check out EDpuzzle at www.edpuzzle.com for these who want to go back and review a topic they never fully options.) understood. Jonelle Hinchcliffe is a geometry teacher and a model Alternatively, you can verify that students actuallyteacher at Westchester Square Academy in the Bronx. watched the video by checking for the appropriate notes.12 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org

president’s perspective By MICHAEL MULGREW President, United Federation of TeachersTaking stock of a year of good workIwant to thank you for your hard work. As educators, you get rightfully frustrated cation possible for their students. Our mem- In Albany, we had the best legislative v. California Teachers Association case, knowing that you could accomplish more if bers are stepping up with innovative thinking session we’ve had in awhile. We won an affirming the ruling of the lower court andyou only had the right tools and more support. on issues from how to increase student diver- increase of $1.4 billion in school aid state- upholding fair-share fees for public sectorBut as another school year draws to a close, it’s sity to restructuring the school day. This is a wide, including $525 million for New York unions. And in April, an appellate courta good time to look back and consider all that collective effort that requires a strong culture City schools. Ensuring that our schools have in California overturned the Vergara deci-you’ve accomplished with your students and of collaboration between classroom educa- the funding they need is an ongoing battle sion that eliminated teachers’ due processthe strides they’ve made this year. Likewise, as tors and administrators. — we’ll be back in Albany next year to rights.president of your union, I am reflecting on the continue to demand that the state fulfill itsstrides the UFT and its members have made This year we also gained new job pro- funding commitments under the settlement But the threats against us remain. Elect-this year in the face of significant challenges. tections for our 28,000 paraprofessionals ing Hillary Clinton president is critical to ensure a high court sympathetic to working Our Celebrate Schools campaign, in Those who oppose public education people and public school educators. Thoseprint and social media, shared the suc- and teacher unions had major setbacks this year. who want to defund public education andcess stories that are too often ignored and destroy unions will not rest, and neithergave us the opportunity to highlight the But the threats against us remain. can we. Events in Chicago and Detroit,hard work and sacrifices that our teachers where the public schools are underfundedmake on behalf of students every day. We and a new Lead Teacher Assistant posi- of the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit. and under siege tell us we cannot be com-won’t let up. In this noisy, 24-hour news tion that gives paras the beginning of a Meanwhile, chapter leaders need to make placent.cycle, we are as determined as ever to get professional career ladder. These changes sure their principals spend wisely the addi-the word out about all the amazing things are part of our ongoing effort to make sure tional money that will flow into school bud- We will never stop fighting for what’shappening in our public schools. schools respect members in every job title gets. Your principal may say there is no extra right — for our members and for our stu- in the classroom. money in the school budget next year; it’s dents. Our Union Loud and Proud cam- One of the UFT’s proudest innovations simply not true. paign has reminded everyone what’s at— the Community Learning Schools Initia- Both city and state policymakers are lis- stake. Members organized numeroustive — gained more supporters, in both Alba- tening to what teachers have to say about Those who oppose public education actions and shared widely on social mediany and Washington, D.C. Policymakers are what works. We will continue to seize the and teacher unions had major setbacks to promote their great work and commit-coming to understand what we have always moment to make sure teachers’ voices are this year. In March, after the death of ment. They told their stories of how theknown: The toll of poverty, homelessness heard wherever policy is made that affects Justice Antonin Scalia, the U.S. Supreme union has had an impact on their lives onand hunger on many of our students has a you and the work you do. Court issued a 4-4 ruling in the Friedrichs our #UnionProud website at http://unionsignificant impact on classroom learning. We proud.uft.org.now have 28 community learning schoolsthat are providing students with the social Last but not least: Thank you for re-and academic supports they need to thrive. electing me to serve as your president. It’s an honor to represent the people who In the city’s 126 PROSE schools, we are give so much every day in our classroomscharting a new course, giving teachers the across the city.flexibility they need to deliver the best edu- Have a great summer and a well- deserved rest.commentsRemembering Sgt. Meyer Levin Guinea. During its return, the B-17 made a forced landing Fish tale On June 6 (D-Day), I read the sad New York Teacher into stormy seas. Levin remained in the plane and released Glad to see Trout in the Classroom [“Tank goodness,” the life raft which saved the lives of the three other crewarticle “Looking at losing our heartbeat” by Suzanne members. He was injured while performing this selfless June 2] still going strong. I was the first teacher in thePopadin. It told the story of the danger Meyer Levin IS act and lost his life when the plane sank. Sgt. Levin is Bronx at PS 81 with trout in the classroom.285’s wonderful arts program faced due to a misguided remembered as one of the first American heroes of Worlddesire of the powers that be to make the building a charter War II for sacrificing his own life to save members of Miriam Gomez, retiredco-location. his crew. Levin held three decorations for gallantry: the (via Facebook) Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star and the Oak The piece brought memories back to me due to an error. Leaf Cluster. He had enlisted in the Army Air Corps in CONTACTING USI was in the first full JHS 285 graduating class in 1958. June 1939.The school was brand spanking new when I arrived there Letters to the editor should be a maximum of 250 words and must includethree years earlier. Contrary to the article, the school was Bernard A. Bilawsky, retired the writer’s name, school or, if the writer is retired, home address,not named for “writer, journalist and filmmaker Meyer home phone number and email address. Only the name will be printed;Levin.” As a student I attended the dedication ceremony It takes a community on request it will be withheld. Members must include their file number.for Meyer Levin JHS. It was very touching as Leah Levin, The following comment was made in response to an Letters may be edited for space and clarity.the mother of the man for whom the school was named,spoke and then presented her personal memorabilia to our article about community schools posted on the UFT Face- EMAIL LETTERS or STORY IDEAS: [email protected]. book page: FAX: 1-212-510-6431 MAIL: New York Teacher, 52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 Attn: Mailbox Sgt. Meyer Levin was a Jewish boy from Brooklyn The Community Learning Schools Initiative is making PHOTO REQUESTS: [email protected] first broke into the headlines as bombardier on the an incredible impact in the lives of my students and in my UFT CALENDAR ITEMS: [email protected] piloted by Capt. Colin Kelley which sank the Japa- community every day. ADVERTISING: [email protected] or 1-212-598-7735nese battleship Haruna. Later, Levin volunteered to be the ADDRESS CHANGES: [email protected] and bombardier for a combat mission near New Kishayna-Ast Hazlewood, PS 156, Brooklyn (via Facebook) www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 13

VPerspective A report from one of the UFT vice presidentsBy ANNE GOLDMAN vice president for non-DOE membersSafeguarding our union’s legacyWhen you’re young, you never think It seems basic, but unless you have lived not allowed to point out how many surger- Patient No. 7, with a higher risk of infec- you’ll grow old. When you’re through the ght for these rights you might ies that doctor had performed or what that tion or even mortality? Our union supports healthy, you never think you’ll get not understand. And what you don’t under- doctor’s rate of infection was. The hospital us as we put the patient before the bottomsick. In some ways, that’s how it should stand, you might not value. One of our wanted control; we wanted to help people. line.be. We can’t live in fear of aging or ill- most important duties as committed union With a union, we can do that.ness. But we can plan for them. We can members is to educate those who come If you are a visiting nurse who is sched-be prepared. after us so they will continue to protect our Why did we ght to eliminate manda- uled to see ve patients one day and you accomplishments. tory overtime for hospital nurses? Because As union members and advocates, it’s studies show sleep deprivation is as bad as nd the fourth has had a traumatic loss andimportant for us to realize that knowledge I’m going to speak of my experiences as being impaired by drugs or alcohol. We needs extra time and attention, shouldn’tis the great equalizer, and knowledge sup- a nurse in the private sector, but these ideas can’t give our patients the care they deserve you be able to decide if he or she gets it?ported by advocacy is what unions are all also apply to the work of UFT members in if we aren’t the best we can be. Why do The union allows us the independence toabout. schools, family day care and other sectors we need lunch breaks? The reason is the use our skills to satisfy the needs of our of the workforce. same. If we don’t step back, we can’t think patients because we all know there are no Those of us who are longtime union clearly and we’re not ef cient. We need to cookie-cutter solutions to the problems thatleaders have a responsibility to spur the The day I was hired, I started work with decompress so we can focus. That’s the arise each day.growth of our organization. But to do that, two other nurses. We all had different back- only way we can give 100 percent to thewe have to teach the younger members of grounds but the same education. It wasn’t people who need us. We can’t be pushed I became involved in the union to makeour workforce why we do what we do; why until we had a union that I learned we were around at the expense of the work we need sure my hands are not tied and to win thatwe ght the battles we ght. We have to all earning a different amount. That’s what to do. The union ensures that our patients right for all union members. Younger col-give them that knowledge and understand- contracts are meant to prevent. Whatever are not denied proper care because we are leagues have to stand on our shoulders oring in everyday terms. culture you come from, whatever skin color unable to give it. they stand in a hole — a hole where work- you have, whether you are 20 or 60, you ing conditions, salary, bene ts and pen- The contracts we have fought for and need to be treated the same. Success can’t be dictated from the top. sions don’t measure up and don’t satisfyachieved are in place so we are all treated Workers and their input must be valued. In our needs.equally and so our working conditions on Before the union, our employee hand- nursing, we have a desire for a safe nurse-Monday are the same as they were on Fri- books told us we were not whistleblowers to-patient ratio. Studies put that at 1-to-6. Let’s make sure that when we leaveday. And, just as important, those contracts and we could be red for telling patients If an employer says a nurse has to take our legacy, the next generation has a clearensure that the people we serve are the ben- what they needed to know. If a patient was on seven patients, would you want to be understanding of what’s important ande ciaries of our best practices. planning to see a certain doctor, we were why, so it can protect that legacy and build on it. Reason to celebrate JONATHAN FICKIES UFT Vice President for Non-DOE Members Anne Goldman (standing) stops by to chat with new retiree Dina Grillo and Federation of Nurses/UFT Special Representative Howard Sandau during the annual Retired Teachers Chapter Luncheon at the New York Hilton on June 13. For a complete report on the event, see page 39.14 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org

linking to learning By SANDY SCRAGGSocial media in the classroom ter in the classroom: summarizing, crafting headlines, writing news and announcements,Social media in the classroom is a touchy a protected, closed environment, Edmodo stored in the “cloud” and can be accessed at exploring themes (aka, the hashtag, using subject. Many teachers feel that stu- (edmodo.com) is the best place to start. any time. Teachers always have control and the symbol #), connecting to authors or other dents’ lives are already inundated with Edmodo replicates popular social classrooms, reporting live events, commentingsocial-networking technology — why bring it media sites, but within a limited can moderate inappropriate posts, on a lm or analyzing how the Twitter com-into school, too? But the degree to which stu- group, so content is not pub- so positive online behaviors can munity shapes news. These uses are not onlydents are participating in and in uenced by lic to the world. Edmodo be encouraged. cutting edge, but they also teach higher-ordersocial media convinces me otherwise. Social can become a complete If you work with skills. Encourage students to create their ownmedia can be full of bubblegum distractions, communication and older students, consider Twitter handle for your class, different frombut it is also a robust forum for communica- document manage- Twitter (twitter.com). any they might have for their personal use.tion and collaboration. By using social media ment system, but you Since it’s a “real” You, as the teacher, should do the same.in our classrooms, we can model its construc- can start off slow. environment — nottive uses and help students learn how to use a simulated one Be cautious when using social mediaits powers for good. When you sign — it’s motivating with students. Steer clear of Facebook and up for an account, for students since Instagram, which are primarily social and First, enforce the same rules you would you create a “class- everyone can read generally blocked by the DOE lter. Don’twhen writing and communicating on paper. room,” which looks their posts. In your show your personal pro le on any socialStudents should use correct grammar, spell- (and works) like Face- planning, think about media platform if you share information youing and usage. Provide sample sentence book. Teachers invite the Twitter format: the wouldn’t want students to see. Many teachersstarters for responding to others clearly and students, so strangers can- 140-character message. wisely use pseudonyms or just rst names inreasonably. Give students deadlines for work, not join. You can begin by I’ve used Twitter with stu- their pro les. Review the DOE’s social mediakeeping them focused on their tasks. Assess discussing a topic in class and guidelines and resources page (http://on.nyc.their work. Ensure high standards, no matter then making a post on that topic on Edmodo, dents to teach brevity in writing. gov/1JQfmjd), which also has permissionthe format. allowing students to respond. You can prog- We tweeted our six-word memoirs (see the forms and activity guides. ress to posting homework assignments and lesson plan at http://bit.ly/234VEa2). My If you want to use social media tools in accepting homework, sharing online articles students have also tweeted to promote their Social media is a powerful form of com- or other media, allowing students to help each own articles in journalism class, and they munication that is greatly in uencing our Sandy Scragg is an instructional tech- other with work, tracking your grades and have role-played what messages Hamlet and culture. Integrating it into the classroom isnology specialist with more than 15 years of creating surveys for assessments. All work is Ophelia might have sent to each other. sure to bring many teachable moments thatexperience in New York City public schools. will bene t our students in the long run by There is an array of other ways to use Twit- preparing them to better navigate the world in which we live.OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU Orthopaedic Surgery HI K SHO FOOTP Advanced Anthroscopy of Shoulder, Hip & Knee NEEprofessional Adult Reconstruction / Joint Preservationpersonal Anterior Total Hip Replacementprecise Robotic Total Knee Replacement Trauma and Fractures Foot and Ankle Anthroscopy Reconstruction Trauma Pain Management Non-Surgical Treatment of the Spine ULDERWe accept GHI/Emblem and most Teacher Insurance PlansOffices Conveniently Located in Manhattan, Queens, New Jersey, Garden City and the Bronx & ANKLE www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 15www.nysportsandjoints.com (212) 588-1919

