Whether you need certification, are changing careers or have lost a job, NYSUT's new Career Center can help.

The new online service — www.nysut.org/careers — cuts through a maze of needed information for educators who face job loss in this current economic crisis, ranging from specifics on health insurance continuation and unemployment benefits, to how to take charge of yourself and your household budget.

The Career Center provides links for statewide searches for jobs in specific regions by career category.

"Few events are as devastating as losing a job," said NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi.

Along with the launch of the Career Center, the statewide union announced some help for educators facing layoffs.

"As a NYSUT member, if you are laid off, your membership in the statewide union will be continued for free," Iannuzzi said.

Continued membership ensures eligibility to participate in NYSUT Member Benefits and NYSUT Social Services and "keeps you at the forefront of union advocacy," Iannuzzi said.

NYSUT Social Services, which has information at the Career Center site, can help with answers to questions from health care needs to home heating assistance.

The Career Center has information to help those progressing in their career, including National Board Certification, interviewing strategies and mentor teacher internships.

Launched in mid-April, the center will save NYSUT members countless hours searching for career-related information. It includes links to dozens of helpful sites, including State Education Department and New York state employment centers.

When professionals lose jobs, they are bombarded with questions they need answered to protect themselves. These can include:

• knowing your rights to be recalled for vacancies; 
• how COBRA works to protect health coverage;
• how to create a job search action plan; and
• how to handle emotional stress.

"The union fights to secure the resources needed to keep teachers teaching and to keep education and health employees on the job from pre-K through postgrad," said Iannuzzi.

"Despite NYSUT's success as an advocate, education is not immune to layoffs triggered by this deep global recession." he said.

No matter what happens, all educators should contact their union before signing any agreements in relation to their job.

NYSUT welcomes suggestions as the Career Center continues to be carved out. Send ideas to webmaster@nysutmail.org.