around the uft
It’s elementary
Oct 29, 2009 1:39 PM
Vice president meet and greet
Alford welcomes educators to the gathering.
A good education starts at the elementary school level, and UFT educators had a chance to discuss their issues with colleagues from around the city, meet other UFT officials, and learn about the programs and events offered by the elementary division at an Oct. 21 reception at UFT headquarters with UFT Vice President of Elementary Schools Karen Alford.
Nearly 90 delegates and chapter leaders turned out for the relaxed, low-light affair. They were encouraged by Alford to “reach out to the UFT ... we’re here to advocate for you because you’re on the front lines every day. You know the day-to-day details best.” She shared that both her parents were unionists. Her mom, Patricia Blackwell, a teacher for more than 33 years and chapter leader for 13, is now an Executive Board member for the Retired Teachers Chapter. Alford — who has been a teacher, PM staffer, educational liaison, District 23 representative and now vice president for the UFT in the course of her career — asked members to join in a UFT program to collect students’ artwork for display in area hospitals where it can help raise spirits for those going through difficult medical situations. “There are schools that haven’t abandoned their arts programs in this age of test prep and assessments,” Alford said. “We want to showcase our students’ artistic talents by donating our student-created artwork.”
Chapter Leader Denise Getchius, a pre-K through 3 drama teacher at a new school in Rockaway, Queens, won a hat and drinking cup in the raffle. She extolled the value of drama in reaching kids, saying, “It allows them to express themselves ... they come out of their shells. I really want them to grow up and be confident and successful more than I want them to be actors.”
Lisa Dempster, Chapter Leader Grace Small and Nadene Carby, all from PS 156 in Brooklyn, enjoyed the chance to catch up.
