Aug 16, 2006 12:11 PM
From polar bears to pensions to polymer-preserved pancreases, the UFT’s summer series for new teachers covered a lot of ground.
There were field trips that focused on how to give great field trips at the Central Park Zoo and the Bodies Exhibit: “This is probably the weirdest thing I will ever see,” said Justan Treadway of the latter.
There was a seminar about saving bucks: “They gave us a whole list of discounts and explained about pensions and benefits — and they fed me for free,” said Meng-I Lin.
There was another seminar called What the Union Can Do for You: “It’s really awesome to have all these people working for your benefit,” said Taisha Rodriguez. From Laura Waterbury: “My mom was in a situation without a union and she hated not having any rights.”
From downtown downtime to uptown socials, from sessions on how to de-stress to how to defuse a heated safety incident in a school, hundreds of newer teachers got together to learn, talk, eat, brainstorm, share their fears and hopes and dreams, eat, get tons of practical information and eat.
“People are telling each other and it’s spreading by word of mouth,” said Lily Machlin-Lockwood.
“The sweets were really good,” added Shanelly Ramcharran.
“It’s a great way to get to know people,” said Erica Ehrentreu.
“It’s been great getting to know folks who work for a union, to realize it has done a lot and is a great resource,” said Joy Scherzinger.
“It made me feel in the loop about what’s going on,” said Noreen Walsh.
Want to get in the loop?
One way is to go to the first-time-ever “mega” party to kick off the school year? It’s on Aug. 31 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the UFT’s headquarters in Manhattan and all new educators are invited (black tie/ball gown definitely not required.) There will be great music, food, raffles and lots of information if you need it. Teaching artist Nilaja Sun will perform from her one-woman show about working in the city’s schools.
E-mail cmazyck@ufttc.org to get put on the “A-list.” You can also ask about other happenings sponsored by the UFT New Teacher Advisory Committee.
The committee, by the way, is composed of teachers who have been teaching, at most, five years in New York City public schools. Committee members, from every borough, work with UFT leaders to ensure that the union is in touch with the needs of new teachers.
Department of Education and former Department of Education employees may enroll in the UFT online.
The UFT New Teacher Advisory Committee is comprised of teachers who have been teaching, at most, five years in New York City public schools. Committee members, from every borough, work with UFT leaders to ensure that the union is in touch with the needs of new teachers.
The Committee is currently focusing on:
- finalizing a New Teacher Handbook that brings a concise print resource together with the in-depth information available on the www.uft.org web site.
- developing programs so new teachers have more opportunities to interact with other members.
- identifying new ways to advocate for new teachers.
If you want to make a difference in new teachers’ lives, join the New Teacher Advisory Committee by e-mailing:
Jeannette Downes at jdownes@uft.org
Summer Series Events
Thursday, August 31, 2006 • 4:30 - 8:00 pm • UFT, 52 Broadway, New York, NY
Recess—New Teacher Party!: Join your colleagues to celebrate your first day as a New York City public school teacher! Eat, drink, win prizes, relax with your colleagues and enjoy a little entertainment.If you are interested in attending some or all of the above events, e-mail: cmazyck@ufttc.org and let us know—so we can plan!
Refreshments, classroom goodies and prizes will be part of these events. f you are interested in attending some or all of the above events, e-mail: cmazyck@ufttc.org and let us know—so we can plan!
For more information and updates, visit the New Teacher section at www.uft.org Refreshments, classroom goodies and prizes will be part of these events.