Teacher Center Closes

On January 31, 2011 the East Ramapo Teachers’ Center closed, after 26 years of service to our East Ramapo community.  New York State Teacher Centers were not funded by the State this year, so after using the Center's small reserve account to fund the Fall semester, the money finally ran out. 

At the January meeting, the TC Policy Board voted to put all Teacher Center programs on “hiatus”  but the Board will continue to exist and meet, in the hopes that funding for Teacher Centers may be restored in the future.

Professional development has been recognized as an important element for student success, and the East Ramapo Teachers Center has had a long history of supporting professional development in our District.

From the President 

Check the Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program for Teachers

The Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program is intended to encourage individuals to enter and continue in the teaching professions.  If you teach in East Ramapo and you meet certain qualifications you may be eligible for forgiveness of up to a combined total of $17,500 in principal and interest on a FFEL and/or Direct Loan program loan.  Check the website: http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/cancelstaff.jsp for more information. 

Important Information about Course Approval

Dear Teachers:
  I wanted to take this opportunity to remind you about the rules/procedures for taking courses that you wish to apply toward a salary increment.

•  Prior to taking an in-service/graduate course, you must submit a Course Approval Request form to Personnel.  Upon authorization from Personnel, you may take the course.  Please retain a copy of the signed approval form for your records.

• On the back of the Course Approval Request Form, is a list of 13 policies which govern this process.  Please review carefully and  be sure  you adhere to them.

• Failure to do so may jeopardize your salary increment.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the Teachers Association:  356-4333.                                                                            

Matthew Mulligan 

VP ERTA                                                                  

Please Note:  The correct course approval forms may be found in the main office at your school.  All forms should show the date 9/07 on the bottom.  You do not need to fill out Course Approval Request Forms for your initial Masters Degree which is required for permanent certification.

Fair Trade Project

Through the efforts of our Secretary, Diane Gonzalez, ERTA is participating in NYSUT's Fair Trade Project.  Learn more about it at

http://www.nysut.org/cps/rde/xchg/nysut/hs.xsl/labor_11467.ht