Know your rights about ...Transfers How to apply notified by the system at that point.All UFT members — not just teachers — have the The application process is straightforward. You’ll be You don’t need a release from your current principal opportunity to transfer to a different school under the asked to complete an online registration form. To do that, during the transfer period of April 15 to Aug. 7 to accept Open Market Transfer Plan. you’ll have to create a user ID and password. Once you’ve a position elsewhere. If you are offered a position after The open period for applying to transfer from your done that, you’ll be able to electronically apply for any and that date, the transfer cannot be completed unless you arecurrent school to a different one runs from April 15 all vacancies in your current license area. released by your current principal. The plan places no lim-to Aug. 7 each year. The decision to transfer to a new its on the percentage of staff who may transfer out of theschool is personal and may be based on a variety of rea- All qualified teachers, including those who have been same school.sons. placed in excess, can apply for specific positions or send Perhaps you are looking for a change in instructional applications to the schools they are interested in. You can If you apply for many positions and are not contacted atfocus, program options, a new school theme, a different send applications and resumes to schools that have not all and have had no opportunity to interview, please notifyprincipal or administrative tone, or just a more convenient advertised vacancies so that, in the event a vacancy arises, your UFT borough office.location. If you wish to transfer, there are more opportunities principals will be aware of your interest.available to you now than ever before. For more information, read our comprehensive Q-and-A You can apply to either a school or a vacancy posted at a We recommend that in addition to filing an online appli- about the transfer plan online at www.uft.org/q-issues/qa-school. You can find the schools and vacancies posted on the cation via the Open Market Transfer Plan system, you also open-market-transfer-plan.Department of Education website at http://bit.ly/1FLrsTY submit a hard copy of your cover letter and resume via fax,(the hiring system is only available during the open peri- mail or in person. Since principals may be receiving manyod). The vacancies posted are revised as positions are filled online applications, it might be helpful for them to receive aand principals post new vacancies, so it’s good to regularly paper copy of your materials as well as the electronic appli-recheck the website. cation. If you know a vacancy is available, but not posted, please The hiring processcontact your borough office and district representative assoon as possible with the details. Schools can advertise and School-based committees made up of supervisors andselect staff for all projected vacancies, but a transfer won’t teachers may interview candidates. The committee is notbecome final until the vacancy is an approved vacancy and required to interview all applicants. It will make a hiringthe transferring employee has been entered into the Galaxy recommendation, but the final decision rests with the prin-budget of the new school. cipal. You may also be interviewed by a principal directly, without a committee. If you’re successful, the hiring principal will enter you into his or her Galaxy budget and you’ll receive a printed contract, which both you and the principal will sign. That makes the transfer official. Your current principal will be YOUR Create Custom Successful home ownership starts with a conversation. DESIGN At Citizens Bank we’re for homes. We’re ready to help you find the HERE Gear Online financing that’s right for you. So, before you fall in love with a home, let us help you figure out how much you can borrow with a pre-approval Unite your group with assessment. We offer: custom t-shirts and so much more. • Competitive mortgage interest rates • A broad range of home financing programs FREE SHIRT | For details visit customink.com/nyteach • The experience to guide you from application to closing It’s never too early to explore your options,16 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org so speak with Brian Gallagher today. Brian Gallagher Producing Sales Manager NMLS ID# 481252 212-857-6695 [email protected] Mortgages are offered and originated by Citizens Bank, N.A. Citizens Bank is a brand name of Citizens Bank, N.A. (NMLS ID# 433960) and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania (NMLS ID# 522615). Citizens Bank, N.A. and Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania are affiliates. All loans are subject to approval. Equal Housing Lender. 474761

Know your bene ts about ...Health & Cancer Helpline;Retiree Social ServicesAre you or a close family member strug- in a timely manner. Please call the UFT geriatric social workers and case manag- tact with the hospital’s social worker. You gling to cope with a health or mental- Welfare Fund at 1-212-539-0500 and ask ers in the Retiree Social Services Program, should call prior to a scheduled hospitaliza- health problem? The UFT has created to speak to a Helpline counselor. located on the 17th oor at 52 Broadway, tion to request this service.social services to help that are free, strictly provide an array of free and con dentialcon dential and only a phone call away. The Helpline’s team of counselors work social services to retirees and their families Referrals to retirement communitiesHealth and Cancer Helpline closely with employee bene ts counselors wherever they live in the United States. and nursing homes: The decision to move in the UFT Welfare Fund as well as other to a retirement community or choose a The UFT Welfare Fund’s Health and UFT service units, including Retiree Social The services include: nursing home for yourself or a loved one isCancer Helpline provides confidential Services, the Pension Department, the Vic- Nationwide telephone reassurance always dif cult. Retirees will receive infor-assistance to both in-service and retired tim Support Program, the Peer Interven- program: A case manager will make mation about when to start looking for suchmembers who are dealing with medical tion Program and the Capably Disabled weekly, friendly telephone calls to retired a residence and how to choose one.and behavioral health issues. A full-time Committee, which handles requests for job members who are coping with an illness, alicensed social worker and peer counsel- accommodations. recent loss or family problems; who reside Short-term counseling and referrals:ors provide information and support, help alone; or for any reason. These calls will Social workers will provide confidentialmembers plan job leaves and guide call- While Helpline Counselors assist mem- continue until the retiree tells the program counseling to retirees who need help with aers to the resources they need, including bers primarily by phone, members can visit that he or she no longer needs such support. problem or decision. After meeting with theaccessing union bene ts, support groups UFT headquarters at 52 Broadway in Man- Nationwide hospital stay-in-touch retiree a few times, the social worker willand health care professionals. hattan to receive a counselor’s assistance in program: Because a hospital experience make suggestions or make a referral to a person. It’s best to call ahead and schedule can be overwhelming, a social worker, at therapist who can provide further counseling. The Helpline is open Monday through an appointment. the retiree’s request, will be in touch on aFriday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the Retiree Social Services daily basis throughout a hospital stay. The For additional information or to sched-school year and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the social worker will assist the retiree with ule an appointment, call Retiree Social Ser-summer. At other times, callers can leave a The UFT’s interest in the well-being discharge planning, as well as facilitate vices at 1-212-598-6880, Monday throughvoice message and the call will be returned of its members carries through to their home care after the retiree returns home. Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (At other retirement years. Three full-time, licensed The social worker will also make con- times, callers should leave their name and telephone number and the call will beMember Assistance promptly returned.)offers summer hours www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 17Summer is a great time to enjoy the great discuss, you should be aware that the Mem- outdoors, relax, do something fun and ber Assistance Program is open throughout spend time with friends and family. It the summer to provide short-term counsel-can also provide the opportunity for self- ing to in-service UFT members, for bothre ection and the time to nurture work-related and personal issues.yourself and take care of your over- Our professional mental-healthall health and well-being. staff is available for con dentialIt’s summer, after all — your and free services.workload has probably lightened up In addition to short-terma bit even if you are working summer YOUR counseling services, MAP offersschool or another job. referrals to appropriate outside WELL-With a few extra hours, you might services for help with issues including:want to consider taking care of your- • mental healthself in ways that you don’t normally • substance abuse • eating and gambling disor-BEINGhave the time to during the course ofthe regular school year.Self-care can include treats like dersa spa visit with massage, having a mani- • trauma, bereavement and losscure/pedicure, spending time at the beach, • domestic violenceand learning a new type of exercise or • legal and nancial counseling.physical activity. It can also include explor- Services from the Member Assistanceing parts of the city or countryside you’ve Program are available by appointment only.wanted to visit but didn’t have the time toduring the school year. You can contact the UFT Member Assis-Self-care may take the form of taking a tance Program by calling 1-212-701-9620class or workshop or delving into the books or by emailing [email protected]. Appoint-piling up on your night table. ments and referrals are available Mon-And it can include taking care of your day to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 50mental health. If there are issues you want to Broadway in Manhattan.

news briefs By LINDA OCASIO news & views about education and laborLawmakers pass controversial Detroit rescue plan teachers in the classroom. Detroit Free Press, June 21 “Hillary Clinton is a proven leader who shares our val- Republican Gov. Rick Snyder signed a $617 million Education Week, June 22 ues,” said Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO. “We will run a sophisticated, targeted ground campaign. Andbailout and restructuring of the debt-ridden Detroit Public AFL-CIO endorses Hillary Clinton with the dire consequences Donald Trump poses for Ameri-Schools district. The largest labor federation in the United States on June ca’s working families, it has to be.” Back-room negotiations between Republican leaders in 16 endorsed Hillary Clinton for president of the United States, The federation acted after Clinton had cinched enoughthe state Senate and the House and Snyder led to the votes vowing to throw the full weight of more than 50 unions rep- support among delegates to become the presumptive Demo-needed to pass the lifeline to the district. But Democratic resenting about 12.5 million workers behind her candidacy. cratic nominee.leaders and Detroit lawmakers were excluded from the talks. The AFL-CIO has already run digital ads criticizing The financially and academically ailing 46,000-student Trump’s candidacy and now will work to boost Clinton’sdistrict has been managed by the state for seven years, dur- campaign on the ground. Working America, an AFL-CIOing which it has continued to face plummeting enrollment, affiliate that focuses on nonunion workers, already hasdeficits and, more recently, teacher sickouts. teams in crucial battleground states. Under the plan, the district will be split in two on July 1 Clinton has vowed to increase the federal minimumand control will be returned to a school board to be elected wage, offer paid family leave, make high-quality educationin November. A commission of state appointees will oversee available to every child and ensure women receive equal pay.the district’s finances. “As president, I will stand proudly with the AFL-CIO and The new debt-free district will educate students. The old fight to protect the rights and values that helped build thedistrict will stay intact for tax-collection purposes to retire mighty American middle class. Workers will always have a$617 million in debt over 8½ years, including $150 million seat at the table and a champion in the White House,” Clin-in transition costs to launch the new Detroit Community ton said in a statement.Schools. USA Today, June 16 Furious Democrats accused Republican lawmakers of Reuters, June 16bowing to the politically influential school-choice lobby indropping a proposal for a commission of mayoral appointees Kansas lawmakers seek school funding fixto regulate the opening of new schools — including charters The Kansas Supreme Court ruled on May 27 that thethat have drawn students and funding away from traditionalneighborhood schools. state Legislature had failed to equitably fund public schools, giving the state until June 30 to fix its financing system or The AFT blasted the state’s plans to develop a merit face a court-ordered shutdown of schools.pay system solely for Detroit and to allow noncertified The Roosevelt Hotel New York, NY August 17-19, 2016 CONNECT. INSPIRE. LEARN. Come experience gaming in education like never before! Revolutionary Learning 2016 will feature:afrvoaacrtroAieealdagslielbspiysKl$eoKte5-cru11.5ia22aT0rtlehl.tieo$egeSa2naiirssmc0ntrthaaep0wetnrle.ryhdseuainrssde • Hands-on workshops N2a0Dt1io4afnRvaaRocilFoidblAeuietawSnrattdahtuoHtrreadri.nbraJWgralneicidnnknsoenr, • Educational keynotes • A Local Game Jam • A Revolutionary Game Arcade • Ample networking activities designed to connect attendees with professionals who will inspire Vwieww pwro.gRraemvdoetlauilstainodnreagirstyerLoenlainrentoidnayga.torg Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or 410-654-552518 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org

The House and Senate judiciary committees held a joint School climate and teacher evaluationhearing on June 16 to discuss those issues in advance of aspecial legislative session to deal with the court order. T eachers who think their principal is for their evaluation process. the more likely they were to report sat- a strong leader are 2.5 times more The majority of teachers reported isfaction with the evaluation process. Most of the discussion centered on a plan to restore an likely to say they are satisfied withequalization formula that had previously been held constitu- their evaluation system, according to they had little influence on school The researchers also found thattional but that lawmakers repealed in 2015. Some lawmakers new research by the Education Devel- policy, but that finding had no bearing teachers whose evaluation includedalso vented their anger at the court, arguing that the justices opment Center under contract with the student test scores were less likelyhad gotten the decision wrong and that the Legislature and U.S. Department of Education. RESEARCH to be satisfied with their evaluationthe governor should simply ignore it. process. Analyzing data from the federal SHOWS... A lawsuit from a coalition of school districts led the state 2011–12 Schools and Staffing Survey To gauge how teachers felt aboutSupreme Court to order the Legislature in 2014 to increase and a follow-up survey a year later, By Rhonda their principal’s leadership, they werefunding to poorer districts. The court and the Legislature researchers Natalie Lacireno-Paquet Rosensberg asked to assess the principal’s behav-have been at odds ever since. The court rejected the state’s and Candice Bocala of WestEd and Jes- ior toward the staff, enforcement ofmost recent effort to address the inequity, saying the Leg- sica Bailey of the Education Develop- on how they felt about the evaluation student discipline, ability to communi-islature’s formula “creates intolerable, and simply unfair, ment Center examined perceptions of system. By contrast, the researchers cate a vision for the school and abilitywealth-based disparities among the districts.” school professional climate — specifi- found a strong association between to run the school well. cally principal leadership and teacher perceptions of principal leadership and Lawrence Journal-World, June 16 influence on school policy — of more level of satisfaction with the evaluation The researchers conclude their The New York Times, May 27 than 2.8 million teachers nationwide process. The more positively teachers findings by suggesting teachers will and the level of these teachers’ support rated their principal’s leadership skills, embrace a new evaluation process onlyThree Cleveland charters unionize if principals have established a positive The I Can charter school network and teachers at three of school professional climate.its just-unionized schools reached agreement on June 6 on Pro-charter candidates gain in LA kids. It’s certainly not about civil rights,” he said. “It’s abouttheir rst contract. Education reformers spent big ahead of California’s June deregulation. It’s about privatization.” The three-year deal is the rst union contract covering primary, and preliminary results show the millions paid off Already, LA Uni ed has more charters than any othercharter schools in Cleveland. It calls for teacher pay to start with all the candidates they supported advancing to Novem- school district in the country, about 230, with more planningat $37,000, rising to a maximum just shy of $62,000 for ber’s general election. to seek approval in the year ahead. The district has becomeabout 85 teachers at the three schools. ground zero in the proxy war for resources between charters LA Uni ed school board President Steve Zimmer railed and teachers unions across California. The deal guarantees teachers a 50-minute planning against the tactics used by the California Charter Schoolsperiod each day, creates a labor-management council to Association in the hotly contested 43rd Assembly District The spending by charter school supporters in this racetry to resolve issues between teachers and the schools and, race and compared its spending in that race, at least $1.2 could be a preview of what will happen in March, whenin a key victory for the teachers, offers more job security million, to special-interest spending from oil and tobacco three seats on the LA Uni ed school board will be contested.than before. industries, which lobby for deregulation. EdSource, June 16 Instead of always working on one-year contracts, teach- “This is no longer about choice. This is no longer about LA School Report, June 8ers at the school now will have a grievance procedure and aprogressive discipline system once they pass a 90-day pro-bationary period. Cleveland Plain-Dealer, June 6Contact us for all of your home financing needs. Daniel Moschetti NMLS #420643 Mortgage Loan Originator NY LIC #420643 Call (845) 269-3700 [email protected] Marie Manfredi NMLS #58811 Mortgage Loan Originator NY LIC #58811 Call (845) 406-5218 [email protected] Yr Proud supporter of the United Federation of TeachersWishing you a successful 2015-16 school year!CONFORMING RENOVATION LOANS LOANSJUMBO LOANS FHA & VASONYMA CONDOS / CO-OPS387 South Main Street, New City, NY 10956loanDepot.com, LLC. 102 Elm Street, Walpole, MA 02081. All rights reserved. NMLS #174457 (www.nmlsconsum-eraccess.org). Licensed Mortgage Banker – New York State Department of Financial Services d/b/a loanDepot.com,LLC. For more licensing, please visit www.yourmortgagemaster.nyc/licenses. www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 19

