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Welcome to the Local President Training!

Goals of This Training:

The Academy is composed of multiple interactive workshops which will provide brand new and nearly new (within first 2 years) with the nuts and bolts of planning, scheduling, and executing the duties of the office of the President.

Each workshop will entail some independent (asynchronous) work which will be used to brainstorm, and problem solve during the in-person or zoom platform (synchronous) time together. By the end of the workshop series, local presidents will have a written overview and plan for their local’s internal work for the academic year.

How We Will Do This:

Each topic will begin with an asynchronous presentation. The presentation is found on the AFT e-learning site. You will receive a log-in and password for this site.

Each asynchronous session is structured to present ideas as well as require information about your local via answering questions. Our synchronous time together will be based on the information each participant provided to allow for a more needs-based problem-solving time together.

The workshop topics will be listed on the left menu so that you always have access.

Additionally, the “key resource link” will be provided should you need to find any of the documents and resources provided on the website.

To date, we have created the following workshops to explore foundational topics from the lens of the local president:


The Structure of Your Local

The structure of your local union is created by your constitution and bylaws, your negotiated agreements, and your membership.  While each local shares these common items, each local has a unique culture and climate as a result of the constitution and bylaws, negotiated agreements, and the composition of your membership.​
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There are other factors that will influence how your local functions, it is important as the president to know and understand these common foundational pieces of your local.

After completing this section, use the “links to the topics” menu on the left to help with navigation through this website.

In this first section, you will explore the following four modules:

Constitution and Bylaws

Your constitution and bylaws are the defining principles and policies that govern the local union and establish the rights and responsibilities of union membership.  ​
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Organizations including the AFT and the NEA, have both constitutions and bylaws. But, what are the differences between a constitution and bylaws?

In this first section, you will review:​

  1. In this first section, you will review:​
  2. The differences between the constitution and bylaws​
  3. Review your local’s constitution to ensure that it contains required provisions as an affiliate of NYSUT​
  4. Create a “cheat sheet” of officer roles and functions​
  5. Clarify your role as President of your local​

To begin the first module, click the link below. Have your username and password ready.

Begin Now

Know Your Contract

As the president of your union, you will deal with many different issues daily. Your members (and sometimes even administrators) will come to you with questions about the contract – often before opening the contract themselves because they will believe you have the contract memorized. After all, you are the president! Consequently, your familiarity with the contract will help you quickly respond to questions and concerns about the terms and conditions of employment for all your members. ​

In this second section, you will review:​

  1. The basic terms and conditions of employment collectively bargained for your members.​
  2. Answer basic questions about the contract.​
  3. Begin to identify areas of strengths and weaknesses of your contract.​

To begin the first module, click the link below. Have your username and password ready.

Begin Now

Know Your Membership

As the newly elected president of your local, you have the responsibility of representing the entire membership. You also want to build the capacity of your local. Before you can begin, you have got to know who your members are. ​

In this third section, you will :​

  1. Access NYSUT online membership data application and download your local’s current membership.​
  2. Chart the information from the data site to help identify members and where they work.​
  3. Map your membership to help prioritize your conversations and building representation.​

To begin the first module, click the link below. Have your username and password ready.

Begin Now

Budgeting Your Time

As the newly elected president of your local, you have the responsibility of representing the entire membership. You also want to build the capacity of your local. Before you can begin, you have got to know who your members are. ​

In this third section, you will:

  1. ​Access NYSUT online membership data application and download your local’s current membership.​
  2. Chart the information from the data site to help identify members and where they work.​
  3. Map your membership to help prioritize your conversations and building representation.​

To begin the first module, click the link below. Have your username and password ready.

Begin Now