The Yonkers Federation of Teachers rallied at Saunders Trades and Technical High School Wednesday to demand a fair contract that protects students amid nine months of minimal progress with the city school district. The union’s last contract expired June 30, 2022.
YFT was joined by New York State United Teachers, the American Federation of Teachers, educators from neighboring districts, other local unions and community members as they marched into the Board of Education meeting and put pressure on the Board and superintendent to come to an agreement by the end of this school year.
For nearly a year, the union has been fighting for a contract that addresses what students need including smaller class sizes so they are more in line with the state average; adequate staffing to meet students’ social-emotional needs; support staff caseload caps; and incentives to recruit and retain educators, especially those who are bilingual, amid a national teacher shortage.
“We love our students and we love to teach,” said YFT President Samantha Rosado-Ciriello. “Our children deserve quality education in a safe environment conducive to learning. That all starts by giving teachers the support and respect they deserve as professionals. It is time for the school district to do the right thing and work with us to ensure a bright future for Yonkers students.”
YFT represents 3,600 in-service and retiree members including classroom teachers, teaching assistants, substitute teachers, school counselors, psychologists, social workers and other certificated personnel.
