Middletown Teachers Association
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Middletown Teachers Association
At the core of our union, our Executive Board is comprised of five key officers - President, Elementary Vice President, Secondary Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer - alongside a Senior Building Representative (SBR) representing each of our buildings. Additionally, an Affiliate-at-Large Representative contributes to our leadership.
In conjunction with our Executive Board, the Representative Council convenes regularly. This council is composed of our Executive Board members and an elected Representative (Rep) to represent every 15 teachers within a building (where the SBR is then elected from this body of Reps).
"Together, we ensure the voices of our educators are heard and valued in every decision made."
Meet the Executive Board
Together, we are stronger, and together, we will continue to make a difference in the lives of teachers and students alike.
Welcome to the heart of our union - the Executive Board. Comprising of dedicated leaders elected by our members and representing the diverse voices of our teaching community, the Executive Board serves as the guiding force behind our union's mission and vision.
With unwavering commitment, our board members uphold the values of fairness, equity, and solidarity, working tirelessly to advocate for the rights and well-being of educators. From negotiating collective bargaining agreements to spearheading initiatives for professional growth, the Executive Board is at the forefront of empowering teachers and shaping the future of education.
Their role extends beyond governance; they are the bridge between our members and the wider educational community, fostering collaboration, and ensuring our collective voice is heard. Through strategic planning, advocacy efforts, and compassionate leadership, the Executive Board stands as a beacon of strength and unity, dedicated to creating a supportive and thriving environment for all teachers.
Robbyn McCauley
President
Hi! My name is Robbyn McCauley and I am so proud to be the MTA President. I started my work with the union as a Twin Towers Union Representative, moving to senior building representative for years and then I worked as the MTA Vice President for two terms. As I start my 22nd year as a special education teacher, I am so grateful to have been honored with the additional privilege of serving as the MTA President. I've seen firsthand the dedication, creativity and commitment of our teachers and all those that fall under our collective bargaining agreement, each and every day and it is my goal as president to be a strong voice for all of us. On a personal note, my partner and I got married this summer! We share our time between Newburgh and Brooklyn, doing lots of traveling, cooking and spending time with our family and friends. I am also a yoga instructor which has brought me incredible pleasure and experience on knowing when to pause and just breathe. It is all of these experiences that have led me to be the MTA President and I am incredibly excited for the work we will do together. Always remember, we are stronger together!
Jenn Mathias
Elementary Vice- President
Hey there! My name is Jenn Mathias and I am your current Elementary Vice President for the MTA. I previously served as a Senior building Representative for 4 years prior to this position and I am looking forward to meeting and working with more of you during this upcoming school year! I am also going into my 12th year teaching 4th grade ELA at William A. Carter Elementary. When I am not busy with school or union business, I enjoy spending my time with a good book, traveling, hiking, running, or cuddling on the couch with my pups for some good binge-worthy shows. If anyone is ever in need of anything that I can assist with, please reach out to me at: jennmathmta@gmail.com
Jen Kinney
Secondary Vice- President
Hi Friends! My name Jen Kinney and I'm so proud to serve as your Secondary Vice President! I have been involved in the MTA since I earned tenure back in 2016, first as a member of the representative council, then as the Senior Building Representative of the High School for 5 years. I have also been serving as the Membership Chairperson since 2019. I am entering my 13th year at MHS teaching Special Education Social Studies and serving as the Special Education department chair at MHS. When I'm not working for our union, I enjoy spending time with my sisters, my niece and nephew and my two cats. I love to travel, cook, binge a good show and see live theater. If you need me for anything, please reach out: jenkinneymta@gmail.com
Shari DeLeon
Treasurer
Hello! I’m Shari DeLeon, and I’m proud to serve as the Treasurer of the MTA. As a math teacher in Middletown for the past 23 years, teaching has been more than a career, it has been a passion and a calling.For 18 years, I had the privilege of representing and advocating for my fellow educators as the Building Representative and Senior Building Representative at Monhagen Middle School. Today, I’m honored to continue that commitment in my role as Treasurer. Being an active and engaged member of our union remains incredibly important to me because I believe strongly in supporting, advocating for, and empowering our fellow educators. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve our members and contribute to the strength of our union.Outside of my professional life, my family is at the heart of everything I do. I cherish spending time with my family, whether we’re exploring new places together or simply enjoying a quiet day at home. Those moments are truly special to me. When it’s time to unwind after a long day, one of my favorite things to do is curl up on the couch, watch a good movie, and snuggle with my fur baby. It’s my favorite way to reset, relax, and recharge.
