JUST ADDED ==>December, 2011 WGTA Cabinet Meeting Minutes are Now Online

The December, 2011 WGTA Cabinet Meeting Minutes are now online. Please click here to read the latest news from the Cabinet.

November / December MemberShip is Now Online
From Ellen Miller, Newsletter Editor

The November / December, 2011 MemberShip is now online. Please click here to read about Updates, Updates, Updates!

TED: Teachers as active participants in their evaluation
From NYSUT Media Relations - November 20, 2011

Welcome to the next generation of teacher evaluation: Instead of drive-by observations where teachers are passive recipients, the TED system establishes teachers as active participants in the process.

That's the underpinning of the Teacher Evaluation and Development (TED) system, which carves out a role for teachers to "own" our own evaluations, analyze our practice and make instructional shifts that will raise student achievement.

The groundbreaking approach now available statewide to districts working to implement changes in state law governing teacher evaluations is not about sorting educators. It's about improving instruction and professional growth.

To read the rest of this story in-depth, please click here.

NYSUT welcomes pact that can help re-invest in schools, colleges
From NYSUT Media Relations - December 6, 2011

ALBANY, N.Y. December 6, 2011 — Today’s three-way agreement to re-shape the state’s tax code enables New York to begin the process of creating jobs, helping flood-ravaged communities and reversing years of cuts to education and health care, New York State United Teachers said.

“This agreement provides the revenue that will make it possible for New York state to begin restoring cuts that have so burdened our schools and campuses. Clearly, more is needed and we look forward to a state budget that reflects how revenue is allocated,” said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi. “New Yorkers want to see a greater investment in their public schools, higher education and health care facilities. Investments in infrastructure, job creation and economic development all reflect a commitment to growing New York’s economy, which benefits all of us. Today’s agreement gets us closer to the New York we all want.”

To read the rest of this story in-depth, please click here.

NYSUT Member Benefits - Great Deals for YOU! NYSUT Member Benefits Trust was established for the purpose of endorsing and monitoring quality, competitive insurance plans, investments and benefit programs. These programs include discounts on travel, car rentals, mortgage services, consumer guides, insurance and much more. These programs and services are available to NYSUT members and agency fee payers. Some are also available to or cover spouses/domestic partners of members, dependent children, dependent parents and grandparents. In addition to the regular menu of benefits, certain programs are available exclusively for retiree members. Additional information from NYST Member Benefits can be found by clicking here.