In a wide-ranging discussion, educators from Suffolk County districts discussed students' increasing needs and the greater services public schools are providing, all while dealing with ever-fluctuating and uncertain state and federal funding levels. 

 

Together, the group acknowledged how partisan gridlock in Washington is contributing to the challenges facing educators across New York and underscored the importance of returning to a political environment where democracy, healthy debate and compromise are valued.

 

“What unites us is much greater than what divides us as Americans,” Avlon said. “We need more community and we need more common ground to reunite us as a nation and we can do great things together. Those are the stakes of this election.”

Educators also discussed many pertinent topics, such as cellphones and other distractions in schools, the long-term effects of social media on students' mental health, and how an over-reliance on high-stakes standardized testing actually serves to limit not only what students learn but also how it strips the joy of learning out of classrooms. 

 

Time and again, the conversation also turned to the critical need for reinvestment in civics education, especially as an antidote to pervasive mistrust and incivility that characterizes much of our current society. 

 

"Civics is a big part of this pledge that we're asking our candidates to make. To be good role models for our students in terms of how a democracy should work," said NYSUT President Melinda Person. "The idea for this campaign really came from our members.

"We're an imperfect people trying to form a more perfect union. Let's emphasize civility. Let's teach how to disagree agreeably," said John Avalon. 

 

Tuesday’s visit was part of a six-week tour making nearly 40 stops across New York, running until Election Day on November 5. The Common Ground Over Chaos campaign aims to promote bipartisan cooperation by encouraging candidates to sign NYSUT's pledge committing to civility and collaboration in government.