Message from President Cordelia Anthony
Dear Members, it’s June and although it may be a little too early to say woohoo, we are getting extremely close to the end of our school year and the start of summer break. One of the online quotes I saw recently stated “A good teacher is like a candle. It consumes itself to light the way for others” -Mustafa Ataturk. It made me realize why we are all so exhausted all the time. There are those who love to complain about the educator summer break that we get and have a lot to say about it, but don’t let anyone steal your joy. They don’t know the level of dedication, hard work, and sacrifice that goes into doing the jobs that we do the other 10 months of the year. Our career is one that people are only jealous about when we have a vacation. The jealousy doesn’t ever come when they see our working conditions, salaries, the work outside of working hours, the patience necessary to work with students, parents, admins or the ever changing education field. So…whatever you choose to do with your break, make the most of it. Teachers are on summer break because we deserve summer break and if they don’t understand, they can just get over it or become a teacher. One online resource gives some suggestions in case you need some tips. I like the top 3.
- Relax
- Sleep
- Travel
- Read
- Try a new hobby
- Volunteer
- Coach
- Disconnect
FYI June is Caribbean American Heritage Month and since I am a member of that diaspora I thought I would share this curated list by Documented of events and places you should visit during the 2024 Caribbean American Heritage Month in New York City: https://search.app/dsgnmWdfbe6GGAmt6
Lastly, I want you to know that your political action and advocacy does work. We asked members to contact legislators, send emails, and go to the NYSUT Member Action Center in regards to Extreme Heat and last week a bill was passed. This bill finally establishes a maximum temperature in school buildings and facilities. Click the above link to find out more. Have an excellent summer everyone!
