Who is Eric?

Eric Severson completed graduate studies in History at University of Connecticut. There he worked for 2 years as a Teaching Assistant. After graduating, Eric served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in West Africa (Mali). Eric earned his MS in Special Education at CUNY Brooklyn College. He has worked for fifteen years as special education teacher with a dual social studies license at Clara Barton High School. At Clara Barton, he has taught social studies, English and science and every type of setting including, but not limited to: Basic II, team teaching, self contained, general education and Advanced Placement. Eric was elected as Chapter leader at Clara Barton in May 2014. As a chapter leader, he has fought unfair investigations, mobilized members to protest Cuomo’s war on teachers, and won grievances on behalf of members who were not paid or were unfairly harassed and falsely accused. In 2020, Eric and Lydia were involved in filing a class action lawsuit against the NYC Department of Education for pushing a fast reopening of public schools during the pandemic.

Who is Johnny?

Johnathan Hinesley teaches at a K-8 School in the Bronx. He is a strong believer in the public education system in New York City and sees education as a way for people to rise up out of poverty and make a better life for themselves and their family. Through an educated populace we will create a better future. Johnathan believes that for education to work towards the greater good of society, teachers need a seat at the table and to be a part of the conversation when standards and curriculum are designed. NYC teachers need to band together and take back our union and make it work for us because we are the union.

Who is Lydia?

Lydia Howrilka teaches Social Studies in the New York City Department of Education current at Clara Barton High School. Lydia earned her Bachelor’s in History and Secondary Education from CUNY Hunter College. At CUNY Queens College, Lydia earned her Masters in History after writing a thesis on the history of the UFT and the grievance procedure.

Lydia has educated teachers one-on-one and at meetings how to file Freedom of Information Law requests both at the city level and State level against agencies like the NYPD, NYC DOE, NYSED, and SCI. She has supported teachers in seeking out supportive schools and have coached educators who found themselves under fire. Despite being retaliated consistently by the NYC Department of Education for being an activist, Lydia has fearlessly fought for teacher autonomy, equitable schools, and safe schools. In 2020, Eric and Lydia were involved in filing a class action lawsuit against the NYC Department of Education for pushing a fast reopening of public schools during the pandemic.