We need your help!
As we are all aware, our country is in the midst of an economic crisis. As the home of Wall Street and numerous financial institutions, this crisis has had a deep impact on New York State.
Recently, Governor Patterson released his proposal for meeting this economic crisis. Included were cuts totaling $698 million in education. As part of these cuts, the Governor has recommended cutting all funding for New York State Teacher Centers, which amounts to $40 million per year for the entire state.
Faced with impending cuts in funding, districts across the North Country have frozen spending for conferences and professional development. Teachers are becoming acutely aware of the fact that securing district funding for attendance at conferences and workshops, or for purchasing new pieces of hardware, software, and other resources for their classrooms is unlikely.
Now, more than ever, the Teacher Centers are essential in allowing us to continue our professional growth. The Adirondack Teacher Center, which serves more than a thousand teaching professionals, is in real danger of being forced to close its doors. One has only to ask around the districts to see how many people who have attended our workshops in the past, received grants, or participated in our professional networks would be negatively impacted.
So, we are asking for your help. If the Teacher Centers are to survive, we need to send a clear message to the New York State Legislature that this is a cut which must not happen. You can do this by contacting our legislators using the methods listed below. Let them know that you value the programs and services provided by the Adirondack Teacher Center, and that its closure would have a negative impact on you and your students.
Senator Betty Little
Print, sign and send this form letter.
Email Senator Little at this address: little@senate.state.ny.us
Assemblywoman Duprey
Print, sign and send this form letter.
Email Assemblywoman Duprey at: DupreyJ@assembly.state.ny.us
Governor Paterson
Print, sign and send this form letter.
Follow this link to send a message to the Governor's office: http://www.state.ny.us/governor//contact/index.html
If you work in a school district, you may also sign the form letters, or write your own, and pass them along to your Policy Board representative. If you are unsure who that is, check the Staff & Policy Board page.
Additionally, you may visit the NYSUT website and fax letters to the legislators from there.
Also, this site, EdTeach Action Network, has information on what may be done at the federal level.
Thank you for your time and efforts on behalf of the New York State Teacher Centers. It is much appreciated.