President of Chappaqua teachers’ union to retire in February

December 25, 2009

Editor’s note: Deb Crosby, Greeley art teacher and president for the last eight years of the Chappaqua Congress of Teachers, distributed the following letter on December 15 to her colleagues in the Chappaqua Central School District announcing her retirement from teaching and from the leadership position of the Chappaqua teachers’ union.

Chappaqua Congress of Teachers
70 Roaring Brook Road, Chappaqua, New York 10514

December 15, 2009

Dear Colleagues,

For the past eight summers, I’ve spent a fair amount of time planning and writing a speech for the opening day of school. Recognizing that the audience would consist not only of our fellow CCT members, but also of administrators, staff members, parents, and Board of Ed members, I endeavored to write a speech that reflected the strength of the CCT as well as our history of working collaboratively with the Chappaqua Central School District.  We all have an exceedingly important goal in common: to provide the best education for our students. Together, we succeed.

The opening day speech has always been a way to say hello, welcome back, it’s great to have the opportunity to work with each and every one of you.

Now I struggle with how to say good bye, how to express how fortunate I’ve been to have worked with and represented a most dedicated and professional group of educators, how to say goodbye not only as your union president, but as a teacher, colleague, and friend.

After thirty-six years of teaching in Chappaqua and nearly twenty years of representing CCT members as a building rep, vice president and president, I’ve decided to retire. It’s time for me to spend more time with my family and friends, and to get back to the multitude of projects I’ve put on hold.  While I’m looking forward to new challenges and adventures, I’m not sure how it will feel to no longer be a part of this amazing school system. I am aware that a part of me will always wish I could have stayed here forever.

But it is time to move on, to allow others to take on greater leadership roles, to let another teacher experience the joys of teaching art in our district.  This will be my last semester. As provided in the CCT constitution, our vice-president, Ellen Pincus, will become CCT president when I step down. The CCT will be in excellent hands with Ellen as president. She’s not only one of the most experienced and well-trained union leaders in the area, she is also one of the most dedicated people I’ve ever met. I will remain available as a consultant, but Ellen will be the person in charge. Your CCT Executive Council members are bright, honest, hardworking, and reliable. The CCT will continue to grow and thrive under their able leadership.

Teaching in Chappaqua has been an incredible experience. I can’t even think about how much I’ll miss our students. Representing the remarkable members of the CCT has been a significant part of my life. I’ve had the opportunity to work with outstanding students, teachers, teaching assistants, nurses, OTs, PTs,, coaches, administrators, school attorneys, parents, and union leaders. I consider myself extremely fortunate.

Thank you all. Thank you for your support, thank you for challenging me.

After February 5th, 2010, I will be renovating a beautiful, 150 year old farmhouse in upstate NY. It’s the house I grew up in.  Come visit, pick apples, take a walk in the woods, ride the tractor, show your kids or grandchildren how to find crayfish in the stream, talk about times we’ve shared and what’s new.  Maybe you’ll find an arrowhead, an old artifact or two, or some wildflowers. Maybe you’ll find some time to rest, relax, and reflect. I’ll see you there, that is, unless I’m at the Cape…

It has truly been an honor and privilege to work with you.

With respect and affection,

Deb Crosby