There were flowers, balloons, certificates and toasts of sparkling cider for 44 newly tenured teachers at a District 29 celebration on Oct. 20. Teachers, many who were accompanied by family members, gathered at PS 35 in Jamaica, Queens, along with their principals and UFT representatives, including UFT Vice President for Elementary Schools Karen Alford, Queens Borough Representative Rona Freiser and District 29 Representative Joyce Schwartz. “It was the happiest thing I’ve ever seen,” said Schwartz, who worked with District 29 Superintendent Lenon Murray to plan the event. “People were cheering and kissing each other. It was just fabulous.”

For teachers, the celebration was a welcome reminder that their hard work had paid off. “It was really warm and caring, which makes you feel valued and supported by everyone involved,” said Edward Zeszutko, a music teacher at IS 238 in Hollis. Gabriella Laskaris, an English teacher at IS 109 in Queens Village, agreed. “As grateful as I am to be a teacher and as validated as my students make me feel, we usually don’t get acknowledged by other people,” she said. “It was really lovely to take a moment to be recognized and appreciated.” 

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Jonathan Fickies