Chappaqua Congress of Teachers

09/02/2025

Welcome back, everyone! Let’s have a great year!

05/14/2025

CCT SPOTLIGHT: Carolyn Elwood, Art Teacher (Bell Middle School & Seven Bridges Middle School).

Carolyn's nominator wrote: "Carolyn is deeply dedicated to her teaching craft, focusing on methods that optimize student outcomes. Her approach encourages students to think creatively and divergently. When they transition from her classroom to mine, they do so with pride and joy in their creations."

From Carolyn:
"I have the best job! As an art teacher, I engage my students with open-ended design challenges that have no "right" or "wrong" answers. I provide them with a wide variety of fun materials and watch them go!

I believe that creative problem-solving and innovative thinking skills are invaluable; they help the students in their middle school art classes, and in their everyday lives.

These children are developing skills to a make positive impact everywhere they go. Their solutions inspire me daily and reaffirm my belief that this generation will shape a better world.

I am honored to collaborate with the CCT to cultivate outstanding learning environments in Chappaqua. Working alongside dedicated colleagues brings daily joy, and I am grateful for the opportunities to positively influence students and teachers in my various roles."

Thank you, Carolyn, for ALL you do!

03/19/2025

Hello CCT members,

Join AFT President Randi Weingarten, Representative George Latimer, Social Security Works Executive Director Alex Lawson, leaders from AFGE and NYSUT and others this Saturday at the Social Security Administration office in White Plains. Take a stand against the Trump and Musk led dismantling of Social Security and tell them that Cuts to the Social Security Administration are Cuts to Social Security.

What: Rally to Protest Cuts to Social Security
When: Saturday, March 22 at 10:00 AM
Where: US Social Security Administration Office, 297 Knollwood Rd, White Plains, NY 10607
What else: Homemade signs are always encouraged. Water and AFT Shirts will be provided.

Social Media Posts: Rally photos and videos should be tagged with

https://www.mobilize.us/aft/event/765367/?link_id=0&can_id=7f686018dd59481ecc1b04a5b7c7cbf5&source=email-join-aft-president-randi-weingarten-this-saturday-in-white-plains-to-say-handsoffsocialsecurity&email_referrer=email_2659418&email_subject=join-aft-president-randi-weingarten-this-saturday-in-white-plains-to-say-handsoffsocialsecurity&&

03/17/2025

CCT Spotlight: Eileen Kenna

Eileen's nominator wrote this: "Eileen, one of my cross-town counterparts, is a wonderful colleague who always keeps things real, organic and centers the students first. After collaborating with Eileen, for over a decade, her sense of humor has been a great reminder that you can get the job done while still having fun!"

Eileen shared: "I enjoy teaching because it really matters to create thoughtful, excited, gritty learners. I like to bend and stretch my students' thinking about themselves and the world. I feel very fortunate that I have such a meaningful job, even though there are some days when convincing my students to go on the journey with me can be tricky. Extra bonus, I get to work with extremely dedicated and fun teachers whom I adore, and I get over 12,000 steps in every day!"

Thank you, Eileen. Your work impacts all of us in a positive way.

03/13/2025

Dear CCT members,

Please be aware of a group currently mailing out cards which offer potential savings to you. These are actually union busters, which could weaken our organization and your rights.

If you would like to see a copy of one of the cards, email us.

Don't let them take away our rights. Use this action toolkit to spread the word and stand strong by telling everyone: 'I'm sticking with our union!'

02/04/2025

Dear CCT Members,

In solidarity with our NYSUT/AFT affiliates, we ask for your support for the instructors of the Manhattan School of Music.

Please read below:

ARTS-MSM/NYSUT/AFT/NEA will be striking Manhattan School of Music February 1 through February 7.

ARTS- MSM represents pre-college Instructors at Manhattan School of Music, who have been working under an expired contract for almost 5 months. Instructors, who are hourly employees who do not receive benefits, are asking the college for a contract with fair wages and sustainable working conditions that would bring pay rates in line with peer institutions – Manhattan School of Music pre-college Faculty earn significantly less than what instructors at Mannes Preparatory (the New School) and Julliard Instructors.

Our members are highly skilled musicians who teach pre-college music students- helping them prepare for concerts, performances, and admissions to college music programs. They dedicate themselves to providing exceptional instruction to students ranging from 5 to 18 years of age, laying the foundation for preforming arts in the city. The college’s conduct is disrespectful to both our members and the performing arts community.

We are asking for your support on Saturday by tweeting and tagging one of the following:

is financially flush. Why won't MSM administration pay their pre-college faculty fairly?

President Gandre lives in a rent-free penthouse. Why can't MSM afford to pay their pre-college faculty a fairly?

: focus on classrooms, not the boardrooms.

: Now's the time to negotiate a fair faculty contract. Support your students and pre-college faculty!

Don’t let the music die at . Negotiate a fair contract now.

You can read more in the NYSUT communication posted here.

At one of the most prestigious conservatories for student musicians, where the president lives in a two-story, rent-free penthouse above the school, faculty are currently working under an expired contract with no acceptable agreement in sight.

02/01/2025

CCT Spotlight: Maxton Tortorello-Allen, teacher at Seven Bridges Middle School.

Max's nominator wrote: "Max inspires others to be their very best. Whether it's giving feedback to colleagues during the many workshops in which he participates, or helping his students through difficult tasks, Max is a wonderful teacher and colleague!"

Max shared this: "One of the amazing things I love about teaching is that I always feel that I learn more from my students than they do from me. it really is a privilege being able to interact with such curious, thoughtful and fun students every day."

01/20/2025

Today, we recognize Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for his steadfast dedication to ensuring equitable resources and support for all students. His enduring legacy motivates educators to develop their skills and effectively respond to the diverse needs of their students.

12/04/2024

CCT Spotlight!

Our spotlight shines on Mr. Michael Day, teacher of World Languages at Horace Greeley High School.

His nominator wrote: "Mike is the quintessential educator. He’s kind, intelligent, well-versed in his content, and celebrates the joy of learning. You can find Mike teaching various world languages, and when he’s not teaching, he’s supporting a fundraiser by skating in his pickle costume, or organizing a spirit-filled event for our school. Mike is the professional you want leading your team, plus… he’s just good FUN!"

When asked to comment, Mike told us, "The art of teaching challenges me and rewards me every single day. Working with young people keeps me on my toes and I never stop learning from them."

We're grateful for all you do, Mike!

10/22/2024

A great day to make strides. The CCT, NYSUT and thousands of others gave their support. NYSUT Tarrytown Regional Office

10/22/2024

Thank you to our supporters who helped in the Making Strides Breast Cancer Awareness Walk this past weekend.

We raised almost $200, and our president, Brian Petruso, participated with his family.

Thank you President Petruso and the entire CCT community.

09/28/2024

Stop by! We are having a great time at the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival!