I stand with my Unity colleagues

"During elections, it's crucial to think critically, especially when opposition writers attack without understanding our contributions. Evaluate me based on my record, not on unfounded comparisons."

I graduated from Queens College with a BA in physical education in 1973 and earned a Teacher of Health License in 1975. The fiscal crisis meant there were no physical education or other teaching jobs available. Fortunately, I was hired in another school district as a sabbatical replacement. At orientation, the Union president informed me that the person I was replacing was the Athletic Director, who they believed should be classified as an administrator and therefore ineligible for a sabbatical. If they won, I would lose my job. Welcome to my new Westchester home and their Union.

I worked intermittently in that district for three years. When there were no sabbaticals one year, the administration offered me a school aide position three days a week, performing duties equivalent to a cluster teacher, providing physical education during teachers' prep periods. Despite doing cluster work, I received school aide pay, no benefits, and taught seven classes each day in a K-6 school. The Union remained silent, even though the position required a member. I was not a member that year, but their silence was noticeable.

In February 1978, I began teaching Health at Long Island City HS, a school still reeling from the fiscal crisis. Health classes required for graduation had been postponed, offered only to seniors. We had two strands: 12th grade health and 9th grade health. The principal claimed they were different subjects to invoke the half-class exception twice, allowing up to 51 students per class, which was unheard of in other subjects. Frustrated by this, I decided to run for Chapter Leader with the current leader's support. I won and served for 33 years, retiring as the senior Chapter Leader in the City.

Regarding class size, VP George Altomare and Vocational HS Chapter Leader Dave Schulman guided me on handling class size grievances. They showed me how to correctly figure class size and set up grievances, helping me win a few cases. Often, the Assistant Principal would bring different numbers on the day of the hearing, claiming issues were fixed. After receiving their support, I joined Unity.

While serving as Chapter Leader, I joined the NYC Coaches Association/UFT in 1979 during the coaches' walkout and mass resignations. I signed a resignation paper before I started coaching that season. Most coaches walked out, protesting a 25% cut in per-session pay over the past four years, which effectively meant working for free. It was frightening to walk out just as I was gaining stability and starting my dream job. However, with the leadership of George Altomare, Len Messitte, John Jangl, and Shelley Lander, I braced for the uncertainty. Ultimately, we prevailed and returned to our positions.

My journey with the NYC Coaches Association/UFT has been incredibly fulfilling. As president and later during a colleague's tenure, we worked tirelessly to increase the number of sessions for coaches, giving them more time on the field. We also made significant progress in extending the hours coaches could work each day and improving conditions for JV programs that previously had inadequate hours.

Helping individual coaches has always been a passion of mine. I've stood by many coaches, offering support and guidance. One memorable instance was during a hearing about a fight at a basketball game where both teams were penalized. We presented a video showing our team defending themselves from an attack by the home team. The coach's hours were restored, and letters were pulled after officials confused the players. It was a relief to see justice served.

We've also fought for teachers' rightful summer pay. After teachers earned summer CAR money through the Big Apple Games, they faced delays in receiving it. It took two years and the threat of a Union Initiated grievance, but we ensured summer CAR is now recognized as a contractual responsibility. Seeing the relief and gratitude from teachers made all the effort worthwhile.

These experiences have shaped my commitment to supporting and advocating for my colleagues. It's about making a real difference in their lives, and that's what drives me every day. It is what drives Unity.

I'm retired now, but I still occasionally help out. My Unity colleagues and I have tirelessly worked to assist coaches, raise salaries, and secure promised pay, often without fanfare. During elections, it's crucial to think critically, especially when opposition writers attack without understanding our contributions. Evaluate me based on my record, not on unfounded comparisons. Don't believe the premise that everyone is the same; many claims about my colleagues and me are false.

You have two choices: vote for the opposition, believing their frequent attacks without evidence, or vote for the Unity Caucus, including me, confident that you'll have experienced and knowledgeable support at the Union. At the end of the day, isn't that what truly matters? That's why I stand with my Unity colleagues and continue to vote for the Unity Caucus.

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Whats the differences between tiers 4 and 6. This video explains:

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Remember, tier reform happens through our sustained activism and lobbying for state legislation. So what can you do?

1. Educate yourself and your members about tier 6 reform. Last year we developed a really comprehensive collection of resources with everything you need to know to learn about tier six. It’s on the UFT website under campaigns.

2. Make sure you are contributing to COPE! I’m talking just a couple dollars a check. Our cope donations are how we are able to have such a strong arm in political action. If you don’t know if you’re contributing to COPE, ask your chapter leader.

3. No what tier you are, join our campaign.
   Remember- tier 4 took 95 changes and 25 years to become what it is today. And tier 1,2 and 3 members all fought to help.