HCT Sisters and Brothers,
As I write this to all of you on the morning of March 26th, I know that I have not adapted yet to this "new normal." I am struggling with all aspects of what this pandemic has done to my life. I am sure that each and every one of us has a story to tell both depressing and uplifting. I know I am trying to focus on the uplifting ones to keep my spirits up.
Within the confines of our career, I am well aware Nothing is Ideal! Each day has new challenges that we are dealing with. We have to remain strong and unified in what we are doing as an HCT.
First and foremost, I cannot say this enough and some of you have heard it multiple times.
The HCT's stance is that teachers should NOT be participating in any live videoconferencing or face to face communications
. This is to protect our members from career-ending incidents. We want all members to return to school without any blemishes or worse on their records. If someone would like to record themselves, then watch it to make sure there are no background inappropriate visuals or sounds before it is posted, the HCT has no problem with that.
Remember, we need to take care of ourselves and our careers along with our students' learning.
I understand that certain administrators and certain BOCES presenters are saying it is fine. They can say "Phooey" all they want, they will still have a job come September. Have you asked them if the district lawyers will defend you if something happens during a live stream video or will the district lawyers be the ones bringing you up on charges?
Second, we need to help each other. Everyone needs to step up to the plate and take a turn at bat. We are all being asked to do things that take us out of our comfort zone, please be mindful of that and be patient with each other. I know that there are HCT members helping each other with the use of the technology, sharing ideas, sharing responsibilities, and leaning on each other for emotional support. This is the only way we can survive this new world.
We are stronger together!
I'd like to end with a quote that Governor Andrew Cuomo used to end one of his briefings. In these words his father Mario spoke about what government should be, it can also be used to describe what our union is.
"We believe in a single fundamental idea that describes better than most textbooks and any speech that I could write what a proper government should be: the idea of family, mutuality, the sharing of benefits and burdens for the good of all, feeling one another's pain, sharing one another's blessings - reasonably, honestly, fairly, without respect to race, or sex, or geography, or political affiliation."
Be well. Stay Strong.
In unity,
Stephanie
