My summer reading was The Shame of the Nation by Jonathan Kozol. This is the book that NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi cited in a column he wrote for New York Teacher last school year.

In the column, Iannuzzi repeated his support for closing the achievement gap in New York state. It was a pledge he made at the end of 2005, following an education "summit" convened by the state education commissioner to consider the negative implications of the achievement gap on our students and our society.

I understood President Iannuzzi's support to mean the nearly 600,000 members he represents. I understood it to mean you, and I understood it to mean me. The achievement gap and the racism that surrounds it is an issue in which I immersed myself as I completed my doctoral research. I've spent the last 10 years of my life studying racism in education and I have read countless studies, articles and books - any research I could get my hands on regarding racism and racism's impact on education.

I found Kozol's book to be very powerful and certainly applicable to our work in Central Islip, because he specifically cites various Long Island school districts throughout the book.

I feel strongly compelled to share with you that Kozol's work should stir you to your core. His work should strike a chord in any educator working in a school where an achievement gap exists.

Here is my message to all of us in education: Throughout this year, examine for yourself where your educational issues lie.

Examine for yourself where your areas of weakness are. Examine what improvements you can make for the children whose lives depend on you.

Think critically about what you can do, with the help of your fellow union membership and leadership, to close the gap in your district; to be the person who makes the difference, rather than the excuse.

We have before us the incredible opportunity to change lives this year. This is why we teach, isn't it? Every September, we are given a fresh start and another chance to do it better.

The achievement gap looms. Stand up and be the support our NYSUT president has pledged. Make your classroom and your school what Kozol refers to as a "treasured place," a place of learning and joy for all our children. Work hard and have your best year ever. Nothing less will do.

Barbara Leshinger is secretary of the Central Islip Teachers Association. This commentary originally appeared in the local's September newsletter.