Delegate shares positive convention experience

To the editor:

I want to congratulate NYSUT on the outstanding performance of the Central Islip High School Chorus at the union's convention in New York City (see article, pages 16-17).

As a music teacher for 35 years as well as a union activist, it is gratifying to know our union understands the place the arts hold in public education.

NCLB and test-mania have taken a toll on arts education, and we must be sure it does not be come an "extra," offered only to those who can afford it.

I had an amazing experience one morning. Eating breakfast at the Stage Deli, I noticed the waitress was wearing a "Unite Now" button. 

I knew that the union in our area is waging a difficult campaign to organize a new convention hotel, so I questioned her about the button. It turns out their contract is expiring and they are wearing the buttons to support their negotiators.

I told her the teachers union was meeting at the Hilton hotel, wished her good luck and  gave her my NYSUT pin, which she promptly pinned to her apron. 

As I was leaving, she asked if by any chance I had another she could give to her friend, also a waitress.

The NYSUT staff manning the booths in the convention center rounded up a half dozen or so which I delivered and told her to share with her friends.

I don't believe I could have gotten as enthusiastic a response if they had been solid gold, set with diamonds. NYSUT has strong union support at the Stage Deli.

Ed O'Rourke
Syracuse Teachers Association

Tenure clarification important for all

To the editor:

The recent action by the state Legislature to protect tenure rights by voting that "the teacher shall not be granted or denied tenure based on student performance data" (New York Teacher, April 24) is one of the most important victories for teachers, pupils and public education that we have ever achieved.

We accomplished a great victory, not only because of our political clout, but also because we had taken the right position on the substance.

As teachers, we have always known that pupil test scores result from many different factors.

It is a very complex matter that must not be simplified, which the New York City chancellor and mayor wanted to do.

Protecting tenure as we know it is very basic to protecting public education as well as our democratic way of life.

Tenure, which means the right to due process, is too important to have a very simplistic notion as to what it is all about.

Abe Levine
New York City