FTA Chairs
WHO ARE WE? GETTING TO KNOW THE FTA EXECUTIVE BOARD
The Freeport Teachers Association Exec Bd members were asked about their professional backgrounds and what led them to becoming active union members. We mirrored A. Bartlett’ Giamatti’s (President of Yale) beliefs: “Teachers believe they have a gift for giving; it drives them with the same irrepressible drive that drives others to create a work of art or a market or a building.”

Andrea Kane Public Relations
 I have been an English teacher at FHS since Sept. of 1979, but in education since 1977. I am a graduate of SUNY Stony Brook (BA in English) and Queens College (MS in Education). I am the co-author of a writing textbook (with FHS English teacher, Barbara Martorana) called Writing Competency Practice. I teach GED classes in the evenings for the Patchogue-Medford School District. I became involved with the FTA because after so many years, I decided it was time to give something back. I have been a delegate in the past, and feel that I can make a difference now that we have apresident!think that the union must play a strong role in the educational climate of Freeport.

Rich Restivo Membership
 I received a BS at Oswego and my MS at St. John’s (Technology) and am a 33 year veteran technology teacher with the Freeport Schools, teaching photography and computer graphics. In the process, I have written two course curriculums and have had many rewarding experiences. I became involved with the FTA because I wanted to offer my time and abilities to support our professional organization.
Sara Menikoff Grievance
 I earned an MS in Education from Cortland and a MA (Math) from Brown University. This is her 34th year in the FHS Math Department. She became involved with the FTA (ten years as Delegate, then as HS BC and then, for the past 2 years as Grievance Chair) because she felt that the district had been unfair to her and others and has acted arbitrarily and without justice. She hopes that the contract will be honored by all!

Jeanne Dione Education, Research and Development
 I attended my first union meeting 36 years ago and was elected secretary.I was only a first year teacher, but it didn't matter.I have been actively involved in union work ever since that day.I also walked a picket line my second year of teaching because we were again without a contract.Nothing's changed!!! I have been teaching in Freeport for the past 36 years.

I recieved an MS in Education (Pre-K-6) from Queens College. Over the years I have taken many courses in many different university environments including Bank Street (Mini Training), the Columbia Writing Project, Lincoln Center Training, NYU Training for Careers in Industry Course, and an Administrator's Degree ( Professional Diploma) from C.W. Post.

My latest endeavor has been to become involved in the Educational Research and Dissemination professional development program which was developed 15 years ago by the AFT. This summer I completed an internship with the AFT in Maryland as a National Trainer for the AFT in Reading Comprehension Instruction.

Joyce Fischer Retiree
 Certified in Elementary Ed from LIU Brooklyn Campus, I spent 37 years teaching in Freeport, all at the Giblyn School. I became involved with the union, 20 years ago, when my friend, Lillian Guttman ran for office. During this time, I also became more and more aware of issues that were very importantthat would impact on all of us.. sion. I became involved with the union when Lillian decided to run for office. During this time, I also became more and more aware of issues that were very important to all of us.

I served on the follwing committees: Design Committe for Magnet, TIC, Negotiator for the past 2 contracts, Building Delegate, Building Coordinator, Newsletter Editor, 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, NYSUT/AFT Delegate, NYSTRS Delegate. I would like to make Freeport retirees (past, present and future) a more viable part of the FTA, NYSUT and AFT. I hope to see bothe active teachers and retirees become more involved in issues that affect the lives of retired professionals such as health insurance, COLA, Social Security, Perscriptions, Long Term Care, etc. Our union has fought hard to win us many benefits and it's up tp us to maintain them.

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