Getting a 'guide on the side'

NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira recently visited the Kenmore-Tonawanda schools in western New York to view the mentor and staff development program. The presentation, reflecting the collaborative nature of the program, was called "Not the sage on the stage, just a guide on the side."

Teacher-to-teacher mentor programs are crucial for those entering the profession, and that's why the union has fought so hard for continued state funding, Neira said. The Kenmore-Tonawanda TA is led by Don Benker.

NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira learns about the Ken-Ton Mentor program. From left are Bryan Strauss; Steve Bovino, the district's assistant superintendent of human resources; mentors Bill Hineman and Elaine Altman; and Neira. Photo by Dennis Stierer.

Budget Update

Union leaders from the Mid-Hudson region stand with lawmakers during a meeting to hear updates on the state budget. Among those with Republican Assembly members William Larkin and Nancy Calhoun are NYSUT Board members Lee Cutler, Carla McLaud and Carol Slotkin, and NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin. Photo by Michael Weisbrot.

Greetings at the state Capitol

Gov. Spitzer greets UUP President Phillip Smith at a recent news conference with higher education leaders in Albany. Smith, of Upstate Medical University, was recently elected president of United University Professions, which represents professionals and academic staff at the State University of New York. Photo by El-Wise Noisette.

Listening on Long Island

NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi listens to the workload concerns of a member of the Developmental Disabilities Institute Teachers Association. The 97 members of the Suffolk County local, led by Nancy Pavlic, work with students with autism and other developmental disabilities.

Roosevelt TA President Kevin O'Connor tells state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli about the need for the Nassau County district to address problems with pay and health insurance for employees. Currently under state takeover with a long history of financial problems, the Roosevelt district is on track to finish the year with a $7 million surplus. Photo by Kevin Peterman.

Exchanging views at caucus

"Embracing a united workforce" was the theme of the state Association of Black and Puerto Rican Legislators' 37th annual legislative conference. The weekend-long event featured seminars on topics ranging from housing, labor unions and the state budget to education and gang awareness.

NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin speaks against tax caps at a seminar on property tax relief. Gov. Spitzer has established a commission charged with, among other things, recommending a cap. From left, state Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, D-Westchester; Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, who chairs the commission; Lubin; and state Sen. Antoine Thompson, D-Erie.

A panel on higher education includes, from left, CUNY vice chancellors Garrie Moore and Ernesto Malave, Steve London of the Professional Staff Congress, Philippe Abraham of United University Professions at the University of Albany, Raul Huerta of UUP at SUNY Morrisville and Edison Bond, UUP Brooklyn Health Science Center and a member of UUP's Executive Board. Photos by El-Wise Noisette