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What Every New NYSUT Member Should Know

Where does the money from my dues go?

Members pay local, New York State United Teachers and American Federation of Teachers dues through their local unions. Almost 70 cents of every dollar of the state dues a member pays funds direct services, such as bargaining contracts, assisting with certification problems and representing members with grievances.

Dues provide legal help in the form of representation by NYSUT attorneys and fund research and educational services. Dues also help in NYSUT's lobbying efforts. Two examples are recently passed safe schools and pension legislation.

The union takes a leadership role on educational issues such as development of new curriculum resource guides, inclusion of children with disabilities, preparing students for the work force and increasing academic standards.

NYSUT's Web site, www.nysut.org, which contains a wealth of information and useful links, is funded by dues. New York Teacher, the union's official publication, and newsletters and brochures are also funded by dues. (Source: NYSUT Accounting Department.)

This is my first year of teaching. What should I know about tenure?

New York state's tenure law dates back to 1917, but it wasn't until 1980 that all public school teachers and teaching assistants were included under its protection. NYSUT-endorsed legislation helped strengthen the tenure law and expand its coverage, while reducing the probation period from five to three years.

Under the law, teachers and teaching assistants "on probation" may be dismissed at any time. At or before the expiration of the probationary period, the district must deny or grant tenure. The board of education grants tenure following an observation and review process - but only after receiving the superintendent's recommendation.

Once granted tenure, a teacher or teaching assistant is guaranteed due process, protecting them from arbitrary or capricious dismissal. Tenure does not guarantee a job for life and is not ordinarily transferable from one school district to another. Those teachers wishing to change school districts after receiving tenure only need to serve a two-year probationary period. (Source: NYSUT's "What Every New Member Should Know" booklet.)

What is a tier and how do I know which one applies to me?

All New York public school teachers and teaching assistants (outside of New York City) belong to the state Teachers' Retirement System. There are four "tiers" within TRS: 1, 2, 3 and 4. Your tier is determined by the date you entered the retirement system. All members who entered the system after Sept. 1, 1983, are in Tier 4.

Each tier has a different set of regulations and benefits. For more information, contact your teacher-member on the TRS board or visit the TRS Web site at www.nystrs.org. (Source: Sheila Salenger, teacher member on the NYSTRS Board of Directors.)

Send your questions on union- or work-related issues to Mentor, New York Teacher, Box 15008, 159 Wolf Road, Albany, N.Y. 12212-5008; or e-mail nyteach@nysutmail.org.

- Clarisse Butler