Education Department

2024 HPT Class Orientation

120 Local 237 members attended a May 4th orientation for the 2024 Fundamentals of Heating Class. They were welcomed by Keith Grossman (EVP of Operations at NYCHA), Javier Almodovar (Deputy Director of Field Operations and Heating), Dr. Tischelle George (Vice President of Learning and Development) and Anya James (Administrative Heating Superintendent and Head Trainer) as well as Local 237 Education Department staff.

After successful completion of the 9-month course, students will be eligible to take a civil service exam to qualify for NYCHA Heat Plant Technician jobs.

Invest in Your Future - Free Union Courses

Looking to upgrade your skills or advance your career? Take advantage of the free education and training benefits available to you through Local 237’s Education Department. Learn More

Below are a few of the inspiring Local 237 members who have recently taught or taken our free courses or utilized Department resources for assistance in achieving their goals.

Sharpening Computer Skills! Front row (left to right) Milagros Fernandez, Kaiea Robinson, Kinyanna Richards. Middle row from left to right, Hadea Hill, Tony Stanley. Back row (left to right) Junior Roberts, Anthony Fonseca, Jr. (Instructor), Alexander Johnston.

We are so proud of these seven members who passed our Beginning Computer Skills course. They were a tight knit group that truly cherished the knowledge given to them by their instructor, Anthony. Some even went further and attended our the Resume Building Workshop. Great job!

Local 237 instructor and member Jason Brewster Warehouse Operations Manager, OCP/DCAS/Facilities & Warehouse Middle Village. March 2024.

Member Jason Brewster is one of our newer instructors. He recently taught a class to Stock Workers who were taking the upcoming Supervisor of Stock Worker Civil Service Exam. He did an excellent job and helped many of our members pass the exam. We are delighted to welcome him to our teaching staff. Thanks for all your hard work and dedication, Jason!

Local 237 instructor and member Theodore Haynes, Administrator, EMSD Long Island City. March 2024

**Isaiah Pride - HRA Peace Officer, Fall 2023**

"Hello fellow union members. My name is Isaiah Pride and I am a Peace Officer with the HRA Police. I have over 5 years of paid and volunteer law enforcement experience, an Associate’s Degree in Public Justice, a Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement Leadership, and I’m pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. My education is very important to me. So, when I found out that the Education Department was offering a class for the Special Officer exam, I took advantage of it.

The tutorial has aided me in scoring higher than when I took the exam previously and afforded me a passing grade. I would encourage all union members to take advantage of the resources and courses available to us through the union. Although we may feel like we do not need them, you deserve to reap the benefits from being a part of something. Thank you to Local 237 and the Education Department for providing this class."

**Lyn-Thina Rush - NYCHA Caretaker J, Fall 2023**

"Hello, my name is Lyn-Thina Rush. I’m a single parent in this challenging world. Even though I didn’t let the odds beat me - I started working for NYCHA. My supervisor at Surfside always encouraged us to take classes to better ourselves. By doing so, I was able to obtain certificates and I even passed the Supervisor of Caretaker exam. Recently, I enrolled in the HPT Certificate Program offered by Local 237.

I must admit, before entering this program, I didn’t even know what a screwdriver was! Most of my classmates are women, and we are motivated and determined. These classes are very effective and most importantly, the teachers are amazing! The lessons are understandable and easy to comprehend. Right now, my classmates and I are feeling confident. I’m sure if we keep going at this rate, we will pass this class with no problem. I believe this is the best program for NYCHA workers. You can climb the ladder and make a career change for the better. I am very thankful for this opportunity to advance my career."

**SGT. Cristofer Pache - CUNY Peace Officer, June 2023**

"Greetings. My name is Cristofer Pache and I'm a sergeant at the Lehman College Campus. I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude to Local 237 for the remarkable class that was provided to us for the CUNY sergeants exam #2073.

I attended the workshop in Hostos Community College every Saturday for the months of April and May and had a great experience.   Our instructor, Public Safety Director Arnoldo Bernabe was excellent. He prepared us with an abundance of valuable information and in-field expertise relevant to the exam. Not only did I enjoy how informative the classes were, but I also appreciated how available the teamsters union representatives are in answering any questions the class had. And although the class was a two-hour session, it was so informative and well put together that it didn’t feel that long.

Thank you Local 237 Educational Staff members, Director Bernabe and Lieutenant Rodríguez for providing the CUNY Public Safety Department with all the available resources to make our experience worthwhile. My colleagues and I look forward to more courses and workshops in the near future."

**Helen Davis – NYCHA Assistant Superintendent , Summer 2023**

"Teamsters Local 237 has been the biggest help to me since starting my NYCHA Career in 2016.

Coming in as a Groundskeeper (Caretaker G), I’ve been able to utilize my membership to register and take courses as well as gain the materials and tools needed to meet the prerequisites for every promotional title afforded to me.

I now successfully hold the title of Assistant Residential Buildings Superintendent. Thank you to the Local 237 Education Department!"

**Vijay Ramsaroop - Elevator Mechanic Helper , Summer 2023**

"I came to the Education Department for help because I was disqualified from a civil service exam for Elevator Mechanic even though I had 10 years of experience.

I tried to appeal on my own but was not successful. After reaching out to the Education Department, within a few months my appeal was reversed and I am currently being offered a promotion.

Thank you to the Union and the Education Department for helping me!"