Guilderland Teachers' Association

03/08/2026

Thanks to Colleen Petroff and all our GTA members who attended NYSUT’s Fix Tier 6 Conference Rally today!

03/06/2026

For those attending the First Tier 6 Rally on Sunday, you’re in for a treat! GTA member, Anthony Santa Theresa’s band, Bottoms Up, will be performing!

02/28/2026

Take a moment to take action!!! Tell your lawmakers to fully fund Foundation Aid and update the formula to serve today’s students! NYSUT - A Union of Professionals

It's quick, easy, and impactful. Visit the NYSUT Member Action Center to join me in taking action on the critical issues that are most important to us.

02/27/2026

Prior to February break, the Social Justice Committee hosted 4 more Lasagna Love events at Pinebush Elementary, Guilderland Elementary, Altamont Elementary and Farnsworth Middle School. Volunteers from each of the schools came together to combat food insecurity within the Guilderland community. There were lots of smiles and fun had by all involved.

Step up, do good, change tomorrow.

02/04/2026

Congrats once again to GHS P.E. teacher and coach of both the girls and boys varsity tennis teams, Deb Murray! She was honored this past weekend by the United States Tennis Association Eastern as the recipient of the Virginia & Chuck Landis High School Coach of the Year Award. The highlight of the evening was her photo op with the Bryan Brothers, who are the most famous and successful men's doubles team in history! Way to go, Deb!🎾

01/28/2026

📢 Fix Tier 6 Rally 📢
🗓 Sunday, March 8
📍 MVP Arena

Over 44% of our GTA membership are in Tiers 5 & 6. That’s nearly half of us impacted. This rally is about standing together and making our voices heard

🎉 Raffle Alert!
The GTA will raffle off four $25 gift cards to local businesses for members who attend!
➡️ To be eligible:
• Attend the rally
• Send a photo of yourself at the rally to the GTA email

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly Event
Spouses, children, and guests are welcome but everyone must register.

✅ Registration is REQUIRED
🔗 Register at: www.fixtier6.org

• Be sure to list any guests (children, spouse, etc.) on the registration form
• No entry will be permitted without confirmed registration

Let’s show up, support one another, and fight for fairness together. 💙
Hope to see you there!

01/25/2026

Just got word: snow day tomorrow, Monday, January 26. Stay safe and warm, everyone!❄️

01/23/2026

The Social Justice Committee hosted two of seven Lasagna Love events at Westmere and GHS today with GTA members volunteering their time. We are working to address food insecurity for the families in our district. Thanks to all who volunteered! ❤️

01/23/2026

01/15/2026

Make sure to register for the Fix Tier 6 Rally on March 8 in the next two weeks!
https://fixtier6.org/

01/15/2026

Kudos to music teacher, Shannon Woodley! Her amazing commentary on the importance of music in our schools and the vibrant community it fosters was published in the Times Union. We are so proud to call Shannon our colleague!
👏 🎵 🎺 🎶 🥁 🎼 🪈 ❤️

“Kids don’t just make music in band class. They create community.”

Our children are struggling with their “human” skills. They have a hard time getting past their own thoughts to think about others. They co-exist with classmates and form relationships with electronic devices. They are working towards more isolation, sucked into a world of video games, social media and TikTok. The only united thing they all know is two numbers that mean nothing: 6-7.

I have been teaching public school band for 30 years. I have learned that 9- and 10-year-olds are way more capable than we give them credit for.

These kids can be phenomenal musicians. They can be pushed and challenged, and they can learn how to practice and work hard. They learn that practice pays off and that working on their individual part benefits the whole group. They learn how to listen to other parts and recognize how their part contributes to the whole.

In other words, they become part of a community. And these kids need community. They need to belong to a group. They need to work on collective goals with others.

There are students who struggle with academics and/or social skills at this age who can find their voice and self-confidence through their instruments. I have seen this time and time again as they succeed beyond anyone’s expectations and earn the admiration of their peers and teachers for their musical accomplishments. I know – I was one of these kids myself.

My students really love band rehearsals. I’m sure most of them couldn’t put it into words, but they like to push themselves and others to make music together.

I implore all parents to help their kids find as many communities to belong to as possible, whether it be music groups, sports, religious classes, cultural events, clubs, scouting, etc. Please support your kids to continue in these groups, even if they want to quit because they find it too hard or time-consuming. Through these experiences, grounded in actual human in-person interactions, they learn patience, taking turns, listening to others and working towards a common goal.

And in all these efforts, remind them to practice! Remember that there is so much value in hard work, commitment and practice, even if it’s difficult at times. The results are worth it in the long run, and their adult selves will thank you for “making them do it.” Don’t make excuses for them if they falter; help them take responsibility for their own actions.

After all, it is these kids, who right now are learning how to be a part of a community, who will be the responsible, committed citizens of our future.

Shannon Woodley is a music teacher in the Guilderland Central School District.

Clubs, band and other groups can give children what they need most: human connection and the experience of contributing to a common goal.

01/05/2026

Don’t forget! Rally is on March 8. Register by the end of the month. https://fixtier6.org/