Former Paterson teachers’ union chief lauded by Passaic County freeholder

Peter Tirri, a friend and teacher who is retiring, was given a proclamation by the Freeholders for his hard work and dedication as a teacher and leader of the Paterson Education Association.

I have known Peter for years, but it was not until the Freeholders and I signed his award that I realized how much he had accomplished. It just goes to show, that we never know what we truly have until it is gone.

Peter has been a teacher in Paterson since 1969. While serving as a teacher, he volunteered his time on numerous boards and commissions such as the Paterson and Passaic Education Association, New Jersey Board of Examiners, and Montclair University’s Education Policy Committee.

Peter has always defended teachers. As the President of the Paterson Education Association he served on every negotiation team, and has secured some of the strongest contracts that benefitted teachers, and helped improve the conditions of school facilities.

Now that Peter is retiring, people are taking the time to reflect on his accomplishments, myself included. As a Freeholder, a teacher, and as a friend, I want to give a heartfelt thank you to Peter Tirri for everything he has done for teachers and students in Passaic County.

Cassandra “Sandi” Lazzara
Passaic County Freeholder

MarquinhoGaucho

All that great work and sacrifice down the drain with that last contract. 5 years down the drain and he allowed divide and conquer tactics pitting BA against people with Masters. No increments, lost steps, a rigged voting process. Paterson teachers had 6 years of consecutive salary cuts. No wonder Paterson lost so much talent during the negotiations and aftermath from disgust and desire for a livable wage. I heard they cancelled his retirement dinner because no one signed up.