Member Testimonials

Frank

WCTFCU Member since 1978

School: Oxford, Monroe & Waterbury Districts
Position: Retired
Years in Education: 40 years

What did you LOVE about Teaching?

"That every day was unique, educational and fulfilling."

Why did you join WCTFCU?

"They were the most accommodating and reasonable lending institution that I had ever been associated with. Their Customer Service is second to none." 

How have you used WCTFCU?

Teaching Pro-Tip:

"Whenever kids do or say things that are funny, laugh if you can - it will be good for you and for them.  Laughter is a great mediator. "

Teresa

WCTFCU Member since 1994

School: Waterbury Public Schools

Position: Retired

Years in Education: 27 years

What do you LOVE about Teaching?

"When a student breaks into a smile and says, 'I got it! Mrs. Skurkis, you made it easy.' There is nothing better than that."

Why did you join WCTFCU?

"At the age of 42, I was facing my very first teaching job, mountains of debt, and a divorce. The Credit Union provided the guidance that changed my financial future."

How have you used WCTFCU?

Teaching Pro-Tip:

"Every single day you will have an opportunity to make a child's life better. Don't let one of these opportunities pass by."

Jon

WCTFCU Member since 2021

School: Ponus Ridge Middle School, Norwalk

Position: Band Director

Years in Education: 14 years

What do you LOVE about Teaching?

"I love knowing that everyday I have the chance to change the world for the better."

Why did you join WCTFCU?

"Great interest rate on balance transfers, and outstanding customer service."

How have you used WCTFCU?

Teaching Pro-Tip:

"People are not products and education is not a contest. We are in the business of enriching the human spirit."

Howard

WCTFCU Member since 1993

School: Bunker Hill Elementary School, Waterbury
Position: 2nd Grade Teacher
Years in Education: 35 years

What do you LOVE about Teaching?

"I love being a positive male role model for my students. I am always there for them, and finding ways to bond with them. I was honored to be named the 2020 Bunker Hill School Teacher of the Year."

Why did you join WCTFCU?

"It was a great opportunity to set myself up to reach my financial goals."

How have you used WCTFCU?

"I have used the credit union to buy a new car and plan my retirement. I served as Bunker Hill School’s WCTFCU Ambassador; to share the wonderful opportunities the credit union has to offer with my colleagues."

Teaching Pro-Tip:

"I always greet my students with a friendly smile and make eye contact with them to make them feel valued and respected in my classroom."

Nilda

WCTFCU Member since 2003
WCTFCU Supervisory Committee Member since 2019

School: Rogers Park Middle School, Danbury
Position: English Language Arts (ELA) Teacher
Years in Education: 18 years

What do you LOVE about Teaching?

"I love helping students engage in writing, reading, and communication; I love fostering a love of learning."

Why did you join WCTFCU?

"It is an opportunity to keep track of my money and start making smart money moves. It helped as I started to handle my personal finances & rebuild my credit - as a new teacher right out of college."

How have you used WCTFCU?

"In order to have specific checking and savings accounts, which I have given nicknames to (in my online banking), so that I focus on its purpose. "

Teaching Pro-Tip:

"A) Be open to constant change.  B) We're stronger together; being active and engaged in the Union is a great way to be connected with the rest of the teaching community."

Lysa

WCTFCU Member since 2003

School: Trumbull High School
Position: Transition Coordinator
Years in Education: 18 years

What do you LOVE about Teaching?

"My students especially when they have shining moments!"

Why did you join WCTFCU?

"It’s not just a wonderful organization, but a community – I feel that I am a valued member and I know that my financial matters are secure and safe."

How have you used WCTFCU?

"I have used the credit union to purchase previous vehicles as well as refinanced my mortgage. They always have the absolute BEST rates!"

Teaching Pro-Tip:

"Talk to everyone in your school community!"

Mike

WCTFCU Member since 2002

School: Naugatuck School District
Position: Special Education Coordinator
Years in Education: 24 years

What do you LOVE about Teaching?

"Knowing that I am helping students become as independent as possible on their journey after high school. Many of my students go on to full-time employment, Armed Services, and/or college."

Why did you join WCTFCU?

"Referred by another teacher. Best financial decision I've made."

How have you used WCTFCU?

"I used WCTFCU for my mortgages, all of my cars since 2002, a jet ski, refinancing & HELOC."

