Teachers receive recognition day
NYSUT Vice President Kathleen Donahue observes a class in progress during a recent visit to Eastern Suffolk BOCES. Standing, from left, are BOCES principal Kevin Crofton; Vincent Lyons, staff director of NYSUT's Suffolk Regional Office; and Donahue, whose office oversees BOCES issues for NYSUT. Photo by Miller Photography.
While New York has long recognized a state teacher of the year, this year the celebration is expanded to include all of the Empire State's teachers.
Gov. Paterson last month signed a bill establishing every first Tuesday in May as "New York State Teacher Day" — the first such statewide recognition for teachers as a group.
"The governor's signature on this bill memorializes New York's commitment to its teachers," said NYSUT President Dick Iannuzzi. "Their daily contributions to our students will now be honored annually."
The first week of May is recognized annually by the national Parent Teacher Association as Teacher Appreciation Week.
The teacher recognition bill was co-sponsored by two Syracuse-area legislators, Sen. James DeFrancisco and Assemblyman William Magnarelli.
"In addition to inspiring a quest for knowledge, our teachers serve as role models for our children during their formative years," said NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin. "For years we have recognized individual teachers through the state 'Teacher of the Year' program. In passing this legislation, the state is recognizing all of our teachers for the great work they do in our schools and communities."