Buffalo's RC 44 received 2 Community Service Awards at the 2024 NYSUT RA.

Recently, NYSUT President Melinda Person visited three public high schools that are part of the New York Performance Standards Consortium.  These schools emphasize hands-learning and evaluate students using real-world skills instead of standardized tests.  With a state waiver to forgo most Regents exams, these institutions are at the forefront of an educational shift towards preparing students more effectively for college, careers and life beyond school.  "We're showcasing schools statewide where both students and adults flourish, " President Person notes.  "This model not only excites students about education but also frames learning as a lifelong journey rather than a simple pass or fail.  This educational model exemplifies many of the recommendations  from NYSUT'S More Teaching Less Testing Task Force Report.

NYSUT President Melinda Person delivered testimony before a joint committee of the New York state legislature last week. In addition to highlighting the need for the state to fully fund Foundation Aid, Person detailed the difficulties districts face recruiting and retaining new teachers into the profession due to inequities in the current pension system; she called for improvements for Tiers 5 and 6, and she wasn't alone.  

It's UNFAIR that some NYSUT members must work longer, and contribute more, to earn a significantly reduced pension.   This should anger ALL union members. FIXING TIER 6 IS ABOUT DIGNITY.  The hallmark a public-service career is the promise of a dignified retirement.

NYSUT is offering a new webinar on the topic of medical debt.

Given guidance on causes of medical debt, medical staff roles, available resources, and communication strategies, this webinar will help participants to initiate conversations to advocate for themselves or loved ones in a medical setting. 

Through partnerships with the Medicare Rights Center and the Alzheimer's Association, NYSUT offers FREE online presentations and webinars to our members.