Teaching Pro-Tip:

"Have tough skin, and a kind heart."

Donna

WCTFCU Member since 2015

School: John Trumbull Primary School, Watertown
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Years in Education: 37 years

What do you LOVE about Teaching?

"I love my students; they are my pride and joy! The best part about teaching is seeing the growth made over the school year!"

Why did you join WCTFCU?

"To assist in my savings. I especially love that they support teachers daily!"

How have you used WCTFCU?

"To save towards my retirement years!"

Teaching Pro-Tip:

"The best teaching tip that I can offer is; smile and enjoy your students! You need to love what you do; it will reflect in your students' progress!"

Ryan

WCTFCU Member since 1995

School: Waterbury Career Academy
Position: Teacher / Athletic Director
Years in Education: 20 years

What do you LOVE about Teaching?

"I love building the relationships with students and helping them reach their potential."

Why did you join WCTFCU?

"My family has been WCTFCU Members for years, and I heard many good things about it!"

How have you used WCTFCU?

"For multiple Auto Loans, and I refinanced my home through WCTFCU."

Teaching Pro-Tip:

"Challenge your students. Push them to bring out their best and inspire them to succeed!"

Elizabeth

WCTFCU Member since 1987

Schools: Tyler Middle School, Holy Cross High School
Position: retired, School Counselor
Years in Education: 37 (Tyler/25, Holy Cross/12)

What do you LOVE about working in Education?

It encompasses so much! I experienced such fulfillment as a counselor, at Tyrrell Middle School. To be there for these students who so needed 'that someone' was a perfect fit for me. Working at Holy Cross High School enabled me to reach students when so many influences affect them. I love getting to know so many wonderful students & hopefully making a difference. I cherish memories of giving students hope for their future, when others have told them they would never make it. One such student became a phenomenal teacher, who went on to make a difference for his students in so many ways. Working together and sharing in the growth of our students was a gift. We were all working together as a team trying to find that one thing that would inspire our students. Being an Educator is a vocation.  

Why did you join WCTFCU?

It is an organization of colleagues that supports me in various ways.

Tips for others?

The most beautiful part of our “job” is that we inspire, support & protect our students.  It is a career in which one is constantly growing and learning. We learn from our mistakes and are rewarded by that child who succeeds when they thought they couldn’t.

Steven

WCTFCU Member since 2009

School: Farmingville Elementary School, Ridgefield K-5
Position: Special Physical Education Teacher
Years in Education: 16 years

What do you LOVE about Teaching?

"I love to see the growth in all my students throughout their elementary school years."

Why did you join WCTFCU?

"I wanted to be a part of an organization that helps teachers. Great loans."

How have you used WCTFCU?

"Car loans, personal loans, and saving accounts."

Teaching Pro-Tip:

"To Teach is to Touch Lives Forever. Always stay positive."

Maria

WCTFCU Member since 1997

School: Chase Elementary School
Position: 1st Grade Teacher
Years in Education: 23 years

What do you LOVE about Teaching?

"One thing I love is teaching students how to set a goal, and work hard in everything you do. Practicing a good work ethic while you are young will set the stage for future success."

Why did you join WCTFCU?

"I believed that becoming a Member would provide ways for me to reach my destiny and accomplish my own personal goals of owning my own home, and securing an affordable mortgage that allows me to live securely."

How have you used WCTFCU?

"I invested in my future, by applying for a loan with an affordable mortgage rate. I now own my dream home! I set my goals, and with hard work WCTFCU helped me achieve them."

Tom

WCTFCU Member since 2012

School: Holy Cross High School
Position: Principal
Years in Education: 21 years

What do you LOVE about Teaching?

"The best part of my job is the day-to-day process, good times and bad, with the kids. My education was so important in my life, and I don't mean just the classroom experience. It was the people, the relationships, the wondering, the exploration. I always felt at home in that environment."

Why did you join WCTFCU?

"My friend informed me of the collegiality of the people working at the Credit Union, and the advantageous rates for educators; for loans, cars, tuition, etc.."

How have you used WCTFCU?

"For me, and my family, to pursue goals and fulfill needs as the years have gone on."

Althea

WCTFCU Member since 2012

School: Great Plains Elementary School
Position: 5th Grade Teacher
Years Teaching: 14 years

What do you LOVE about Teaching?

