February
Treasurer Report 2/22
SHEA VOICE
2024-2025
Fall 2024
Nov-Dec
Volume XVII No. 2
SHEA TBD,
Editor
President's Message:
As we move through the final months of 2024, we’re reminded that this time of year isn’t just about holidays and report cards—it’s also about civic responsibility. The recent election season highlights how powerful our collective voice can be. With over 600,000 NYSUT members across New York State, our participation truly matters.
Regardless of political affiliation, engaging in the democratic process is essential. As educators and union members, we have a responsibility to model informed participation and to stand up for public education, labor rights, and the future of our students.
Thank you for all you do—in the classroom and in the community.
In solidarity,
Paul Szymendera
The first step to protecting your rights is knowing your rights. And in today's world, there are many controversial and hot-button issues that educators have to deal with both in the classroom and in their personal lives. NYSUT's Know Your Rights resources are a series of videos and documents that address many topics that are important to our members.
Please note that these are general guides about high-level topics. Individual situations will vary. NYSUT's dedicated team of labor relations specialists and attorneys are on hand to deal with specific issues that may impact our members.
Within the SHEA contract, VEA refers to Variable Extracurricular Activities. This program supports teachers who lead clubs or extracurricular groups outside the regular school day, recognizing their effort and offering compensation.
Key details of SHEA’s VEA program:
-
Eligibility: Only current SHEA members—and employed teachers in the Sweet Home Central School District—can apply veanea.org+6shteachersunion.wixsite.com+6nj01001379.schoolwires.net+6.
-
Timing: Activities must occur beyond contracted instructional hours. Any work during the regular school day isn’t eligible for VEA pay .
-
Approval process: Teachers must submit online applications by set deadlines—September 15, December 1, and March 1—and await approval from the VEA committee myvea.org+8shteachersunion.wixsite.com+8vansd.org+8.
-
Payment basis: Advisors are paid based on actual time spent with students; prep work isn’t separately compensated shteachersunion.wixsite.com.
-
Student participation: Clubs must be open to all students (with exceptions for academic or safety reasons) and maintain at least five members shteachersunion.wixsite.com.
-
No student fees: VEAs must be free of charge; fundraising to cover advisor costs or memberships is not permitted.
In short, VEA is the contractual pathway for teachers to receive fair pay for extracurricular leadership that enriches our students’ experiences—while ensuring equity, accessibility, and clear rules around timing and responsibilities.
Use the online registration link to apply!
SHOW YOUR UNION COLORS!
SHEA GEAR EVERY TUESDAY!!
Have you benefited by using Buyer's Edge??
Please let us know your story so others can benefit too!
Contact David Etkin (MS)
Get Your Best Buying Power Through
Your Union Benefits with "Buyer's Edge"
Thanks to NYSUT, not only can you shop - you can Shop Smart!
If you have a major purchase, we can save you money on Appliances, Cars, Furniture, Kitchens, as well as 20 more benefits! All you have to do is visit www.BuyersEdgeInc.com. ... using login info below.
Your Username/Group #: 215 Password: NYSUT