The Art of Giving spirits. Cordova and her young artists street from the school. ABOVE: Students MARIA BASTONE were honored at a reception on June 13 and adults alike admire the works of art. MILLER PHOTOGRAPHYLifting spirits when their abstract works were unveiled RIGHT: Cordova and the artist stand by his at the Lincoln Medical Center, across the work on display.The framed artwork of kindergar-ten, 1st- and 3rd-grade studentsat PS 18 in Mott Haven, theBronx, now hangs on the walls ofthe Lincoln Medical Center to thedelight of patients, visitors andstaff. For the seventh year, cityschoolchildren have donated theirworks of art to hospitals citywideas part of The Art of Giving, acollaborative project of the UFT’sElementary School Division andthe Fund for NYC Health + Hos-pitals. Art teacher Zoila Cordovaat PS 18, one of the UFT com-munity learning schools, said thestudents were amazed when theysaw their work framed and onpublic display. “They had studiedJackson Pollock and learned howshape and color determine emo-tion so they were thinking aboutthat while making their art,” sheexplained. Organized by UFT VicePresident for Elementary SchoolsKaren Alford, the project was in-spired by the late Sharon Coates,a teacher at PS 156 in Brooklyn,who, during her hospitalization,said that seeing the children’sartwork on the walls lifted herMaxwell Career and Technical Education HS fundraising Lupus WalkHonoring a beloved teacher Rodrigues-Smith is remembered not only water-balloon toss. UFT President Michael for providing uniforms and a gym mem- Mulgrew and Janella Hinds, the viceStudents and staff of Maxwell Career and ease. In less than two years at Maxwell, bership for each track team member but president for academic high schools, alsoTechnical Education HS added a fund- Rodrigues-Smith taught the school’s first also for the work of her forensic science attended the event. With donations fromraising Lupus Walk to their annual senior Advanced Placement biology class and students, who conducted investigations students, staff and others still coming in,class picnic at Forest Park in Queens on created the school’s first track team, said throughout the school as they worked on Maxwell HS Chapter Leader Ed LuddeJune 11 in honor of Jacqueline Rodrigues- cosmetology teacher Kendall Overton, cases she created to develop their skills. predicted the school community will raiseSmith, a veteran science teacher and the who helped organize the event. “She The approximately 75 students and staff about $1,000 for the local Lupus Alliance.school’s track coach, who died in March did a lot in a very short period of time,” at the picnic did 10 laps around Strack LEFT: Teachers set out on the fundraisingat age 45 of the chronic autoimmune dis- said Overton. “The students adored her.” Pond before gathering for a barbecue walk. RIGHT: Students finish up their walk and activities including a sack race and a on the nature trail at Forest Park.20 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org

secure your future Union foils latest pension attack PENSION CLINICSThe legislative session that recently ended in Albany is a lesson in why we, information and keep your anti-virus Summer to-do list The UFT’s popular pension clinics — a at the UFT, remain on the lookout when software up-to-date. Summer is a good time to set up a file of mini-course in pensions and relatedit comes to our members and their pensions. •  Shop online at secure web pages. retirement matters — have been Check the bottom of your browser important pension-related papers, accessible scheduled for the summer. In the closing days of the session, a for an icon of a lock or look to see to a trusted person. The file should include:number of ethics reforms were up for if the website address begins with The UFT’s pension clinics are forconsideration, including several pro- “https.” That “s” at the end means • Up-to-date “Designation of Beneficia- those members thinking about retiringposed state constitutional amendments it’s secure. ry” forms for both the Qualified Pen- within five years. If that’s your plan,that would strip convicted lawmakers of •  Never email credit card or Social sion Plan (QPP) and the Tax-Deferred check this page for the dates and timestheir public pensions. In several versions, Security numbers or other personal Annuity (TDA) program; of upcoming pension clinics. (Even ifpublic employees — including UFT mem- information. you’re not planning to retire soon, pleasebers employed by the Department of Edu- •  Secure your “snail” mail. Make sure • The most recent Annual Benefit State- attend if you’d like.)cation, police officers, firefighters and you quickly empty your mailbox. If ment, which, among other items, has asanitation workers — were included in you’re not going to be home for a few record of credited service and a list of The following topics are covered:the resolutions, as were other dangerous days, make sure someone collects your beneficiaries; • Terminal leave and termination payprovisions that would have further eroded mail for you. • Estimating your retirement allowancepension protections. •  Never carry your Social Security card • The most recent Quarterly Account • The Tax-Deferred Annuity with you. Memorize the number or Statement for your pension plans and • TRS investment programs Because our union was vigilant, our encode it on a piece of paper to carry your TDA; and • Providing for heirs or beneficiarieselected officials made the right — and fair with you. • Partial lump-sum withdrawals— call: The final legislation included only •  Never give personal information to •  Documents related to retirement includ- • Retiree health insuranceelected officials and high-ranking admin- telemarketers or anyone claiming to ing any information on pension-tier • UFT Welfare Fund benefitsistrative appointees who commit a felony be from your bank, credit card issuer, changes or other TRS correspondence. The clinics are only one part of the UFT’srelated to their public service. If the Leg- a government agency or a charity. No many services devoted to helping membersislature passes the same amendment in the legitimate organization will ever ask Take advantage of your benefits prepare for a financially secure retirement.next two years, the proposal will go on the for your Social Security number on As a TRS member, you’re automati-ballot to voters. the phone. Summer 2016 You can easily find out if your identity cally enrolled in the Qualified Pension When it comes to our pensions and our has been stolen by regularly checking with Plan, which will provide you with a future UFT headquarters, Manhattanfinancial security, we cannot be too careful. the three major credit information-gather- retirement allowance. However, the TDA Tiers I/IIOur pensions are part of our compensation ing agencies: Equifax, Experian and Trans program is an optional, supplemental retire-package. We earn them every day we work, Union. A federal law requires that each of ment plan exclusively for TRS members that 3:30–6:30 p.m.educating the children of New York City. the three agencies provide you with a free allows you to build a healthy nest egg with Wednesday, July 13Summer pension service credit report annually. Visit www.annual pretax contributions. (one session only) creditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 to The UFT will have pension staff available get this report. (A free annual credit report Visit www.trsnyc.org to enroll, and check Tier IVduring July and August for telephone inqui- does not include credit scores.) out the “TDA Summary: Fund Profiles” 3:30–6:30 p.m.ries from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through It’s advisable to contact one of the agencies booklet and the online TDA calculator. Thursday, July 14 (one session only)Thursday, at union headquarters. Retired every four months. For instance, you couldmembers may call 1-212-598-9536. In-ser- contact one of them in September, a second Note to paraprofessionals: You are not Tier IVvice members may call 1-212-598-6866. in January and the third in May. That way, you automatically enrolled in TRS. You must 10 a.m.–1 p.m. can regularly keep an eye on your credit status enroll in TRS before you may participate in Thursday, Aug. 18 (one session only) In-person consultations are not available and get the reports for free as well. the TDA programduring the summer. Exceptions are made for The times for the summer clinics werethose members who need immediate atten- “Secure your future” is compiled and listed incorrectly in the April 7 issue. Thetion such as a member who is retiring on written by Tom Brown, David Kazansky,disability. Full service resumes when school and Debra Penny of the NYC Teachers’ times above are correct.reopens. Retirement Board. For further informationProtect your identity from thieves on items discussed, call your UFT borough TRS summer hours office or the TRS. BRONX: 1-718-379-6200; When you see ads about identity theft on BROOKLYN: 1-718-852-4900; MANHATTAN: The Teachers’ Retirement SystemTV, it may seem like something that happens 1-212-598-6800; QUEENS: 1-718-275-4400; summer hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5to other people. But identity theft could hap- STATEN ISLAND: 1-718-605-1400; Teach- p.m., Monday through Thursday,pen to you as easily as to anyone. ers’ Retirement System: 1-888-8NYC-TRS and 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays. (1-888-869-2877), www.trsnyc.org. While you can’t protect yourself 100 per- TRS is located at 55 Water St.,cent of the time, here are some things you Manhattan. If you plan to visit TRS,can do. remember to bring a government- or school-issued ID. The TRS telephone • Delete emails that ask for personal number is 1-888-869-2877. VARIABLE ANNUITY Earlier this year, TRS launched a redesigned version of its website, www. The unit value is computed during the latter part of each month. Recent values are: trsnyc.org. The new, mobile-friendly version adjusts for smartphones, tablets VARIABLE A VARIABLE B VARIABLE C VARIABLE D VARIABLE E BMoving? Let us know! and computers. It features a cleaner, Diversified Bond International Inflation Socially e sure to keep the UFT and TRS open design and improved navigation. updated about any changes in your You can use your existing user ID Equity Equity Protection Responsive home address.You can easily notify and password to log in to review your the UFT on the union’s website at www. account information.April 77.546 17.418 9.271 10.006 14.379 uft.org/health-benefits/update-info.May 77.866 17.391 9.431 10.226 14.362 www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 21June 78.512 17.314 9.273 10.227 14.571

MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY The magic garden Students experience their own ‘country farming life’ in East VillageLuisa Jane and Chloe study owers before they draw them. By SUZANNE POPADIN of country farming life and also to relate what we learn in the classroom to a hands- “Are the carrots ready?” shouts a 1st- on and visual experience,” says teacher Mae grader at East Village Community Jordan. School. “Are the onions ready?” asks another. One sunny June afternoon, 1st-graders walk under a trellised archway to gather in “As city kids, they don’t often get a “the circle,” a ring of metal benches sur- chance to pick plants they can eat, and they rounded by bushes and trees. love it,” says teacher Stefanie Henze. “Why are owers so beautiful?” gar- A decade ago, a huge weeping willow den educator Ruth Steiner asks the 6- and cast a wide shadow over the school’s patio. 7-year-olds. The willow is gone, but the Tree of Know- ing Garden named for it ourishes there. “So a bee will pollinate the owers and they can grow more,” offers one little girl. “It’s been a joy to see this space trans- formed into such a meaningful part of our The new vegetable garden has 11 wood- school,” says Chapter Leader Christine La en beds lled with organic soil and crops Plume. “The gardening curriculum has including turnips, beets, cucumbers, rad- allowed it to become a place of discovery ishes and spinach, plus potatoes growing in and learning.” burlap bags. The children are involved from seed to table, and they compost, too. The garden is a magical place, says Principal Bradley Goodman, and for sev- “Gardening ties in beautifully with our eral hours each week, it becomes an outdoor social studies unit about organic farm- classroom for pre-K, kindergarten and 1st- ing and our science unit on insects,” says grade students. teacher James Preimesberger. “It allows them to experience a little bit One little boy is so excited he can’t decide what to do rst, running back and NYC DOE STEM and Arts Vendor “ My students are still using the vocabulary and knowledge they learned participating in Salvadori! They enjoy highlighting the building materials and transferring knowledge to other areas in the curriculum.” – Salvadori In-Depth Teacher, PS 185 bring Math & Science to Life! MenTIon Salvadori has been working with schools to bring math and science to life for students for more than 35 years! Multi-day ThIS aD in-school and after-school programs celebrate our collaborative, hands-on, project-based approach to learning through the when buildings, bridges, parks, and communities that surround our students’ lives. bookIng a SaLvaDorI PrograMS: PrograM • promote college and career readiness for all students anD Save • emphasize higher-order skills in all our curricula 5% • incorporate the Danielson Framework for Teaching on 2015-2016 • provide scaffolds in english and high-quality supports and extensions raTeS. • yield student work products that reflect high levels of thinking, participation, and ownership www.salvadori.org | 212.870.3970 ext. 122 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org

forth with mulch, then with a of the program: “We get to takewatering can. “That looks so them home and look at whatgood,” he says, inspecting we learned.”the greens. Sasha likes planting“What are we eating and “getting all muddy.”when we eat carrots?” Nathaniel chooses eat-the young gardeners are ing. “I like the salad weasked. The leaves? No, made,” he says. “We madethey answer. The owers? the dressing.” It was only Serving the five boroughs,No. The seeds? “No, the simple vinaigrette, says Long Island, Westchester,roots!” they shout. And how Steiner, “but they ate like Rockland & Orange Countiesdo they taste? “Way better” they’d never eaten before.”than store bought “because East Village Community The children use a trowel • Construction Accidentsthese are fresh,” says one little School Principal Bradley and their hands to transplant • Motor Vehicle Accidentsgirl. Another adds, “They take Goodman and a few young colorful portulaca plants. • Premises Liabilitya lot of effort and the more “Your hand is often the best • Slips/Trips & Fallseffort, the yummier they are.” students handle a vegetable tool,” Steiner tells them. • Medical Malpractice plant in their “outdoor • Wrongful Death While one group of chil- classroom.” Logan, thinking he’s been • Catastrophic Injuriesdren thins out the beds, another passed over for a turn to plant, • Workers Compensationharvests and yet another works on journals. hides under his hoodie. Niko reaches outThe previous week the students wrote about and offers a portulaca to the boy. It takesreleasing ladybugs, which, they learned, are time but, eventually, Logan accepts thea natural form of pest control. plant. Niko has planted some special seedsKeeping a journal is Isaac’s favorite part — the seeds of friendship. if you or someone you knoW has been injured, call (844) 783-4968 or visit WWW.isue4u.org 440 Mamaroneck Ave, Suite 408 • Harrison New York 10528 CONVENIENCE. LOCATION. AND NOW... ONE OF THE LARGEST CHAPELS ON LONG ISLAND. STAR OF DAVID MEMORIAL CHAPELSTeacher Stefanie Henze has plenty of help as she washes fresh-picked greens. Be prepared...plan for the future. Star of David Memorial Chapels, is a Jewish Funeral Home located adjacent to New Montefiore, Beth Moses, Wellwood, and Mt. Ararat cemeteries. We are pleased to announce the completion of our brand new, much larger and elegant Waters of Babylon Chapel which can accommodate close to 300 mourners. Or, for a more intimate gathering, you may choose our peaceful Isaiah Chapel. If you prefer only a graveside service, our chapels can provide a serene setting for a private, dignified goodbye in Jewish tradition prior to proceeding to the cemetery for the interment, and an ideal option, especially in inclement weather! The Funeral Home Next Door Call for a free brochure, Chevra Kadisha Services in our advanced planning own Mikvah under supervision or immediate need: from the Vaad of Queens 631-454-9600 24 HOUR SERVICE 866-95-SHALOM 24 HOUR SERVICE Licensed Funeral Directors 1236 Wellwood Avenue, West Babylon, NY 11704 www.starofdavidmemorialchapels.com www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 23 NYT