"I love connecting with my students and seeing that 'Aha Moment' when they figure out a problem."

Teaching Pro-Tip

"Always bring humor to the classroom. It makes learning fun."

Why did you join WCTFCU?

"I became a WCTFCU Member because of the low APR that was offered, and that my whole family could join. I like being able to talk to an in-school WCTFCU representative about my finances, when they come to my school."

How have you used WCTFCU?

"I use WCTFCU for both my checking & savings, as well as personal and car loans. I got the best deals in town!"

Sandy

WCTFCU Member since 2014

School: Westside Middle School Academy
Position: Administrative Assistant
Years in Education: 9 years

What do you LOVE about Teaching?

"Even though I am not a certified teacher, I still get to teach the kids about kindness, responsibility and respect. I love to watch them come in as 6th graders & leave as young adults by their 8th grade year.."

Pro-Tip

"Be Kind!"

Why did you join WCTFCU?

"As a single parent, I wanted to consolidate my credit cards, and WCTFCU did an amazing job helping me out with that."

How have you used WCTFCU?

"Keeping my staff up-to-date with what WCTFCU has to offer."

Rachel

WCTFCU Member since 2018

School: Stadley Rough Elementary
Position: Kindergarten Teacher
Years Teaching: 5 years

What do you LOVE about Teaching?

"The kids! 100%. I do, what I do, because I love working with my kids and helping them grow."

Teaching Pro-Tip

"Find a Teacher Squad and hold onto them tightly. They understand and will get you through!"

Why did you join WCTFCU?

"I needed a bank that would help me save money without a ton of fees."

How have you used WCTFCU?

"I used WCTFCU for my auto Loan and I opened a CD!"

Maureen

WCTFCU Member since 2016

School: East Ridge Middle School
Position: Social Studies Teacher
Years Teaching: 14 years

What do you LOVE about Teaching?

"I love the interactions and dynamics of the students."

Teaching Pro-Tip

"Be patient and be kind. I always remember I am teaching students for life, not for life, not just the year."

Why did you join WCTFCU?

"I became a Member because I believe in the power of a Credit Union. Members working together to support each other, and their financial needs are very important. The CU Members help each other by the power of our numbers. WCTFCU is able to offer great rates and the staff are so personable & welcoming. They remind me of the small town bank I used as a child."

How have you used WCTFCU?

"I use WCTFCU for a checking and a savings account. We have several loans through the CU including Car Loans, Parent Plus Loans, and a Home Equity Loan. My children also have accounts with WCTFCU."

Trent

WCTFCU Member since 2015

School: Newtown High School
Position:Teacher; Freshman Earth Science, and Jr/Sr Oceanography & Astronomy
Years Teaching: 20 years

What do you LOVE about Teaching?

"The 'Oooooooooh! Moment'. That moment when the student 'gets it'. Sometimes it happens in class, school or years after they graduate."

Teaching Pro-Tip

"Find one thing students will remember you for, and OWN IT! I wear Hawaiian shirts every day. It's my thing!"

Why did you join WCTFCU?

"A tight knit community that is there to help us. Employees take their time to get to know you & are connected with our financial needs. It is a people-first banking institution."

How have you used WCTFCU?

Theresa

WCTFCU Member since 2007

School: RMT Johnson Elementary School
Position: 4th Grade Teacher
Years Teaching: 14 years

What do you LOVE about Teaching?

"I always loved working with children. I knew since I was in 1st Grade, that I wanted to be a teacher. I love being able to use my creativity to inspire and educate others."

Teaching Pro-Tip

"If you are expecting or having a child, look into a WCTFCU Head-Start Savings Account. It's a great way to get a college account started."

Why did you join WCTFCU?

"When my husband (also a teacher) and I were married in 2008, we opened up an account at WCTFCU because they have the best benefits for teachers.."

How have you used WCTFCU?

"For all our financial needs!"

Suzanne

WCTFCU Member since 2010

School: Sprague Elementary School
Position: First Grade Teacher
Years Teaching: 19 years

What do you LOVE about Teaching?

"Making a difference!"

Teaching Pro-Tip

"Go in everyday with the attitude that you can make a difference!"

Why did you join WCTFCU?

"The Personal Service!"

How have you used WCTFCU?

"Car Loan, Visa Credit Card, Savings & Checking Accounts. Both my children have accounts also."