Keynote speaker Donna Brazile meets a delegation from the Syracuse Teachers Association. From left: Vanessa Ryder, Megan Brody, STA President Kate McKenna, Brazile and Karen Blue.

NYSUT officers Maria Neira, Dick Iannuzzi and Kathleen Donahue, greet Education Commissioner Richard Mills.

Barbara Smith, an Albany Common Council member, listens during the packed session for the keynote address. At right is Candy Stroud of the Binghamton Teachers Association, a NYSUT Board member.

Pedro Noguera signs a copy of his book for Nicole Williams of the United Federation of Teachers.

Ahmes Askia of the National Urban Alliance talks over achievement issues with Tom Rogers, executive director of the state Council of School Superintendents.

Richard Rothstein, right, with Norm Fruchter of the Annenberg Institute.

The Business Council's Margarita Mayo, a member of the board of Brighter Choice Charter Schools in Albany, talks with Antonia Cortese, executive vice president of the American Federation of Teachers.

Urban education expert Ron Ferguson.

Jeff Lovell (left), secretary to the Senate Finance Committee, applauds the introduction of Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings (center).

Lee Cutler of NYSUT's Board of Directors with Angelo Dorta, right, president of the Vermont-NEA.

NYSUT Secretary-Treasurer Ivan Tiger, left, chats with Karen Fox and John Spadafora of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce.

John Reilly, chairman of the board of Albany’s KIPP Tech Valley Charter School, was impressed by the quality of the symposium's speakers.

Regent Joseph Bowman was among those representing the state's education policy-making board.

Long Islanders Louise Gravina of Copiague TA and Pamela Furline of Hempstead Classroom TA share a "brilliant idea" at a workshop.

Carolyn Dodd, president of the Amityville TA local on Long Island, listens to the discussion.

Luis Reyes of New York City leads a workshop on raising achievement for English language learners.