Community Day at Gotham Professional Arts Academy, Brooklyn GARY SCHOICHETBeautifying the school 3%RAINTETSHEARE SWhen Gotham Professional Arts Academy Resource twist.” Shynaisha painted inspiring quotes on the wallsCoordinator Allison Brown learned that the nonprofit of the girls’ bathroom including “Know yourself, knowRebuilding Together NYC organizes corporate volunteer your worth,” “Keep your head up” and “Girls rule.” For-days to help renovate low-income homes and schools est City Ratner employees will be rejoining the schoolthroughout the city, she knew the perfect recipient: community for another day in July to complete theher own high school. Brown discussed different ideas work. ABOVE: Brown (right) works on the renovation withabout how to fix up the school with staff and students Stanley Hamilton of Forest City Ratner. RIGHT: Stevensonfrom the UFT community learning school in Bedford- leads the group in warmup exercises.Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. “We had a long wish list, whatchanges we wanted made and why we wanted them,”said Brown. She sent along photos to illustrate theirneeds. Brown was thrilled to learn the school’s applica-tion was accepted, and on June 17, 10 staffers from theschool and 20 students were joined by 80 volunteersfrom Forest City Ratner, a large real estate manage-ment and development company. They started the daywith group exercises led by physical education teacherJamal Stevenson. Then everyone pitched in for a fullsix hours of labor. They created a garden on the side ofthe building, landscaped in front and painted bath-rooms, hallways and school rooms, using a range ofhues including purple, black and silver — the school’ssignature colors. There is now a visual division betweenGotham and the elementary school that shares thesame building. The prospect of transforming her schoolintrigued Shynaisha Ford, a junior at the school and oneof the volunteers. “I was one of the first to start workand the last to go,” Shynaisha said. She had experi-ence painting houses under her father’s watchful eyebut, this time, she said, “I got to put in my own creative Over 15 Years in Business! MORTGAGE LOAN FEES: Members Mortgage Corp. We’ve Saved Union Members LOAN APPLICATION FEE 0$ 600 Old Country Road, Suite 330 Over $50 Million in Fees! .................................................... Garden City, NY 11530 More than 23,000 Mortgage APPRAISAL FEE* 0$ 866-436-8110 Loans Closed! ............................................................................ We are the #1 Originator of membersmortgagecorp.com PROCESSING FEE 0$ UNION ONLY Loans. ............................................................................ UNION ONLY We are the ONLY Originator of CREDIT REPORT FEE 0$ Not Open to the General Public ! TRUE NO FEE Loans. ................................................................24 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org POINTS: 0$ (NO BORROWER PAID POINTS TO US)....................................... BROKER FEES: 0$ (NO BORROWER PAID BROKER FEES)................. $0UNION MEMBER TOTAL LOAN COST...................................... RATES ARE IN THE 3%S PURCHASE • REFINANCE • REVERSE MORTGAGES CALL NOW!

School Counselor Recognition Day Awards MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY‘The heartbeat of the school’The honorees gather for a group shot with the schools chancellor and UFT officials. See more photos in the gallery at www.uft.org By RACHEL NOBEL Guidance Counselors Chapter Leader Rosemarie Honoree Dina Colon (left), a guidance coun- Thompson (left) shakes hands with honoree selor in the Pathways to Graduation program, The honoreesErica Gonzalez, a guidance counselor Kinah Ventura-Rosas, a counselor in the non- poses with her daughter, Dylan, and sister, at IS 220 in Borough Park, began her public schools district. Daida. BRONX: career at the Department of Education as Denise Capasso, PS 277/PS 51;a substance abuse prevention and interven- she said. Jaye Murray, the executive director oftion specialist. But working with a guidance Rosemarie Thompson, the UFT’s guid- the DOE’s Office of Guidance and School Martha Estevez, PS 32;counselor named Mary Costello inspired her Counseling, spoke about the importance of Eury Padilla, MS 391; Jessica Torres, HS ofto change direction. ance counselors chapter leader, agreed. collaboration, saying, “All of you are waves “There are so many things we do behind in an ocean, working together toward the Computers and Technology “The connection she had with children was same cause.”so beautiful,” she says. “I realized this was the scenes that don’t go into our schedules,” BROOKLYN:what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.” she said. “Thank you for the support and Her message was especially relevant for Deborah Page, PS 159; Madeline Robles, guidance you give to your students, families Stephanie Liebowitz, a school social worker Gonzalez was one of 26 guidance coun- and community.” at PS 203 in Oakland Gardens who was there PS 274; Erica Gonzalez, IS 220;selors honored at the 30th annual School to support her colleague Cassandra Pitkin as Wesley McLeod, Mott Hall BridgesCounselor Recognition Day Awards cer- For Kristopher Ebanks, an honoree from she received an award.emony held at DOE headquarters on May 25. the Brooklyn Theatre Arts HS who began his Academy; Kristopher Ebanks, career as a prekindergarten teacher, this time “She took me under her wing, and she Brooklyn Theatre Arts HS “Guidance counselors are the heartbeat of of year is particularly poignant. always has my back,” she said of Pitkin.the school,” said Schools Chancellor Carmen MANHATTAN:Fariña. “I learned early on in my career that a “By the time students get to high school, But, Pitkin insisted, the privilege was all Ivette Cordero, PS 30; Elsie Madera,guidance counselor can save your life.” parents take a step back and we sometimes ful- hers. PS/MS 50; Jovanka Aquino, IS 143; fill the role of parent,” he said. “Every year at Maritza Villegas, Manhattan Center UFT Secretary Emil Pietromonaco praised graduation, seeing them cross the stage when “I get honored every day when I see mythe chancellor for recognizing the value of it’s been a four-year journey to get to that point students,” she said. “This is what I was meant for Science and Mathematicsguidance counselors and noted that the DOE is a culmination of the work that we do.” to do. I can’t imagine doing anything else.”was “going in the right direction” by increas- QUEENS:ing the number of guidance counselors. Cassandra Pitkin, PS 203; Shaniqua K. White, IS 59; “Thank you for the tremendous work you Gina Curcio, Collaborative Arts MS;do every day,” he told the counselors. Claudia Chapur, Robert H. Goddard HS The honorees, ever humble, spoke gen- STATEN ISLAND:erously about colleagues who were just as Erika Lisiewski, PS 22;deserving of recognition. Helen Fuscaldo, IS 34; Lisa DeCarlo, Susan E. Wagner HS “So many of us deserve this,” said KinahVentura-Rosas, who serves two parochial DISTRICT 64:schools in the Bronx as a counselor in the Kinah Ventura-Rosasnon-public schools district. “We are out theredoing this work because all our kids need DISTRICT 75:advocates to vouch for them.” Jean Cabral, Brooklyn School for Career Lisa DeCarlo, an honoree from Susan Development; Jody Doman,E. Wagner HS on Staten Island, said her 17 Robert F. Kennedy School, Manhattanyears as a counselor have “flown by.” DISTRICT 79: “You don’t really realize on a day-to-day Diane Colon, Pathways to Graduation, Queensbasis whether people realize what you do,” DISTRICT 88: Theresa Evans, Queens Alternate Learning Center at MS 53 GUIDANCE COUNSELORS ASSIGNED: Marie Poulard, Family Welcome Center, Sutphin Boulevard, Queens www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 25

fsb_uft_assist_city_0616_v1_PBAmag_summer_04 6/3/16 4:41 PM Page 1 Mortgage Program for TeachersLower Mortgage Rates may be Availableto Educators through Home Possible.• Free pre-approval• No mortgage broker fees Even if you are currently• Closing cost assistance may be available to teachers* IN PROCESS with another lender• Fast-track program available to UFT/NYSUT Members you may qualify for this program• Other programs besides Union Assist available• Low down-payment requirement which may save you money. *Completion of homeownership education course may be required• Reduced PMI through Federal Mortgage Programs (Restrictions apply)• Even if you have been denied by another lender you may be eligible through Union Assist26 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org

fsb_uft_assist_city_0616_v1_PBAmag_summer_04 6/3/16 4:41 PM Page 2 Purchase or Refinance Program for UFT and NYSUT Members • INTEREST RATES HAVE DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS. You may be able to reduce your rate and/or term even if you have closed recently. • You may be able to refinance and reduce or eliminate your PMI even if you closed recently. • Use your home to consolidate all of your debts, which may save you thousands of dollars per month. • Use the equity in your home to renovate. Federally insured programs may allow you to simultaneously reduce your interest rate and take cash out for home improvements. • If you have an FHA Loan you may be entitled to a reduction of the annual MIP charged persuant to Section 203(c)(2)(B) of the National Housing Act (NHA). • Even if you are currently in process with another lender, you may be able to obtain a lower rate and/or lower costs through the Educators program. FOR FASTEST SERVICE PLEASE USE WEBSITE OR E-MAIL TO CONTACT A UFT LIAISON You can check your eligibility or apply online at www.thefederalsavingsbank.com/jasonrappaport If you have any questions please email the UFT liaison at [email protected] If you prefer calling the UFT Liaison can be contacted at 844-460-6778. 395 North Service Road, Suite 407w � Melville, NY 11747 PROUDLY SERVING UFT AND NYSUT MEMBERS SINCE 1994 FIND US ON FACEBOOK Terms and conditions may vary. Subject to underwriting approval. *Free preapproval subject to credit condition. **Completion of homeownership education course may be required The Federal Savings Bank offers Government Insured Programs, however is not a Government Agency. The Federal Savings Bank is an approved lender with the Federal Housing Administration, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Copyright 2016 © The Federal Savings Bank | Co. NMLS# 411500 | All Rights Reserved | thefederalsavingsbank.com www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 27

2016 Excellence in School Wellness Award ceremony MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY Aiming for lifelong health Reserve. Now. See more photos in the gallery at www.uft.orgLAST PHASE OF HOMES UNDER CONSTRUCTION More than 150 educators, administrators and community health advocates gath- Why the Reserve? This is your last chance to enjoy a breathtaking ered at Brooklyn Borough Hall on June 8 for the 2016 Excellence in School Wellness Award ceremony. More than 50 schools throughout the city were honored for educa- 3- or 4-bedroom home in beautiful Orange County, within easy reach of tors’ work promoting health and wellness, including mental and emotional health. NYC via the NY Thruway. Experience gracious, suburban living with award- Students with award-winning posters on the theme of wellness were also on hand with their teachers and parents to show their art. For the first time, the event was co- winning schools, outlet shopping, skiing and so much more. sponsored by the Department of Education, which organized the poster contest for students of all grades, and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Brooklyn Why now? Why let another year pass wishing you had more breathing Borough President Eric Adams, who addressed the group, revealed that he was re- cently diagnosed with diabetes despite regular exercise and stressed how important room for you and your family? Don’t miss out! Take advantage of $10,000 it is for students to develop healthy habits at an early age. Among those schools in free options now!* Estate home prices starting at $329,990. honored with a platinum award for innovative work was the Brooklyn Arbor School in Williamsburg. Beth Reed, the wellness teacher at the school, said students look Sales Center open Fri. – Tues., forward to her weekly class. She said she teaches mindfulness and yoga and incor- 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. porates lessons from the school’s edible garden, where students grow vegetables Closed Wednesday & Thursday to use in their nutrition and cooking classes. “I saw a need for our students to be healthy and well and ready to learn, and going from seed to table involves children in *Offer only valid through August 31, 2016. the whole process,” Reed said. ABOVE: Platinum award winners from schools through- out the city show off their plaques. 2080 Independence Drive | New Windsor, NY 12553 TheReserveNewWindsor.com | (845) 567-4347 A Graduate Degree in EDUCaTion FROM TOURO COLLEGE… A lesson plAn for sUccess! M.S. PrograMS in: Education & Special Education • Teaching Literacy Mathematics Education • Biology Education School Leadership • Instructional Technology TESOL and Bilingual Education Touro’s GSE is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Visit: gse.touro.edu • Call: 212-463-0400 ext. 5268 Email: [email protected] Accepting ApplicAtions for 2016 TOURO COLLEGE @WeAreTouro GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION Touro is an Equal Opportunity Institution. 43 West 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010 For Touro’s Complete Non-Discrimination Statement, Please Visit www.touro.edu28 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org