Jill Wagner
Secretary
Hi! My name is Jill Wagner and I am thrilled to be the Secretary for the MTA. This is my 4th year in Middletown as the Library Media Specialist for Twin Towers Middle School. Prior to coming to Middletown, I worked for 10 years in both school and public libraries. When I'm not trying to get books into the hands of middle schoolers and working for our union, I love running, hiking, reading and spending time with my husband and kids. Recently, I started teaching myself how to crochet, which has become an obsession! I look forward to working with you all this school year. Feel free to reach out to me any time at jillwmta@gmail.com
Matthew Branford
High School Senior Building Rep
I am honored to serve as the Senior Building Rep for Middletown High School.
In the past I have served the MTA as Senior Building Rep for the High School and Vice President. In addition, I have served as the Political Action Coordinator for the past three years. I enjoy music, attending live shows, and playing guitar. I live in Kingston with my wife Deirdre, who teaches Global History II at Kingston HS, and my kids, Dylan and Delaney.
Kenneth Vargas
Monhagen Senior Building Rep
Hi! My name is Ken Vargas and I am proud to serve as the Senior Building Rep for Monhagen Middle School. I have taught General Music for 7 years and served as a union representative for 2 years, but I have been involved with this school district for my whole life. I grew up in Middletown and I am very honored to work with some of the teachers that helped raise me. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and going out to the movies. I love going on long drives, jamming out to music, and going out to The Olde Erie for Monhagen’s monthly “Book Club”. If anyone needs to contact me, please reach out to me at: kenvargasmta@gmail.com
Amanda Mita
Twin Towers Senior Building Rep
My name is Amanda Mita, and I am excited to begin my first year as a Senior Building Representative for the MTA. I have been teaching in Middletown since 2006 and currently teach orchestra at Twin Towers Middle School. Union involvement has always been meaningful to me. My dad was a union president, so I grew up seeing firsthand the importance of having a strong union and people willing to advocate for their colleagues. I’m looking forward to becoming more involved, connecting with more of our members, and serving my colleagues in this new role. When I’m not at school, I love spending time with my family and our yellow lab. During the summers, you can usually find us traveling and camping around the country in our rooftop tent. Some of my favorite adventures have taken us to Grand Teton, Yosemite, and Shenandoah National Parks. Staying active is a big part of my life, and I’m happiest when I’m moving—whether that’s out on a trail or working out at home. I also enjoy yoga, baking, and, of course, making music!
Bridget Kennedy
Maple Hill Senior Building Rep
Hi I'm Bridget Kennedy and I am an ENL teacher at Maple Hill Elementary. I'm excited to take on the role of senior building representative and to have the opportunity to support and advocate for my colleagues. This is my fifth year teaching in the district and my second year as an MTA representative. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, relaxing at the beach, adn exploring farmers markets and craft fairs throughout the Hudson Valley. I'm looking forward to connecting with and supporting our school community in this new role!
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Francine Santos
Maple Hill Annex Senior Building Rep
Hi! I am Francine Santos, and I am proud to serve as the first senior building representative at Maple Hill Annex at Truman Moon Elementary School. I am currently a second grade special education teacher beginning my fourth year as a Middletown teacher after many years of working as an early childhood special education teacher. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and going out to dinner. I am looking forward to a great successful year working with the union and our members at The Annex!
Sarah Smith
Presidential Park Senior Building Rep
Hello! As PPE's new senior building representative, I look forward to empowering our members. Being an ENL teacher, I am enthusiastic about literacy and am an avid reader. I also love to cook (and eat) delicious foods as well as travel with my family and friends. Coming from a family of union members and supporters, I feel proud to move forward in my journey of supporting the MTA.
Sandhya Torres
William Carter Senior Building Rep
Hi! My name is Sandhya Torres. I have been a union rep for 7 years and this will be my first year as Senior Building Rep at William A. Carter. I am a 5th grade teacher and currently in my 20th year of teaching. When I'm not at work, I'm hanging out with the most important people in my life, my 12 year old twin boys and my husband. We are big fans of family game nights, movie nights, and watching the Knicks. My favorite way to unwind is to listen to music and sip some beverages. My email is storresmta@gmail.com. Wishing everyone a wonderful school year!
