We Are All the Union

On Superintendent's Conference Day, HCT President Corey Cohn addressed the membership for the first time. In his speech, he described our many victories, some challenges, and our path forward. He shared that we are admired by locals in our area for our ability to communicate well with our members and place numerous teachers who volunteer to serve on district-wide committees. He said the HCT is well positioned for a successful year in this district which has had many personnel changes at the highest levels. Cohn spent much of his summer meeting with new administrators to solidify our seat at the table. He stressed the idea that "We are all the union. Every one of us." We can strengthen our union by attending events, serving on committees, contributing to Wear it on Wednesdays, and generally being a positive representative in the classroom and community. Cohn and the entire executive board wish you a great year!

HCT Donates School Supplies

This summer, HCT donated backpacks filled with school supplies to kids in need. Jericho Cares, a group dedicated to helping students throughout Nassau County, organized an event to collect school supplies, clothes, coats and books. HCT Members Maria Mezzanotte, Lisa Christie, Nancy Velasquez, Kyrstin Stehle, Justina Ketyer, and Leigh Phillips joined president Corey Cohn to lend a hand. They helped sort and fold clothing and organize donations for distribution. Thanks to Jericho Cares and all the volunteers who came out to help!

• Tier 6 members must pay into the retirement system their entire careers.
• Tier 6 members must contribute more as their pay increases, starting at 3 percent and growing to 6 percent.
• Tier 6 members can’t retire before 63 without heavy penalties.
• Tier 6 doesn’t incentivize professionals to enter, or stay in, education.
• NYSUT knows how to get this done. In 2000, we helped end career-long contributions and reduced early retirement penalties for Tier 4 members.

The HCT is updating its tutor referral database. When a request for a tutor is received, we will contact members on the list who meet the criteria. It is up to the individual teacher to make arrangements as to times, fees and location. We cycle through the lists to ensure that everyone will have an opportunity to tutor. Replies must be made within 48 hours so that we can respond to requests in a timely manner. Once we hear back from you, we will forward the parent's phone number and student information.

If you are interested in participating in our tutor referral program or would like to continue tutoring, please complete this short form.

STUDENT LOAN COUNSELING -- NYSUT members can speak with a Cambridge Credit Counseling loan counselor, attend a NYSUT Student Loan Workshop, or visit the Cambridge Student Loan Portal through this helpful resource.

FINANCIAL LEARNING CENTER -- Powered by Kiplinger's Personal Finance, this platform offers numerous articles designed to assist NYSUT members with achieving their personal financial goals and better understand the nuances of insurance, savings, investing, and more.

DEBT COUNSELING -- All NYSUT members (both in-service and retiree) are eligible to receive a free, no obligation debt consultation with a Cambridge Credit Counseling certified counselor.

NEW MEMBER LIFE INSURANCE POLICY -- New NYSUT members are eligible to receive a free term life insurance policy providing coverage for up to $25,000 for one year, guaranteed renewable at the end of the year.

ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE -- All NYSUT members (both in-service and retiree) are automatically provided with a $5,000 accidental death & dismemberment insurance benefit (previously, the coverage amount was $1,500 per member)

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE SERVICES -- All NYSUT members (both in-service and retiree) are automatically provided with travel assistance services from Europ Assistance that focus on providing coordination services to travelers.

NATIONAL AFFILIATE RESOURCES -- Your status as a NYSUT member provides you with access to complimentary life insurance from the National Education Association, along with an accidental death & dismemberment insurance benefit and trauma counseling services from the American Federation of Teachers

Learn more about individual benefits here.

• We know you spend a lot more, but save those back-to-school receipts for the educators tax deduction, which increases to $300 this year. Hit hard by inflation, a recent report says teachers are spending an average of $820.14 out-of-pocket for school supplies this fall.

• The State Education Department has launched a Welcome Back to School Ready To Learn initiative offering health and safety guidance, learning resources and a place to highlight efforts supporting students academically, socially and emotionally.

• Donate to a scholarship fund established by NYSUT and Say Yes Buffalo to honor the victims of the Tops shooting in Buffalo.

• Want to know what the new student loan forgiveness means for you? Are you nearing retirement and concerned about those hidden snags that can slow you down? Perhaps you and your loved one are looking to take the next step with your finances? Explore the NYSUT Member Benefits Financial Learning Center – powered by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance.

• Find out if you qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Hailing a new union-backed law that expands eligibility for thousands of higher ed adjuncts, NYSUT is ramping up efforts to get the word out about Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

• Congratulations to Christina Marconi (Lee Avenue) on her recent engagement. Your Lee Avenue colleagues wish you all of the happiness in the world!
• Congratulations to Kerri (Barnett) Kamping (Lee Avenue) on your wedding! Your Lee Avenue colleagues wish you a lifetime of joy!

• Congratulations to Peter Ryan and family on the birth of his son James. Your Lee Avenue colleagues wish you all the best!
• Congratulations to Kristy Burke (MS) on the birth of her daughter, Penelope Anne Burke, born August 21st. 
• Congratulations to Alyssa Choudhry (MS) on the birth of her daughter, Rhea Klein Choudhry, born August 9th. 

• Welcome back to Karissa Luu (Lee Avenue) from maternity leave. Your colleagues missed you!
• Congratulations to Georgia Paliouras (Lee Avenue) on receiving a permanent position at Lee Avenue.

• Condolences to Kathy Suppa (East Street) on the death of her mother, Joanne Tomolonis. 
• Condolences to Jessica Molof (High School) on the death of her father-in-law.

Any newly retired teacher interested in joining Hicksville Federation of Retired Educators and Retirement Council 19 should contact Bill Lemmey at 917-312-0117. Congratulations!