To the editor:

The 14,000 members of RENY (Retired Educators of NY), formerly NYS Retired Teachers’ Association (NYSRTA), would like to recognize and commend New York state teachers for all their leadership, guidance and compassion in educating the students and parents across New York state.

School year 2019-20 will never be forgotten, as the year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The end of March saw schools across New York state shut down, ending the school environment as we know it. Teachers across the state were left with educating their students via telecommunications. “Home schooling” took on a whole new meaning. Teachers across the state and country had to reinvent their delivery of subject matter as well as how they connected with their students. They also found themselves forming new relationships with the parent(s) or guardian(s) of their students. School year 2020 certainly has given new meaning to the Parent Teacher Association.

Without a doubt, this school year has also drawn new meaning to our APPRECIATION of teachers. Your online methods of instruction and simple acts of connecting with students and parent(s)-guardian(s) has provided a form of continuity of instruction, and the solace of accomplishment in these days of trepidation, turmoil, trying impatience and boredom. Teachers across New York state hold a new place in the hearts of the communities they serve. Thank you!

Kevin Mulligan

President, RENY

Chazy