New monthly health plan rates for active and retiree members as of July 1, 2016 Below are the monthly deductions for both in-service and retiree members. Retirees will see their new deductions in the pension checks issued at the end of July, and in-service members will see the new rates in their September checks. Please note: In-service members should deduct the “Prescription Drug” cost as this benefit is provided by the UFT Welfare Fund.MONTHLY NON-MEDICARE INDIVIDUAL Aetna EPO CIGNA Empire HMO Empire EPO GHI-CBP/EBCBS GHI HMO HIP HMO HIP POS VytraBasic $184.28 $712.56 $327.62 $531.54 $0.00 $123.57 $0.00 $717.31 $87.61Prescription Drugs $569.93 $250.73 $196.09 $196.09 $215.92 $728.97 $187.27Rider Other* $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $115.00 $0.00 $151.52 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $5.49 $6.08 $274.88 $1,446.28 VytraTotal HIP POS $347.25 $1,757.65 $487.04(Basic + Rider) $754.21 $963.29 $523.72 $727.63 $120.49 $339.49 $157.60 $1,775.85 $0.00 FAMILY Aetna EPO CIGNA Empire HMO Empire EPO GHI-CBP/EBCBS GHI HMO HIP HMO $0.00 $834.29Basic $909.15 $1,928.66 $946.71 $1,360.90 $0.00 $378.26 $0.00 $3,533.50Prescription Drugs $480.71 $480.71 $550.52 United SourceRider Other* $1,560.26 $750.69 $0.00 $0.00 $207.00 $0.00 $371.22 United Secure Horizons (NJ) $0.00 $0.00 $13.91 $14.90 Horizons (NYC) $71.75Total $87.67 $135.55 $117.24(Basic + Rider) $2,469.41 $2,679.35 $1,427.42 $1,841.61 $220.91 $928.78 $386.12 $0.00For GHI-CBP/EBCBS, “Rider Other” is for enhanced major medical coverage. For HIP HMO, “Rider Other” is for private-duty nursing & durable medical equipment. $0.00 $207.30 $204.91 United SourceMONTHLY MEDICARE United Secure Horizons (NJ) Horizons (NYC) $143.50 Aetna Aetna PPO/ESA Empire $175.34 $271.10 Medicare $234.48 PPO/ESA (ALL OTHER Related GHI Senior $0.00 $82.00 Care $0.00 $414.60 INDIVIDUAL (NY/NJ/PA) AREAS) CIGNA (AZ) $185.81 $0.00 GHI HMO HIP VIP Humana $409.82Basic $135.41 $0.00 $129.20 $329.85 $0.00 $0.00Prescription Drugs $183.33 $0.00 $0.00 $107.00 $65.00 $73.06Rider Other* $0.00 $193.41 $0.00 $2.05 $0.00 $155.47 $0.00 $0.00 $267.81 $394.85 $0.00 Empire $109.05 $73.06Total Medicare $155.47 Related GHI Senior Humana(Basic & Rider) $318.74 $193.41 $129.20 $158.03 Care $0.00 $371.62 $0.00 Aetna Aetna PPO/ESA $0.00 $146.12 $214.00 $0.00 PPO/ESA (ALL OTHER $529.65 $4.10 $146.12 FAMILY (NY/NJ/PA) AREAS) CIGNA (AZ) $218.10 GHI HMO HIP VIPBasic $270.82 $0.00 $258.40 $659.70 $0.00Prescription Drugs $366.66 $0.00 $130.00Rider Other* $0.00 $386.82 $0.00 $0.00 $310.94 $0.00 $789.70 $0.00Total $310.94(Basic & Rider) $637.48 $386.82 $258.40*For GHI Senior Care, “Rider Other” is for 365-Day Hospitalization. Empire Empire Empire Empire Empire Empire Empire Empire MediBlueHMO MediBlueHMO MediBlueHMO MediBlueHMO MediBlueHMO MediBlueHMO MediBlue MediBlueHMO (RCKL/WESTCHSTR) (NASSAU) (SUFFOLK) (NYC) (NASSAU) (SUFFOLK) HMO (NYC) (RCKL/WESTCHSTR) $413.13 $523.71 $294.68 $568.94 $826.26 $1,047.42 $147.34 $284.47INDIVIDUAL FAMILYNOTE: AvMed, BC Health Options are “zero” premium plans.School calendar 2016-17 SEPTEMBER 11 (Friday) — Veterans Day observed 8–9 (Wednesday–Thursday) — Parent-Teacher Con- (schools closed). ferences (elementary schools). 5 (Monday) — Labor Day (schools closed). 15–16 (Tuesday–Wednesday) — Parent-Teacher Confer- 15–16 (Wednesday–Thursday) — Parent-Teacher Con- 6 (Tuesday) — Teachers report. Students will not be in ences (District 75 school programs). ferences (middle schools). attendance. 17–18 (Thursday–Friday) — Parent-Teacher Confer- 23–24 (Thursday–Friday) — Parent-Teacher Confer- 7 (Wednesday) — Chancellor’s Conference Day for ences (high schools). ences (high schools). staff development. Students will not be in attendance. 24–25 (Thursday–Friday) — Thanksgiving recess APRIL 8 (Thursday) — School sessions begin for all students. (schools closed). Early dismissal for non-District 75 kindergarten stu- 10–18 (Monday to following Tuesday) — Spring recess, dents only. Partial school time for prekindergarten DECEMBER including Passover and Good Friday (schools closed). public school students. 26–30 (Monday–Friday) — Winter recess MAY 9 (Friday) — First full day for non-District 75 kinder- (schools closed). garten students. Partial school time for prekindergar- 29 (Monday) — Memorial Day observed ten public school students. JANUARY (schools closed). 12 (Monday) — Eid al-Adha (schools closed). 2 (Monday) — Last day of winter recess JUNE (schools closed). OCTOBER 8 (Thursday) — Chancellor’s Conference Day for staff 16 (Monday) — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day development. Students in all five boroughs will not 3–4 (Monday–Tuesday) — Rosh Hashana (schools closed). be in attendance. (schools closed). 30 (Monday) — Chancellor’s Conference Day for staff 12 (Monday) — Clerical day for staff in elementary, 10 (Monday) — Columbus Day observed development in all non-District 75 high schools. Non- middle and District 75 school programs. Those stu- (schools closed). District 75 high school students will not be in atten- dents will not be in attendance. dance. All other students will be in attendance. 12 (Wednesday) — Yom Kippur (schools closed). 23 (Friday) — Regents Rating Day. In non-District 75 31 (Tuesday) — Spring term begins for high school high schools, students will not be in attendance. 26–27 (Wednesday–Thursday) — Parent-Teacher students. Conferences (middle schools). 26 (Monday) — Eid al-Fitr (schools closed). FEBRUARY NOVEMBER 28 (Wednesday) — Last day for all students. Early 20–24 (Monday–Friday) — Midwinter recess, includ- dismissal of all students. Last day for all classroom 2–3 (Wednesday–Thursday) — Parent-Teacher Con- ing Presidents Day observed (schools closed). teachers, paraprofessionals, attendance teachers, ferences (elementary schools). nurses, therapists, lab specialists and technicians. MARCH 8 (Tuesday) — Election Day. Chancellor’s Conference 29–30 (Thursday–Friday) — All other staff report Day for staff development. Students will not be in 6–7 (Monday–Tuesday) — Parent-Teacher Confer- except above titles. attendance. ences (District 75 school programs). www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 29

The dynamMusic and danceteachers help make annual theater production amemorable event BY LINDA OCASIO Dance teacher Kim Wojcieszek (left) and music teacher MaryAnn Spinner confer during a rehearsal of “The Pajama Game.” PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN FICKIES AND Chekalov’s District 75 class are involved in the dance scenes, and Wojcieszek goes over cues backstage during a rehearsal. MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY she stood in the back during the rehearsal watching them. “In the beginning, they were worried about the dances. I told them,It’s a Broadway hit with great music that speaks to contem- ‘Don’t worry; you can learn.’ They do very well.” porary ideas of equality and justice — no, not “Hamilton,” but “The Pajama Game.” At PS 100 in Brighton Beach, Each production has a number of crucial off-stage roles, Brooklyn, 5th-graders performed the musical under the from raising the curtain to managing props, microphones and direction of music teacher MaryAnn Spinner and dance teacher the music. These roles allow students to participate if they don’t Kim Wojcieszek, who formed a dynamic tag team. have the performing bug. The play is a memorable end-of-year event for the 5th-grad- As the students gain confidence, they take a bigger part in ers, but the teaching pair also sees it as a chance to launch students shaping the production. into middle school with the confidence that stage performance can endow even the shyest student. “During the rehearsals, they’ll tell us, ‘I think this would be better this way’ and we listen to them,” Spinner said. “A lot of Wojcieszek, who choreographs the school’s annual play, sees things in the play are their ideas.” the transformation every year. “They begin the school year a little shy and timid,” she said. “After January, they’re different By including the children’s ideas in the production,Wojcieszek children.” explains, “We give them ownership of the play. It’s about mak- ing every child feel he or she is special, even in ensemble. We’re The two teachers start looking for the right play in August. cheerleaders for them all year long.” In past years, they’ve selected such Broadway classics as “South Pacific” and “The Sound of Music.” Spinner said this year they During a rehearsal in the auditorium two weeks before the chose “The Pajama Game,” which won the Tony Award for best May 25 performance, it’s clear the students have embraced the musical in 1955, because the plot involving union members in a rhythms and responsibilities of a musical production. As soon pajama factory is still relevant today. “It’s about factory workers as Spinner sits down at the piano and begins to play scales, the who work very hard and want a raise,” she said. “They fight to animated hubbub of students chattering with each other dissolves get it, including staging work slowdowns and rallies.” into something magical: students vocalizing in the appropriate key. After they choose the year’s play, the two teachers get to work condensing it and making it age-appropriate. Romantic intrigue At the end of rehearsal, students practiced their curtain calls is considerably edited. Students are introduced to the songs first; with crisp bows and big smiles. once they’re familiar with the music, the dance numbers are intro- duced. An instrumental CD is used for the show, but the vocals “When they graduate, they’re not afraid of anything,” Spinner are all student voices. When a student shows outstanding talent, said with a smile. Spinner and Wojcieszek often write in a solo for the child to perform. Families flock to the end-of-year event. There’s not an empty seat in the 530-seat house for the official performance. Spinner oversaw all facets of the play’s production before Wojcieszek arrived nine years ago. “I was doing it for 20 years,” Spinner said. “The principal asked me, ‘How can I support you?’ I told her, ‘Hire a dance teacher.’” Principal Katherine Moloney sees the show as integral to the school’s mission — PS 100 is a magnet school of media arts and communication. “Students here start performing as early as kindergarten, doing stage recitations and understanding theater and audience,” Moloney said. The school of 730 students draws largely from the Russian immigrant community of Brighton Beach, and sometimes Spin- ner and Wojcieszek have to explain a colloquialism or a phrase in the play that is no longer in common use. “We have to work on literal language,” Wojcieszek said. “For example, the phrase ‘I had a ball.’ Some of our students might take that literally.” Every 5th-grader — 109 are in the class this year — is involved in the play, including the 5th-graders in a District 75 school that occupies a floor at PS 100. Three students in Tamara30 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org

mic duo of Brighton BeachStudents “wash” pajamas on the factory assembly line. One 5th-grader with an outstanding voice sings a solo. Performers give it their all in a play about workers’ rights and fair wages.There’s a spot for every 5th-grader in the ensemble. Spinner guides them through a dry run of the finale. A tango scene gives dancers a chance to shine. www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 31

UFT teacher leadership conference MILLER PHOTOGRAPHYSharing knowledgeSpirits were high at the UFT’s first-ever teacher leadership conference on June 4 as and UFT President Michael Mulgrew, both of whom spoke about the importance ofmore than 300 educators gathered at UFT headquarters for a day of exploring teacher supporting teachers as leaders. “It was very refreshing to hear Carmen Fariña say,leadership strategies. The 2014 UFT–DOE contract created several new positions ‘Teachers are already leaders,’” Cochran said. ABOVE: Shanker Hall is packed for thefor teachers in school buildings, including master teacher, model teacher and peer conference. LEFT: Zulu Martinez, a teacher at Harry S. Truman HS in the Bronx, listenscollaborative teacher. The conference presented opportunities for teacher leaders to one of the speakers.to share their knowledge with fellow teacher leaders and other educators eager tolearn from them. “There was so much energy in the room,” said Danielle Bertran, apeer collaborative teacher at the Pelham Academy of Academics and CommunityEngagement. “I was so excited for the opportunity to sit down with other educatorswho are passionate and share the same vision.” Teachers at the conference could at-tend their choice of two workshops, which were facilitated by teacher leaders. Topicsranged from designing performance tasks in teacher teams to facilitating collaborativeinquiry. James Cochran, a history teacher and the chapter leader at the HS for Youthand Community Development at Erasmus Hall in Brooklyn, presented a workshop ona tool he developed. He brought his principal along as a co-presenter to share her thoughts on her practice as an administrator and an evaluator. Participants watched a video of a lesson and then used Cochran’s tool to write feed- back. “The only way for teachers to grow is if we’re reflecting on our own prac- tice,” he said. “The idea was to let teachers guide their own process to allow for genuine dialogue between teachers and administrators.” Attendees at the conference also said they felt bolstered by the words of Chancellor Carmen FariñaHero Day at PS 33, Queens MILLER PHOTOGRAPHYA day of enchantment and sorrowThe 10th annual Hero Day at PS 33 in Queens Village was filled with both enchant-ment and sorrow. The enchantment came courtesy of the kids, wide-eyed overthe visiting police officers from the nearby 105th Precinct, who brought cruis-ers and bull horns, a German shepherd called Bricks and a velvety, brown horsecalled Lucky. Though the adults wore brave faces, it wasn’t easy for them, particu-larly when the principal unveiled a wooden bench in honor of 25-year-old detec-tive Brian Moore from the 105th Precinct in a newly planted garden in the school’sfront yard. A year ago, Moore died after a man shot him repeatedly while he sat inhis unmarked police sedan. A stone engraved with the young detective’s badgenumber and precinct now adorns the garden. “We have a special relationshipwith the members of that precinct,” says PS 33 Chapter Leader Kristian Lisowski.“They are our friends and our neighbors, such positive role models for our stu-dents. His death broke our hearts.” Moore’s father, Raymond, himself a retiredpolice officer, attended the ceremony. Joining the police officers were firefightersand paramedics, who let the kids climb on their trucks and vans and touch equip-ment and patiently answered the children’s seemingly endless questions. To curi- ous kindergartners, Lucky the horse was the Detective Moore are (from left) Capt. Courtney huge star of Hero Day, which was organized Nilan, UFT District 29 Representative Joyce by Principal Vincent Gatto. They listened with Schwartz, PS 33 parent coordinator Jessica rapt attention as a police officer relayed how Maldonado, Gatto, Lisowski and Raymond he cares for the horse, where it sleeps and Moore. LEFT: Students learn about Lucky as other interesting facts. ABOVE: Setting Ameri- paraprofessional Selina Khanam (left) and can flags in front of the bench named for teacher Katie Martinez look on.32 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org

