Thank you to all of the PJSTA members who attended tonight’s Labor Notes Book Party about the book How to Jump-Start Your Union: Lessons from the Chicago Teachers.  Joining a healthy representation of PJSTA members were teachers from districts such as Mount Sinai, Patchogue-Medford, Port Jefferson, Levittown, and Shoreham-Wading River.

We were joined tonight by Mark Brenner and Samantha Winslow of Labor Notes.  Brenner and Winslow were also two of the authors of the book.  Brenner spoke about his unique experiences as a teacher and now writer for Labor Notes.  He provided valuable insights into what has been effective in Chicago and other areas of the country where teachers are fighting back against harmful education reforms.

We were also joined by Brian Jones who has experience in trying to build a more member drive union from his work helping to build the MORE Caucus in the UFT.  Jones is currently the Green Party’s candidate for Lieutenant Governor.  Jones and running mate Howie Hawkins, who is running for governor, have been formally endorsed by the PJSTA.