In a historic stop at NYSUT Headquarters, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan thanked NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi, Vice President Maria Neira and assembled teachers, administrators and other partners for their "tremendous courage, tremendous leadership and a real commitment to changing the status quo" to do what's best for students.

NYSUT's bold leadership in codifying principles for excellence has been acknowledged as visionary - even by anti-union critics- and makes it clear that we are at the table defining excellence in our professions. The principles guide NYSUT's active education policy that calls for a quality education for every child.

NYSUT worked to shape a new plan for teacher and principal effectiveness - one that, for the first time, defines a system of continual professional growth supported by meaningful evaluations and professional development.