Joseph P. McLaughlin
Harrison Association of Teachers
Joe McLaughlin is the epitome of unionism and on a daily basis proves that retirement has not stopped his advocacy and desire to advance the union movement. A high school teacher for 40-plus years and a longtime former president of the Harrison Association of Teachers, McLaughlin's performance both in and out of the classroom not only served to help his students succeed, but also created a professional organization of teachers who are passionate about their profession and their union. His efforts as local president served to make H.A.T. the strong union it is today.
In 1990, McLaughlin was elected as a teacher member of the state Teachers' Retirement System Board of Directors, a position that served NYSUT members throughout the state for 18 years. His six terms eventually landed him in the position of president of the TRS board, the first teacher member to hold that office.
McLaughlin also represented ED 15 on the NYSUT Board, and continues to serve on the NYSUT Member Benefits Trust Board of Trustees. As a retiree, he was elected and serves as At Large Director for ED 51-53, representing retirees. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for Westchester Community College.
Joseph McLaughlin's segment of the Constituency Awards video begins at 8:28.
Eleanor Guido
United Federation of Teachers
Eleanor Guido, a former member of the United Federation of Teachers Retired Teachers Chapter executive board, has been an activist for 50 years. She has participated in every strike of the UFT and marched at all the union's rallies.
Throughout her career, she voluntarily served on many professional and ethnic committees such as the UFT Italian American committee and the Irish American committee. For several decades, Guido has been going to Albany every year to represent the UFT at the state Italian American Legislative Conference. Eleanor has assisted with the running of the UFT Westchester retiree section.
She was dedicated to her career of teaching students who were hearing impaired at JHS 47. Her everyday activity for the UFT epitomizes the strength of the rank and file members, which is what has made the UFT one of the greatest unions in the nation.
Eleanor Guido's segment of the Constituency Awards video begins at 2:08.