Get Out And Learn
New York Teacher - February 2, 2010
Americans, especially children, spend less time playing outdoors than any previous generation. Kids spend an average of 6.5 hours per day with television, computers and video games. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says nature is important to children's intellectual, emotional, social, spiritual and physical development, and should be included as part of school. It suggests, for instance, that primary grade students can learn to count natural objects such as seeds, nuts and cones. Strategies for educators at all levels are at www.fws.gov/letsgooutside/.
Greening The Classroom
Implementing ways to get students interested in the great outdoors can by found by visiting http://childrennatureandyou.org/resources.html. The site lists recommended books for adults and children, key Web sites, dealing with children and nature, helpful articles and research, curricula and video and audio resources.
Want to lock in Tier 4? You must act quickly
NYSUT News Wire - December 9, 2009
After many months of warning, Tier 5 is now a reality. The state's midyear deficit reduction plan includes creation of a new Tier
5 pension plan that will apply to future employees in the state Teachers Retirement System.
Rest
assured that if it weren't for NYSUT, the Tier 5 regulations would have been much harsher for the incoming generation of educators.
As approved, Tier 5 will apply to TRS members hired after Jan. 1.
That means there is still a
very small window - a matter of days - for future members to still lock in Tier 4.
Here's how:
You can join Tier 4 by substitute teaching for one day. Keep in mind you must file a notarized membership application completed
by you and your district on your first day of substitute service.
You can get an application
from your employer, by calling TRS at 800-782-0289 or by downloading from www.nystrs.org.
Be
sure to have your school district fill it out on the day you sub. Then mail it to the NYSTRS (certified, return receipt),
Membership will begin the first of the month
during which you render service, on or after the notarization date of the application.
One day is enough to "lock in" Tier 4 for seven years, but in order to receive service credit, you must substitute for 20 days.
The East Meadow
Teachers Association (EMTA) announced the recipients of the Herman May Memorial Scholarship, a $2,500 award, granted to a graduating
senior from each high school in the
This year’s
recipients, Katrina Llanto from W. T. Clarke High School and Alexa Salzman from East Meadow High School, demonstrated outstanding
scholarship, citizenship, and service to both their school and the East Meadow community. Ms. Llanto plans to pursue Nursing
this fall at either
As part of the selection process, candidates recognize an
“Working with students is a rewarding, meaningful career,” said EMTA Scholarship Chairperson Judith Arabian. “The members of the EMTA feel this scholarship is a wonderful way to encourage graduates, who are so inclined, to pursue a career in education.”
The scholarship, named in memory of Woodland Social Studies teacher and long-time EMTA president Herman May, recognizes graduates
who have declared a major in Education or Nursing, been involved in community service, participated in school activities, and achieved
high academic standing.