What I Do www.rmany.comValencia Edwards Building families, one dreamTeacher, Lorge School at a timeValencia Edwards has spent her 16-year career at the Lorge School, a non-public special Plan your future with RMA of New Yorkeducation school in Chelsea with students who range in age from 5 to 21. Teachers at theschool are members of the UFT.How did you come to teach at the times I think, what am I doing wrong thatLorge School? I can’t make it accessible to them? Thank-Except for working at another school that fully, that doesn’t happen often.t the requirement for my master’s degree in What do you do on those days whenearly childhood education, I’ve only taught no one seems capable of calming down orat the Lorge School. I love this place. It’s focusing long enough to learn a thing?a unique environment where teachers, staff I speak with a British or Southern accent.and administrators really care about sup- I nd I can get their attention again when I Now accepting GHI/EmblemHealth for Fertility Careporting each other so we can do what’s best speak with other accents. I also laugh a lot. Ifor our kids. joke around with them. I make them laugh. I Call 212-756-5777 to learn more or visitTell me about your students. What sing and make up songs on the spot. Believe www.rmany.com/rmany-ghikinds of disabilities do they have and how me I don’t have a singing voice, whichdoes that interfere with their learning? makes them very happy. Sometimes theHow do you as a teacher overcome best thing you can do to get them to Manhattan Westside Downtownthose barriers? learn is provide the entertainment. 635 Madison Avenue 10th Floor 200 W 57th Street, Ste. 900 594 Broadway, Ste. 1011 Are you a pushover? New York, NY 10022 New York, NY 10019 New York, NY 10012My students are ages 15 to 17. No, just the opposite. I am P: (212) 756-5777 P: (212) 256-8200 P: (212) 906-7900The students have learning dis- F: (212) 756-5770 F: (212) 247-4292 F: (212) 965-1800abilities or emotional disabilities consistent and tough, and they get that. I don’t take junk. I have Long Island Brooklyn Westchester— or both. This year I have eight very high expectations for my 400 Garden City Plaza, Ste. 107 26 Court Street, Ste. 2710 311 North Street, Suite 310students in my class. I teach all Garden City, NY 11530 Brooklyn, NY 11242 White Plains, New York 10605subjects other than physical students, higher than they P: (516) 746-3633 P: (718) 532-8700 P: (914) 997-6200 F: (516) 746-3622 F: (212) 756-5770 F: (212) 756-5770education, art and dance. have for themselves. My responsibility isMy philosophy is that to help them suc-I meet my studentswhere they are and ceed to the best of Reproductive Medicine Associates of New York, LLPtry to take them their abilities, and I take that respon-where they need sibility seriously.to go. I have stu-dents who want They tell me, “We don’t like you!” Trimto blend into the But they do. Last 4.25walls when it’s timeto read out loud. So school year, there Prin was one girl who Uncyou get the student just butted headsto read two sentencesinstead of a paragraph or a with me every sin- gle day. This year,page. I try to tailor lessons to she’s in a different Your home financing resourceeach student’s strength andsneak in other information. I class, but she comes The Union Plus® Mortgage program provides: to give me a hug everyhad 11 students last year, and morning and tells me Ione girl refused to do math. Ibegan teaching her one-on-one. am her favorite teacher. What is it about • Special benefits for union members, theirShe still didn’t like it, but she no special education stu- parents and childrenlonger hated it. So one day whilewe’re working together, another stu- dents that engages and • Educational tools to help you prepare inspires you? for homeownershipdent is up at the board really strug- There are so manygling with fractions. Suddenly, she • A wide range of financing options fromgets up and goes to him, asks him the things I absolutely love Wells Fargo Home Mortgage about teaching special edright questions and supports him in kids. They’re interestingnding the answer. I cried, thinking,‘Oh, my God, this is so beautiful.’ and funny. My ancé andWhat is your students’ favorite nonteaching friends marvelsubject or activity? over the funny or poignant stories I tell them about Call today to learn moreI’ve found that they grumble least the kids. This past winterover science. It’s simple and straightfor- Robert Bisbergward. They know they’re going to learn we made posters and baked Branch Manager from scratch for our bake 914-286-5443something that’s interesting to them. In sale to raise money for two 50 Main Streetearth science, for example, we talked White Plains, NY 10601about the distance from the Earth to charities the kids chose. On [email protected] the day of the sale, I was NMLSR ID 422745the moon and the distance to Mars. The sick with a head cold, but Iquestion of whether or not there is life on Information is accurate as of the date of printing and is subject to change without notice.Mars sparked this lively debate on aliens. JONATHAN FICKIES dragged myself in. They took Union Plus® is a registered trademark of Union Privilege.What is the most challenging thing one look at my face and they knew I was bad Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.about teaching a small class of students off. They stepped in and handled everything © 2013 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. AS2217481 Expires 08/2016with signi cant disabilities? themselves and were so capable and so kindWhen I’m trying to explain something to me. I was amazed. They were amazing. www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 33and they just don’t get it. I’ll explain it a dif- — As told to reporterferent way, and then another way, and some- Christina Cheakalos

Distribution of fresh produce at PS 66, the Bronx MARIA BASTONECookShop bears fruit“It was like Christmas in June,” PS 66 tion education program. CookShop, whichChapter Leader Paul Turci said about a is supported by the UFT, works to raiseFood Bank for New York City giveaway. awareness among low-income childrenTurci was describing the distribution of and their families about the importance of150 cases of fruits and vegetables to all forming healthy eating habits and to help725 of the students from the school in the them gain the skills to make appropriateEast Morrisania section of the Bronx. The choices for long-term health. Turci saidproduce was donated by the Food Bank to the staff and parents met the “logisticalthe school as part of its six-year participa- challenge” of uncrating and bagging thetion in CookShop, a federally funded nutri- produce that arrived on June 14 so it would be ready for the children the next day while it was still fresh and nutritious. CookShop reached students in more than 1,800 public elementary school classrooms and after- school programs this year. Turci, who is the coordinator of the program at PS 66, said, “This was a great opportunity to share with the community and everyone was happy.” LEFT: Turci (center) prepares to distribute the bagged fruits and vegetables with (from left) music teacher Liban Gomez, physical education teacher Chris Blades, parent liaison Rosa Cedeno and PTA President Katherine Rosado. ABOVE: A student reveals the hidden treasures inside the blue plastic bags. ‘Visit’ a doctor by Puerto Rican Day Parade MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY phone or online Floating alongThe average wait time to speak with a physician is less than 10 minutes. The See more photos in the average length of a visit is 10 minutes. gallery at www.uft.org The patient’s issue is resolved in 85 percent of visits. And patients rate their satisfaction More than 200 UFT members were visible and vocal at the Puerto Rican Day Parade in Manhattan on June 12. Many wearing kerchiefs 4.8 out of 5. or Panama hats emblazoned with the union logo, members rode the UFT oat or walked alongside as it made its way along Fifth Avenue. The union’s T-shirt this year said it all: “Boricua Pa Que Lo Sepas,” which, loosely translated, means “I am Puerto Rican, in case you Those are some of the advantages of tele- didn’t know.” UFT Vice President for Education Evelyn DeJesus, who led the union contingent, said the parade was “a great opportunity to medicine, which provides online consulta- celebrate the Latino heritage of many members.” tions with doctors, dieticians, nutritionists and other providers, utilizing two-way video, email, smartphones, wireless tools and other forms of technology. This service is available now for UFT members employed by the Department of Education who are GHI subscribers. The new benefit is part of the changes to the city health benefits plan for city workers that took effect on July 1. With telemedicine, GHI subscribers get increased access to care, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The telehealth option often can replace unnecessary visits to the emergency room, urgent care or retail clinics. The copay for GHI subscribers is $15, which is the same as the copay for visiting a GHI primary-care physician. It’s a healthy alternative to an office visit. Sign up at www.emblem.amwell.com or call 1-844-SEE-DOCS, or download the app and enroll using the Service Key EMBLEM.34 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org

School renaming at PS 41, Staten IslandBeloved teacher memorialized JONATHAN FICKIESWhen Stephanie Vierno died at age 46 in in attendance. ”When we first learnedOctober 2013, the void felt throughout PS that Stephanie passed away, we sent a41 on Staten Island was palpable. Stu- crew to support students and staff,” UFTdents and staff alike were deeply affected Staten Island Borough Representativeby the loss of Vierno, a teacher, librarian Debra Penny said. “And what peopleand director of the school’s chorus who were saying, despite all the tissues andworked at PS 41 for 24 years. So they the crying, was that they needed to dofound a way to make sure she’d be with something special.” Plans started quickly,them every day. With pomp and circum- beginning with getting signatures fromstance befitting the beloved educator, the New Dorp community members inthe school was renamed the Stephanie A. support of the plan to rename the schoolVierno School on June 17 to the delight in honor of Vierno. The culmination ofof the more than 1,000 students, par- the work was the schoolyard ceremony,ents, and current and retired educators during which the teary tributes poured in. Elise Feldman, the former principal, noted pastimes — to “document those memo- how the fun days Vierno helped develop, ries with pictures.” Principal Jennifer like Silly Sock Day and Pajama Day, Logan told of the butterfly garden created would live on. Former Chapter Leader in Vierno’s honor consisting of rocks John Torres told of Vierno’s “passion for decorated by students — a tradition that reading that had an impact on all of the will continue each year as new students students she taught.” Teacher Michele arrive. After the 4th-grade chorus sang Buccigrossi recalled her “smile, mischie- its final number, “Unwritten,” there was a vous grin and wicked sense of humor.” procession to the front of the building, as Fifth-grader Yuliya Tarnovetska said that all of the students filed through the front Vierno “inspired my love for books. She door beneath the brand-new sign bearing showed me that they are not just pages Vierno’s name. LEFT: Students re-enter stapled together.” And sister-in-law Lori the building beneath the new sign. ABOVE: Ann Vierno, a paraprofessional at IS 75 Torres pays tribute to Vierno during the on Staten Island, reminded everyone ceremony as Vierno’s family members to practice one of Stephanie’s favorite look on.District 75 students at P4 perform ‘The Lion King’ JONATHAN FICKIES‘Hakuna matata’: No worries, be happyTwelve teachers and 58 special-needs for 17 weeks. Parents and communitystudents worked together to bring their members crowded the auditorium for thestanding-room-only production of the gala evening performance that followedhit musical “The Lion King” to the stage preview performances at each of theof P4 in Fresh Meadows on June 2. four sites. What began as an idea twoStudents from four District 75 sites were years ago became possible with a Disneybused to P4 for 90-minute rehearsals grant. Teacher Avril Tucker, the choreog- rapher of the production, said one of the Broadway on June 10 along with student students summed up the experience for performers from other schools citywide. all of them: “The rehearsals were pretty Teachers Ella Guerrier and Marissa long, but the experience was amazing. Adams served as director and assis- It was fun seeing our parents watching tant director. ABOVE: Art teacher Lauren us do our characters.” The cast subse- Keenan helps Jorge Vegas with his lines quently performed one song from the as a hyena. LEFT: Students bring “The Lion score at the New Amsterdam Theater on King” to life. www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 35

retired teachers chapter newsCampaign notes from the road 2015 MEDICARE PART B AND IRMAA 2014 REIMBURSEMENTSI have asked retiree Sherry Friedman to share her campaign bors. She welcomed us in and called three friends to come and meet ARRIVED IN JUNEstory in this last column of the school year. An English and cre- us. “We’re with Hillary!” they chanted. In West Palm Beach, a transplanted New Yorker would speak to For the first time, Medicare-eligibleative writing teacher for 35 years, she trained teachers citywide as us only in whispers. “I’m a black woman and this is still the South. retirees received their 2015 Medicare Part B reimbursements by Electronic Fund Trans-a UFT/BOE peer intervenor. She is also a published writer. fer (EFT) directly into their bank accounts — Tom Murphy, chapter leader Life is hard for us here. Hillary can change things,” she explained, on June 17, 2016. The Medicare reimburse- as she offered to volunteer for the campaign. ment check went into the same account By SHERRY FRIEDMAN In upscale Jupiter, a young mother pointed out, “Bernie (Sanders) where they receive their pension check. If a retiree doesn’t receive his or her check byIhad the privilege of volunteering with a dedicated group of fellow has good intentions but he hasn’t accomplished much in his 25 years EFT, the retiree received the check by regu- UFT retirees, along with AFT political organizers from around the in the Senate. So, I’m with her.” lar mail. country, on Hillary Clinton’s campaign trail in Florida in March. Besides canvassing, our group attended exciting events. At If retirees cover a spouse or a domesticEquipped with our phone app “walk list” of registered Democrats rep- the Miami-Dade campus debate between Hillary and Bernie, partner, one check will be issued combin-resented by 37 unions that have endorsed Clinton, we JONATHAN FICKIES we waved our placards to cheering crowds ing both reimbursements. These reimburse-canvassed in towns from Fort Lauderdale to Miami. and cars honking in support. Our activities ments are based on the standard MedicareWe worked eight to 10 hours per day with a culminated in the thrilling victory rally in Part B reimbursement rates paid for thedaily list of up to 70 doors to knock on. We dis- West Palm Beach where the atmosphere was number of months retirees and/or eligibletributed literature, asked for signed commitment electric. We stood proudly on risers near the dependents were enrolled in health planscards and “got out the vote.” Although the experi- stage, knowing we had helped Hillary win offered through the Health Benefits pro-ence was sometimes exhausting, it was a gratifying that winner-take-all state. “We love the AFT gram.learning opportunity to talk to voters. Let me share and all you do for Hillary and your students,”it with you. a campaign staffer told us. If retirees have sent in the necessaryWe met a range of people from young in-service Back home in New York, I continue to sup- documentation for their Medicare Part Bworkers to retirees, from the wealthy to the poor, port our candidate, attend rallies and donate to 2014 IRMAA (Income Related Monthlythe elderly and the disabled. With most, their eyes Chapter Leader Tom Murphy with Sherry the campaign fund. You may have spotted me Adjustment Amount), this payment waslit up at the sight of our blue AFT For Hillary 2016 Friedman at the May RTC general mem- behind Hillary on stage at the Apollo Theater. also directly deposited into their EFTT-shirts. bership meeting. As she and Sen. Chuck Schumer walked by, account on June 17, 2016. If a retireeIn Riviera Beach, a mailman making rounds told she smiled at my blue AFT T-shirt and gave doesn’t receive his or her check by EFT,us he had relocated from “anti-union Wisconsin” and was glad to me a thumbs up. After her speech, she thanked me for going to Flor- the retiree received the IRMAA check bysee us. He warned we were in an area that had suffered recent street ida for her as she snapped a selfie of us. regular mail.violence. Undaunted, we continued knocking on doors where we “Please ask the AFT to keep up the good work. I still need you,”met a senior citizen recovering from recent surgery. she added. Gladly, I conveyed that message to the leadership — and After receiving the Medicare Part B“Life needs to get better here,” she told us, “and I need my pen- here to you. reimbursements for 2015, retirees can filesion, Medicare and Social Security. That’s why I’m for Hillary.” Now, the AFT, UFT and most unions urge you to vote for Hillary the IRMAA 2015 reimbursement forms.A retired painter in Lake Worth invited us in to see his gallery Clinton in the general election this November to preserve our hard- For those who are eligible, the forms willof President Obama pictures. “Look at my shrine,” he boasted. “We won rights. She is the most qualified person to be our nominee and be available on the city website at www1.need Hillary to continue Obamacare!” president of the United States. nyc.gov/assets/olr/downloads/pdf/health/In Lighthouse Point, a teacher told us she was moving because Please volunteer your time and donate, too. irmaa-2015.pdf or on the UFT websiteshe feared pressure and bigotry from right-wing Republican neigh- Hillary has always had our backs. It is time to have hers. at www.uft.org under quick links on the Retired Teachers page. Call UFT health consultants at 1-212- 598-7726 with any questions.At the luncheon JONATHAN FICKIES ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN INSTRUCTOR FOR THE UFTWF RETIREE PROGRAMS? The UFTWF Retiree Programs are seeking new instructors to teach during the day. Please send your resume and cover letter, including the topic you are interested in teach- ing, to: UFTWF Retiree Programs, 52 Broadway, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10004. Attn: Valerie Modeste or email her at [email protected]. Retirees packed the ballroom at the Hilton Hotel in Manhattan for the 53rd annual RTC lun- UFT TO USE NEW AUTOMATED DUES REFUND SYSTEM cheon on June 13. For a complete report on the event, see page 39. above: Pearl Berger Award FOR RETIREES WORKING FOR THE DOE winners (from left) Marian Thom, Carmella Gallucci, Eric Metzger, Barbara Waldmann and Yvonne Ben Aaman show off their plaques. If you return to work for the Department of Education and continue to collect a pension, you will find that you are paying union dues both as a retiree (from your pension check) and as an36 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org employee (from your payroll check). This occurs because two separate agencies are involved. The Department of Education does not know that you are retired and it automatically deducts dues from every employee represented by the UFT. In the past, members were required to either write, call or fill out a return coupon that was printed in the New York Teacher and mail it to the UFT accounting department. In addition, at times, members were required to provide all of their payroll check stubs and/or telephone num- ber to request a refund. Accounting department staff would manually calculate these requests and then begin the refund process. In order to better assist members, the UFT has developed an automated dues refund system. Members will no longer be required to request a refund. Beginning in early August, upon receipt of all the dues records from various city agencies, the accounting department will automatically calculate a refund for all eligible members and send them a check. It is expected that all these transactions will be completed by the end of the summer break before members return to school. Refunds will be processed for the period July 1, 2015, through June 30, 2016, and, beginning this year, will include only those dues amounts deducted that are in excess of the full active dues rates for the period. If you have any questions, please call the membership department’s Dues Refund Unit at 1-212-598-9248.

