Welcome to the Yonkers Federation of Teachers and the Yonkers Public Schools. As a new employee you should learn about the YFT and what union membership provides.

About the YFT

Yonkers Public Schools (YPS) are union schools. Our union represents all YPS teachers and support personnel. We have more than 2000 members. The YFT is an AFL/CIO union affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). You will soon learn that in both the labor and education communities acronyms abound!

The Yonkers Public School System is the second largest in New York State. YFT History can give you more details about the beginnings of the teacher union movement and about Yonkers record with public school employees over the years.

School Delegates

Your union is here to serve you - whether to inspire you with the newest ideas and best teaching methods or to represent you if you are treated unfairly at your school. Your immediate representative to the union is the building representative. Every school in the system has the right to elect at least one building representative. Building representative are elected every year by the school staff to be their spokespersons at the monthly assembly, and to function as the union's voice in the school. This level of democratic participation in determining the union agenda is something of which we're proud.

Officers

Your union officers; Steve Frey, Rita Seligmann, Lynn Edelstein , Fran Ruggiero, Patricia Puleo, Deborah Collier, Roz Kendrick-Jones and Nancy Ciraldo are on our Executive Board. All members of the YFT participate in the elections of officers, Executive Board and delegates to the AFT conventions.

Legislative Activities

YFT is well represented in Albany. Both the AFT and YFT are working on your behalf whenever the General Assembly is in session, usually from January through May each year. A full staff of lobbyists and education experts is always at work convincing legislators to support our issues.

Since the laws that govern our schools are passed by the legislature, it behooves all of us to know our legislators, to become involved in grassroots lobbying, to keep our voter registrations current and to vote in every election.

YFT Structure

You can find the names of the entire governing body of the YFT, officers, trustees, and area and functional vice presidents, by clicking on Leadership. The officers are aided by a staff of assistants to the president for administration, communications, education, grievances, legislation, and paraprofessionals. Working directly with the delegates and members is a corps of field representatives.

On the Job

Your school principal is your immediate supervisor. She or he sets the rules for your school. However, you are an employee of the Yonkers Public Schools, not just of your particular school. Your basic work policies are set out by the YFT administration. Your job is also governed by the union's contract with the board. A principal cannot ask you to do anything that violates this contract. If you have any questions, check with your building representative.

All new teachers and paraprofessionals should receive a copy of the union contract from the board when they are hired. Keep an ongoing file of information you receive from the union, the board and from your principal. Also keep all of your pay stubs. Be sure to check each stub to see that your salary is correct and that the record of sick days, personal business days, and pension and medical insurance deductions are accurate. Don't be afraid to ask your colleagues questions. And don't hesitate to call the union office - 914/793-0200 - if you can't get answers.

Dues

It is important that all members should be current with their dues.

AFT Plus Benefits

Use this American Federation of Teachers hyperlink to reach the AFT website. Scroll to the AFT Plus link and discover all the benefits available to you as a member. From insurance privileges to computer and online discounts to car rentals and amusement parks, as a member of the YFT you are entitled to many bargains. Check out this information now.