BREWSTER TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

Distributes donated food and essential items to Putnam Community Action Partnership and supports the Bears Essentials Program, which provides food, clothing, hygiene products, and basic necessities to Brewster students and families.

Conducts an annual food drive to collect and distribute nonperishable food and household necessities to support local families in Brewster experiencing food insecurity.

Conducts labor negotiations and performs activities that promote education and community awareness, including encouraging members to attend school board meetings to advocate for their interests.

Represents teaching staff at JFK Elementary School, C.V. Starr Intermediate School, H.H. Wells Middle School, Brewster High School, and clerical staff through organized leadership and collective representation.

Facilitates the placement of half of members' sick day funds into their 403b accounts upon retirement when advance notice is provided and maintains a welfare fund in honor of founder Fred A. Sims.

Administers a scholarship program funded in part by an annual 5K fundraiser to support Brewster students and families.

Advocates for state investment in civics education, media literacy, and certified library media specialists; promotes unstructured, play-based learning; supports the 'One Job Should Be Enough' campaign for educator salaries; and opposes retaliation against building representatives under the Taylor Law.

Holds Executive Council meetings on the first Monday, Representative Council meetings on the third Monday, and Building Meetings on the third Tuesday of each month to manage organizational operations and member representation.

Distributes free books and literacy materials to children and families at community events such as the Book Bash and other reading events to promote literacy.

Organizes and distributes winter wellness gift bags to local senior citizens through a volunteer-led initiative.

Runs the Bears Essentials and Life Skills programs to support student independence and confidence, operates an arts pathway program for sustained student engagement in visual arts, and maintains capital improvements and specialized resources to support learning.

Offers the Emerging Leaders Program, which includes facilitated sessions focused on relationship-building, dialogue, and professional growth to foster leadership and collaboration among district educators.

Implements the P-TECH program, which provides students with college credit, internships, and career pathways, and offers career and technical education courses such as carpentry and home improvement at middle and high school levels.

BTA delegates participate in the NYSUT Representative Assembly and members join statewide rallies, such as one advocating for reforms to New York’s Tier 6 retirement system.