www.uft.org/chapters/retireesSUMMER CHECKS FOR TERMINATION PAY FOR 2014, 2015 CHANGING BANKS FOR YOURNEW RETIREES The New York City Department of Education will be issuing the last installment of termina- EFT RETIREMENT PAYMENTS Members who retired at the end of tion pay for 2014 retirees and the second installment of termination pay for 2015 retirees. They If you’re planning to choose a newthe school year will receive four summer will be sent to the retiree’s last payroll school with the school’s payroll and will coincide with the bank to electronically receive your month-checks. anniversary of the retirement date. ly retirement payments from the TRS, keep in mind the following so you can It is important that those checks be Retirees who have a June, July or August retirement anniversary date should have received avoid suspension of your Electronic Fundcashed on the dates indicated and not before. their termination pay on the last day of school, June 28. Transfer (EFT).If you participated in the direct depositprogram, four summer pay stubs will be If there was no check for those retirees at their last payroll school, the retiree should contact At least 45 days before closing yourgiven to you in school. Your checks will be the DOE’s HR Connect Unit at 1-718-935-4000. original bank account, you should submitdeposited in your account on the date pay- to the TRS an EFT Authorization Formment is due. For those members who do not Those who retired as ATRs will find their checks at Check Management, 65 Court St., 18th (code BK58) providing information aboutreceive paper pay stubs, they can be viewed Floor, Brooklyn. For questions regarding these checks, call 1-718-935-2219. your new bank. You should not close yourand printed from the DOE’s payroll portal original bank account until you are receiv-at https://payrollportal.nycboe.net/payroll TERMINATION PAY: HAVE YOU MOVED? Florida section ing payments in your account at the newportalweb/main.aspx. If you have moved since you retired, bank; EFT at your new bank should begin Coordinator of Sections 15 to 45 days after the TRS receives your Any necessary adjustment for these you must update your address with the and Services: Ken Goodfriend correctly completed authorization form.checks will be made when the final entitle- Department of Education. Potomac Trail Building (You will also need to file an authorizationment form is processed by the Department 3200 North Military Trail form if your bank closes or merges, or ifof Education. UFT dues and pension deduc- If you need to update your address and (between Butts and Yamato roads) your account number changes.)tions are automatically returned in the fall phone number, you must call the DOE Suite 100,after the DOE provides the UFT and the directly at its Human Resources Depart- Boca Raton, FL 33431 If the TRS is not aware that you changedTRS with the necessary documentation ment (HR Connect) at 1-718-935-4000. 1-561-994-4929 banks, your EFT payment will not be cred-indicating that the summer checks have No documentation is necessary. All Hours: 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. ited and your EFT will be suspended. Thebeen cashed. address and phone number changes are TRS will attempt to contact you, by phone done by phone only. In June, July and August, the Florida office will or letter, about the suspension (another good If a member has a negative cumulative be open from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. only on Mon- reason to keep your telephone and addressabsence reserve (CAR) balance, the mem- You must also notify your school sec- days, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The office will information updated at the TRS).ber’s payroll school should withhold one retary in the last payroll school in which return to the regular five-days-a-week scheduleor two of the checks in accordance with the you worked. Termination checks are for- in September. When the office is closed, mem- Once the TRS receives confirmationfollowing formula: If the negative CAR is warded to your last payroll school. bers requiring assistance should call 1-212-598- from you, it will send your payments byminus five to minus 10 days, the Aug. 31 7726. paper checks to your home address. (Thecheck will be withheld; if the negative CAR If you need any assistance, please call TRS requires that you be contacted in orderis minus 11 to 20 days, the Aug. 14 and the UFT Retiree Pension Department at MEDICAL RECORDKEEPING to guard against check fraud). You will con-Aug. 31 checks will be withheld. 1-212-598-9536. tinue receiving paper checks until you file an SI BEAGLE CATALOG Wednesday, July 27, and Wednesday, Aug. 24. EFT Authorization Form. Please be reminded that checks are 10 a.m.–noon. Seminars are held in the confer-not mailed directly to you; they are sent The Fall 2016 Si Beagle catalog will be mailed the ence room. To register, please call the Florida Questions about EFT should be directedto your last payroll school. Arrangements second week of July and also will be available office at 1-561-994-4929. to the TRS’ Member Services Center atmust be made with your payroll secretary. online. You can download the coupon and view 1-888-8-NYC-TRS or the UFT Retiree Pen- the Si Beagle at www.uft.org/chapters/retirees/ sion Department at 1-212-598-9536. programs. The Si Beagle also will be available at the borough offices.SECTION COORDINATORS ‘Reflections’ reflectionsBRONX: Cheryl Bing-Howard and CALIFORNIA (NORTHERN): TBA. CARA METZElizabeth Harris, 2500 Halsey St.,1-718-862-6069 or 6004. CALIFORNIA (SOUTHERN): Marilyn Retired Teachers Chapter members who teamed up to putBROOKLYN: Evelyn Dorell, Kathy and Bob Goldman, 1-949-770-5662. together the annual “Reflections: Poetry and Prose” bookletGiannou and Regina Olff, 335 Adams FLORIDA: were honored for their contributions at UFT headquarters onSt., 24th Floor, BOCA/DELRAY: Florence Fidell, June 3: above: Contributors pose with the booklet. left: Retiree1-718-722-6961 or 6962. 1-561-731-4695. and poet William Lemmon shows off the T-shirt he designed forMANHATTAN: Carolyn Givens-Lam- BROWARD: Al Guastafeste, the occasion.bert, Jo-Ann Hauptman, Esta Heitner 1-954-255-9161.and Carol Melucci, 50 Broadway, 2nd DADE: Leon Brum, www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 37Floor, 1-212-510-6478 or 6479. 1-305-264-4318.QUEENS: Laura Chin, Margaret- OCALA: TBA.Ann Stahl and Ray Taruskin, 97-77 ORLANDO: Donesa Jackson,Queens Blvd., 8th Floor, 1-407-359-3459.1-718-830-5711 or 5710. WEST PALM BEACH: Lois Porcella,STATEN ISLAND: Jeanne Casanovas,Peggy Munno and Audrey 1-561-968-7777.Zimring, 4456 Amboy Road, FLORIDA WEST COAST:1-718-605-1400.NASSAU: Nina Tribble, Paul Bradford, 1-941-355-7928.1-516-350-0978. ISRAEL: Murray Apelbaum,SUFFOLK: George Borsuk, (011)-972-2-563-1462.1-631-367-0047. LAS VEGAS: Richard B. Miller, 1-702-998-1524.NEW JERSEY: Angela Reformato NORTH CAROLINA: Danice Scott,Solomon, 1-732-595-6197. 1-919-461-0070. PUERTO RICO: Amelia Anderson,WESTCHESTER/ROCKLAND/ 1-787-833-2986; Mildred Ortega,PUTNAM: 1-917-449-4707.Irene Rabinowitz, 1-917-689-0563. WASHINGTON: Sharon Ripley, 1-301-249-6395.ARIZONA: Mickey Abend,1-480-451-0341.

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Retired Teachers Chapter LuncheonStanding up for what’s right is ‘inside us’ JONATHAN FICKIESThe record crowd of 600 retirees join in singing the national anthem at the 53rd annual Retired See more photos in theTeachers Chapter Luncheon in the ballroom at the New York Hilton in Manhattan. gallery at www.uft.org Murray Blasz (left) and Peter Lytell each accepts a special Award of Recognition for his work tutor- ing immigrants preparing for citizenship exams. By DOROTHY CALLACI received the Tom Pappas Award. Gerstl was NYSUT President Karen Magee presents the NYSUT Retiree of the Year Award to Vincent Gaglione recognized for directing the union’s cam- (left) as UFT President Michael Mulgrew (right) and Retired Teachers Chapter Leader Tom Murphy“We’re feeling better but we’re paigns in Albany to attain an age 55 retire- look on. not home yet,” UFT President ment plan and a cost-of-living adjustment Michael Mulgrew reassured for public-employee pensions, among other spent woodworking and hiking in upstate New and public education. “And when Hillary Clin-retirees gathered for the 53rd annual Retired legislative victories. York — “all due to my UFT pension.” ton is elected, I know who to thank for that,”Teachers Chapter Luncheon on June 13 as she said.he summarized the state of New York City’s At the morning awards ceremony, an After 32 years in the classroom and yearspublic schools at the close of the 2015–16 Award of Recognition was added this year as a chapter leader, Turkel said, “Without the Retired Teachers Chapter Leader Tomschool year. to mark the work of retirees Murray Blasz, pension, I’d be nowhere. It gives me economic Murphy applauded the “bred-in-the-bone” Peter Lytell and Irwin Ostrego who have been stability.” characteristics of UFT retirees whose “activ- “We are moving education to a better tutoring immigrants seeking citizenship. In ism is in their DNA.” They vote in dispropor-place,” Mulgrew said, but he warned of unmet presenting the award, John Soldini, the Retired NYSUT President Karen Magee, who pre- tionately high numbers, remain politicallychallenges, particularly efforts nationwide to Teachers Chapter vice chairman, noted the sented the NYSUT Retiree of the Year award active on many fronts, continue to serve theirdefund public education. importance of their work, “especially in times to Vincent Gaglione, complimented the many communities — and turn out in record num- of ‘know-nothing’ voices trying to obliterate retired members who have traveled the coun- bers for their annual luncheon. Mulgrew said NewYork City public school the contribution of immigrants in our immi- try on political assignments to protect laboreducators stand up for what’s right. “We made grant nation.”that decision when we walked into the class-room and the hospital,” he told the record The two nurses who received the Fed-crowd of 600 gathered at the New York Hil- eration of Nurses/UFT retiree service awards,ton. “There’s no way to turn that off. We have Diana Grillo and Christina Zill, stressed thethat inside us.” importance of the union in their careers. “Let new nurses know how important the union is,” “And we have something no one else has,” Zill advised, while Grillo noted, “The unionhe continued. “We have the UFT retiree chap- gave me a voice — how to fight the good fight.”ter, the strongest in the nation. Thank you forbeing that great chapter.” The packed house broke into applause when Beatrice Nebel, on the eve of her 100th The luncheon is an annual celebration and birthday, strode to the podium to receive arecognition of the contributions of retired NYSUT Community Service Award.members to the union, their chapter and thecommunity. Wearing a red rose that distinguished him as an award winner — 50 years as a UFT Carol Gerstl, who served as the union’s member — Jonathan Turkel spoke of his 19governmental affairs counsel and chief Alba- years of retirement as a “wonderful time”ny lobbyist before her retirement in 2015,And the winners are ... Theodore J. Fettman, Edward Friedlander, Gary Farber, Martin K. Fitzpatrick, William Millman, Herbert Munshine, Albert Muratore, Stanley Friedman, Harold Kravetz, Robert Flaherty, Burton Frank, Bert A. Friedman, Claire Murphy, Thomas V. Murphy, BarbaraNYSUT Retiree of the Year Award: Vincent Silverstein, Carol Tizes Mary E. Friedman, George Furey, Carol Nagpal, John Nicolaysen, Martin Nuchow,Gaglione 50-Year-Member Awards: Lillian Adamsky, Galetz, Kenn Gartner, Yvette Geary, Henry Patrick O’Sullivan, Seymour Peller, Paul Pitluk,Sylvia Levinson Award: Lucy Carruba, Selma Isidore Adelson, Joseph Adler, Neil Altman, Gelfand, Theresa J. Germaine, Paul Gershon, Phil Podrid, Barry Press, Jerry Rabiner, LillyMitlitsky, Julia Putterman Stewart Appelbaum, Rhoda A. Aronson, Lawrence Ginsberg, William Glueckert, Barry E. Reiser, Linda Revenson, Howard Riez,Fanny Simon Award: George Caulfield William Artz, Eileen Backer, Myrna Bader, Golbin, Peter Goodman, Lenore Grandis, Richard Rimpici, Paula Roga, Carol Rothbell,Pearl Berger Award: Yvonne Ben Aaman, William Bardach, Beverly Barksdale, Roslyn Granowitter, Beverly Grant, Judith Joel Rubin, Judith Rubin, Robert Rubin,Carmella Gallucci, Eric Metzger, Marian Thom, Deborah Beck, Alan Begun, Ira Bernstein, Greenberg, Bernice Haber, Elaine D. Sandra Saffra, Deanne R. Salz, JessicaBarbara Waldmann Roy Bernstein, Sheldon Bieber, Bernard Hauser, Joy Havas, Melvin Heichman, Salz, Suzan Sankel, Ellen S. Saul, AbrahamEdith Potter-Anne Reel Award: Ely Cohen, Bilawsky, Phyllis Bilus, Bruce Birnel, Ellen Marilyn Heinrich, Carolyn Herbst, Ressie U. Schneider, Henry Schwartz, Steven Schwartz,Frederick McKinnon, Audrey Zimring Bloom, Jerome Bodkin, Helene Bredes, Leon Hernandez-Della Rosa, Theodore Horn, Vicki Marvin Seltzer, Gloria Sfiroudis, StephenFederation of Nurses/UFT Retirees of the Brum, Robert Burrows, Clare Bursky, Amalia Hornstein, Suzanne A. Izzi, Rita Josephson, Silver, Roslyn Simon, Phyllis Smoller, SandraYear: Christina Zill, Dina Grillo Burstin, Leona Cameron, Joseph Cantone, Clifford A. Kalb, Bradley Kantor, Raymond Solomon, Edith M. Speiser, Sylvester Spinetta,Award of Recognition: Murray Blasz, Peter Frank Capasso, Michael Cascio, Stephen J. Kathmeyer, Alan Katz, Charles Katz, Leonard David Steckelman, Charles Steinberg, StuartLytell, Irwin Ostrega Cohen, Charles Cole, Judith Collins, June Katz, James Kelly, James Kenna, Olga Kitt, Stern, Charles Stone, Alan D. Strauss, HelenNYSUT Community Service Award: Harold Cooperstone, Ann Coppotelli, James Coyle, Richard Kotkin, Gary Landau, Richard Lerner, Supnick, Virginia A. Syron, James Tabert,Rosen, Beatrice Nebel, Patricia Bonadonna, William Curitore, James J. D’Amico, Blanche Rose Lettini, Michael Levine, Stanley Levine, Marianne Tulman, Jonathan Turkel, PaulNorma Gerard, Patricia Leung R. Dampf, Samuel Daniel, Howard W. Davis, Arlene Lichterman, Annette Lilien, Sharon Tymus, Dolores Urove, Judith Volin, Pearl C.70-Year-Member Awards: Kenneth P. Thomas Dente, Judith S. DeSantes, Mary Lubin, Mitchell Lubitsch, Muriel Mandell, Ware, George Weinstein, Richard Weinstein,Neilson, Isidore L. Singer Devlin, Anna R. DiBuono, Nancy Dunetz, Marc Carolyn Martin, Geraldine McElroy, Florence Myron Weintraub, Isidore Weiser, Rosalyn T.60-Year-Member Awards: William Baum, Eisenberg, Robert Ellis, John L. Erickson, Metz, Fred A. Meyers, Richard Miller, Irene Wieselthier, Gerald Wolfe, Steven M. Zellman www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 39

