General News

Tightening the leadership teamwork

Dec 6, 2007 12:08 PM

Professional development is like fire. It can turn your attention span to ashes or it can warm your curiosity and make you cozy up to new, helpful ideas. The District 27 Election Day Leadership Training fits snugly into the second category. “We decided to tighten the leadership teamwork in our schools, so we planned a really rewarding day that accomplished just what we wanted ... we met about salary, grievances, health and safety and contract enforcement,” said District 27 Representative Marilyn Cooper, who co-organized the event with Paraprofessional Chapter Leader Shelvy Young Abrams and Paraprofessional First Vice Chairperson Doreen Raftery. The training featured experts from many departments of the union. “It was fun and informative to brainstorm and debrief and to enjoy professional development in which everyone felt respected,” Raftery said. “It was a fantastic day.” left: Participants focus on the discussion. right: Teachers Alex Altunis and Shazia Tirmizi from PS/IS 225, in Queens, work on a math problem during the “Integrated Learning and Instruction” workshop.