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All Connecticut teachers owe a debt of gratitude to those 274 Bridgeport teachers, several of whom are current GBRTA members, who in 1978 made national news when they were bussed off to jail for striking for better working conditions. The eventual result of this effort was the passage of the law regarding binding arbitration when it comes to teacher contract negotiations. 

Bridgeport will be recognizing this event with a program to be held at Testo's on May 10th - see the flyer attached. It would be nice if the GBRTA were represented at this event by our presence. If you can make it, make your reservation via the information on the flyer but let me know if your are attending and I will see about the availability of a group table (or tables!). Bob Pitzschler

President's Letter

From the President’s Podium

The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires – William A. Ward

LOBBY DAY IS COMING - MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW! I cannot stress enough how important your presence at Lobby Day will be – especially this year. Lobby Day is April 4^th and we have arranged bus transportation for those not wishing to drive (see the notice elsewhere in this newsletter). This is an opportunity for your thoughts and comments to be heard directly by our legislators and it is a chance for them to explain why they have taken the actions that they have taken. “Speak now or forever hold your peace” certainly applies in this instance – if you can’t take the time to either attend Lobby Day or to correspond with your legislators, then you have given up your right to voice your opinion!

Have you had non-teaching friends or relatives ask, “Now that you are retired, what do you do with yourself, what do you miss”? I recently read an article related to this issue and here are some thoughts to share:

• August/September will always feel like the beginning of the year. Like emerging from hibernation, this sub-conscious stirring continues to happen long after retirement!
• You’ll love having the entire calendar year to make plans. Just think, you can now travel at money saving off-peak times.
• You’ll still find yourself obsessed with school supply sales. How many of us have drawers full of pens, pencils, etc. that we will never use but they were “on sale”.
• You’ll miss creating new learning units. “Miss” might not be the right term here, especially when it often occurred only a year after you thought you were done!
• You’ll miss introducing new authors to students. Or concepts, or anything new.
• You will not miss bells. Do you find yourself thinking you need to go to another room when you hear a bell ring?
• Looking back, the years you had to switch grades ended up being awesome. Or subjects or schools.
• Being part of a school team was the best community you will ever encounter. Especially when everyone on the team was pulling in the same direction.
• You will not be bored! Most of us are now involved in many activities to keep our minds and bodies active and healthy.
• You will always miss the students. Yes, yes, yes – well, maybe one or two no!

Our April 12^th meeting will be a chance for our members to determine “fact vs. fiction” concerning health benefit changes. We will keep the business portion of the meeting as brief as possible to allow the speakers the greatest amount of time available for questions and answers.

Bob Pitzschler