Multicultural show at P186, the BronxIt’s a small world after all ERICA BERGERThe rich cultural diversity of P186 in the sionals, guidance counselors and physi-Morrisania section of the Bronx was cal and occupational therapists all joinedacknowledged during the school’s annual in to help students prepare for the specialmulticultural show on May 25. “It’s a day day, which is the culmination of work theyfor students to celebrate their families do with students during the year. Theand their cultural heritage and the work around-the-world celebration had stu-they’ve put in,” said Reid Olmstead, the dents acting in short skits and represent-chapter leader of the District 75 school. ing the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico,“It’s a combination of Field Day and the Mexico, China, Egypt, Morocco, FranceSpecial Olympics.” Teachers, paraprofes- and Spain, among other countries. Tra- ditional dances and sports inspired their enjoyed that.” For the first time this performances. For the tribute to Austria, year, the day also featured a glee recital students and staff re-enacted the puppet and percussion performance. Olmstead show scene from “The Sound of Music,” called the show “a staple of our alternate which was set in Austria. After the show, assessment community.” Students aren’t children had a taste of foods from around graded, he said, but the event provides the world. Krystyna Witkowski, a K–2 an opportunity for them to master the teacher, led her students in a celebration sequence of steps required for their of Greece. “It’s an experience for them performances. LEFT: Witkowski (center) to interact with different cultures and leads her students in a traditional dance food,” she said. “We had Greek yogurt, of Greece. ABOVE: Students are guided in a Greek salad and shish kebabs, and they tribute to China.Community garden project at PS 157, BrooklynBeautifying the neighborhood JONATHAN FICKIESIt took more than a decade of unused space, there is now a for planting, made a trip to thefighting, but community activists, riot of color, with hollyhocks, school on June 16, and twoincluding Elba Cornier, a science sunflowers, impatiens, fruit and pre-K classes were anxious toteacher at PS/IS 157, succeeded vegetables bursting out in every get busy. Teacher Coresa Griffinin turning a small vacant lot in available space a block away and paraprofessional Lavaughnthe Bedford-Stuyvesant/East from the school. Students at Jackson started the morning’sWilliamsburg section of Brooklyn the pre-K–grade 8 school have work by leading students in yogainto a green space the neigh- enjoyed getting their hands dirty stretches. The educators thenborhood sorely needs — and and gardening at the thriving discussed the various tools theyCornier’s students love. Where community garden. The UFT would be using. “What is this?”once there was just a gated and van, laden with flowers ready asked Griffin, holding a trowel. “What is it used for?” Hands also enjoys its new green space. flew up: “Digging!” Students also “Many of the parents get to have identified the garden rakes and private garden plots,” Cornier hoes they were about to use and said, and there are also garden talked avidly about everything plots for community residents. they could see: leaves, com- LEFT: Cornier (left) quizzes stu- post, flowers, birds and — as dents about the tools they will one child squealed with delight be using, while Griffin looks on. — “a wriggling worm!” Chapter ABOVE: Pre-K teacher Patricia Leader Daniela Luccioni, a big Dobosz talks with her students garden booster, was on hand about what they see growing and to help out. The neighborhood what vegetables they like to eat.40 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org

just for funBaseball tickets Movie ticket note: AMC/Loew’s Gold tickets have been dis- sion, guided tour of the exhibition, round-trip transportation, driver’s gratuity and dinner at Positano Coast. We are limited to no more thanMets vs. Rockies: Sunday, July 31, 1:10 p.m., at Citi Field. continued and replaced with discount tickets that restrict access to 50 participants, so register early. You can download the flier at www. Disney, Pixar Lucasfilms and Spielberg films. Therefore, we are no uft.org/our-benefits/just-for-fun. Bus will depart from 97-77 QueensSOLD OUTTickets are $60. Mike Piazza bobblehead giveaway. longer handling them. Any previously purchased Gold tickets are still Blvd. at 8 a.m. and from 52 Broadway at 8:30 a.m. Return to Manhat- good for all films and never expire. tan at 8 p.m. and to Queens at 8:30 p.m. RSVP by July 30. No refundMets vs. Twins: Saturday, Sept. 17, 7:10 p.m., at Citi Field. Tick- unless the trip is canceled by the UFT.ets are $57. Jacob deGrom hair hat giveaway. Car rental discounts: Looking for a deal? Enterprise Rent-A-CarYankees vs. Orioles: Tuesday, July 19, 7:05 p.m., section 231, at Lancaster Country adventure: Spend Columbus Day week-Yankee Stadium. Tickets are $49.50. has discounts on its rental vehicles for UFT members. The deal in- cludes a free pickup and dropoff. Call 1-800-RENT-A-CAR [736-8222] end, Oct. 8–10, with UFT members, family and friends as we visitUFT Defensive Driving Course for the nearest Enterprise location. Remember to use the union’s cor- Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and experience a bit of Amish culture and porate class ID# FFC0049. Discounts are also available through Avis at Dutch attractions. You will experience a guided tour of the MennoniteA driving course that can save you $40 1-800-831-8000, using ID# S958000. farmland, sampling authentic cuisine in the historic town of Lititz,money and maybe your life! and will visit the Kitchen Kettle Market and the Hayloft Candle Shop. Theme park discounts: The UFT no longer offers discount Enjoy sumptuous dinners at Plain and Fancy Restaurant and Miller’sFor credit you must attend one full-day course or both parts of Smorgasbord Restaurant, and all-you-can-eat ice cream at Turkeya two-session course, in sequence (if you miss the rst class cards to theme parks (Sea World, Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, Hill. Your trip also includes time to shop at Rockvale Outlet. Pricesyou cannot take the second). Limit: 40 students. Currently Great Adventure, etc.), but as a union member you still can obtain are per person: $579, single occupancy; $415, double occupancy;being offered at these borough of ces: discounts from NYSUT by calling 1-800-626-8101 or from the AFT by $359, triple occupancy (add $1 surcharge to your total order). Your visiting its website, www.aft.org, and clicking on AFT Plus Member UFT package includes luxury coach transportation, driver’s gratuity,MANHATTAN: One session, 8:30 a.m.–3:45 p.m.: July 12, Aug. Benefits. two nights in the Hampton Inn & Suites, two dinners, one lunch, two10. Cost: $40 per person. Checks must be received one month hotel buffet breakfasts and the ultimate “Turkey Hill Ice Cream Experi-prior to first preference and must be made payable to UFT/Safe The Golden Age of King Midas: Spend Saturday, Sept. 17, ence.” Bus will depart from 97-77 Queens Blvd. at 8 a.m. and from 52Driving. Write “Safe Driving” on envelope. Mail to: Vinicio Do- Broadway at 8:30 a.m. Return to Manhattan at 7 p.m. and to Queensnato, UFT, 52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004, 11th Floor. Pay- exploring the Golden Age of King Midas’ Ancient Treasures from the at 7:30 p.m. RSVP by Aug. 15; seats are limited, so register early.ments are accepted in advance at UFT headquarters; bring ex- Republic of Turkey at the Penn Museum in Philadelphia. The story of You can download the flier at www.uft.org/our-benefits/just-for-fun.act change or money order. Con rmation: A letter will be sent King Midas is one of influence and power. More than 3,000 years after You will be contacted approximately two weeks prior to the trip withto you indicating admittance or denial based on state class-size his death, visitors are still fascinated by the spectacular gold work, final travel details. No refund unless the trip is canceled by the UFT.regulations. If you do not receive a letter in two weeks, call crafted by nomadic Scythian and Lydian tribes, that marked his reign.1-212-598-6861. Refunds: If you cannot attend, please submit This exhibit offers a unique opportunity to view recently unearthed Just-for-fun registrationa written request with a copy of your canceled check (front and metalwork, monumental stone sculptures and ivory reliefs of theback). Allow four weeks to receive refund. Refunds can only Assyrian and Persian periods, currently on loan from three museums Fill out entire coupon, marking all events you wish to attend.be given during the school year in which the original request in Turkey. In addition to this exhibit, the Penn features an extensive Enclose a separate check, payable as indicated, for each event.was submitted. Credit: You may take a course only once every permanent collection of Greek, Roman and Egyptian antiquities. The [NOTE $1 SERVICE FEE: Tickets for stage performances,three years for insurance reduction benefits, and once every 18 cost is $99 (add $1 to your total order) and includes museum admis- sporting events or any event of a commercial nature require amonths for point reduction. For active members only. service fee of $1 per event — not per ticket.] Send to: UFT Rec- Discount reational Activities Dept., 52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004,UFT Defensive Driving Course registration movie ticket Attn: Vinicio Donato. Please write event name(s) on outside of order form envelope. Tickets for all events are limited in number and arePRINT CLEARLY: on a rst-come, rst-served basis. If you have questions regard- Name ing any of our trips, visit our website at www.uft.org/Member’s Name our-bene ts/just-for-fun/faq Home AddressHome Address Apt. NameCity State Zip City State Zip Home Address Apt.Home Phone/School Phone Home Phone (with Area Code) City State ZipEmail Address Email Address Home Phone (with Area Code) School Email AddressSchool District Borough District Borough SchoolSS# FILE # School Phone (with Area Code) District BoroughPlease register the following person(s): SS# File# School Phone (with Area Code) Child Care Provider ID# SS# File# PREMIERE UA/REGAL: EVENT COST PER PERSON/HOW MANY/TOTAL COST PAYABLE TO How many: _____ @ $9 ea. $ _____________ King Midas’ Gold 9/17 $99 ______ UFT/King Midas BOW TIE CINEMAS/CLEARVIEW: How many: _____ @ $7.50 ea. $ _____________ *Add $1 surcharge to total order Check total: $ _____________ Indicate your pick-up location _____ M or _____ Q All tickets are unrestricted and subject to surcharges for 3-D/I-Max/Spe- Lancaster 10/8-10 Single occupancy $579 ______ UFT/Lancaster cial Events/certain locations. Orders over $100 require money orders and will be sent via UPS ground Lancaster 10/8-10 Double occupancy $415 ______ UFT/Lancaster requiring a signature. Minimum order, four tickets. Lancaster 10/8-10 Triple occupancy $359 ______ UFT/Lancaster Mail to: UFT/Movie Tix, 52 Broadway, New York, NY 10004.# of registrants @ $40 per person *Add $1 surcharge to total order Bring exact change, money order or check (up to $100) if paying inSELECT FIRST CHOICE: DATE BOROUGH person at Recreational Activities Dept., 52 Broadway, 11th Floor, Indicate your pick-up location _____ M or _____ Q BOROUGH Manhattan. No refunds or exchanges. See back of ticket for details. Baseball:SESSION SECOND CHOICE: DATE Yankees 7/19 $49.50 ______ ______ UFT/Yankees www.uft.org / JULY 7, 2016 / 41

By MICHAEL MULGREW President, United Federation of Teachers Dear UFT member: We are pleased to present this expanded independent auditor’s report on the UFT’s financial status. It includes the union’s activities over the last year. Auditors require official financial statements to be produced in a very precise manner, but the notes beginning on page 47 describe the union’s financial picture in detail and in nontechnical language. Since the UFT’s inception, its books have been open to members and published regularly in the New York Teacher. Our parent union, the AFT, constitutionally requires that locals must prepare audits every two years. So take a few moments to look through the auditor’s statement and to examine the numbers and explanations. After all, this is your union and you have a right to know. Thank you for keeping the UFT strong. Sincerely, Michael Mulgrew42 / JULY 7, 2016 / www.uft.org

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