NYSUT's presence will inform and inspire a national conference in Denver this week on collaboration in school districts where labor and management partner to change education.
"Advancing Student Achievement Through Labor-Management Collaboration" is presented by the U.S. Department of Education.
More than 30 NYSUT locals are attending the invitation-only event. So many more were eligible and interested in participating that many had to go into a lottery.
"This is another example," said President Dick Iannuzzi, "of how NYSUT is able to both advocate and partner: advocate against policies that are harmful to kids and our members; partner with those who don't completely agree with us when it is in the interest of our members and those they serve, and consistent with our principles."
Through NYSUT's Innovation Initiative, five school district labor/management teams are designing and piloting a model teacher evaluation system consistent with the changes in the new state law. This model is intended to improve teaching practices and student learning. Funded by an AFT Innovation Grant, the program puts NYSUT at the forefront nationally in partnering with administrators. One of those teams, led by Rod Sherman, a Board member and president of the Plattsburgh TA, is being highlighted at the conference. Plattsburgh also was featured in a study by Rutgers University examining labor-management partnerships to improve public school systems.
See what our national affiliates, NEA and AFT, are saying about the conference.