Voting is now open to recognize everyday heroes. The American Federation of Teachers Everyday Hero honors members who "epitomize the spirit of public service, camaraderie and compassion."
Members representing teachers, school-related professionals, higher education staff and faculty, public employees, health care professionals, early childhood educators and retirees have been selected as semifinalists.
New York state members selected as semifinalists are:
- Alan Pogel, teacher, Niagara-Wheatfield Teachers Association;
- Maria Alamo, early childhood educator, Hempstead Teaching Assistants Association;
- Jack Devine, retired teacher, Wappingers Congress of Retired Teachers;
- Mary Reid, retired public employee, New York State Public Employees Federation, Retirees Chapter.
To read their stories and cast your vote online, visit www.aft.org/everydayheroes. Voting ends April 20. Members who receive the most votes will be honored at the AFT Convention in July.