Launching his second term as NYSUT president, Dick Iannuzzi brought delegates to their feet with a passionate address defining union leadership in action.

"Leadership," Iannuzzi said, "is difficult to define but simple to recognize."

Central to Iannuzzi's speech was the story of Kay and Steve White — president and chief negotiator, respectively, of the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES TA — as a shining example of the "quiet but decisive leadership we all strive for." (See related article)

In a 25-minute speech interrupted a dozen times by applause and ending in a standing ovation, Iannuzzi spoke with emotion about leveling the educational playing field by attacking the gap's root cause: poverty.

"We must address creating high expectations for all students," he said. "We must address pre-K, early-childhood education and class size. And we must address the ludicrous language of NCLB. We must address health care, housing, nutrition and a living wage."

Equal opportunity

Iannuzzi saluted delegates for their leadership, and for sharing what he called "our moral obligation" to ensure that all children are provided an equal opportunity to learn.

Returning to a theme he sounded during NYSUT's "Every Child Counts" achievement gap symposium last fall in Albany, Iannuzzi contrasted his grandchildren's opportunities with those of his former students in Central Islip.

"Surveys and research tell us that my three grandsons are likely to be on what I call the 'safe side' of the achievement gap," Iannuzzi said, noting how his grandkids live in one of Long Island's finest school districts, have access to quality preschool and benefit from the undivided attention and deep devotion of extended family.

By contrast, Iannuzzi recalled the obstacles encountered by three former students from a high-poverty district on Long Island, where he taught for 34 years.

Jose, he said, was one of "the brightest boys" in his fourth-grade class. But health and psychological issues led to struggles with addiction. Meanwhile, Billy, a product of a gang-infested environment, is in prison. And Tyneisha — forced to raise her siblings in poverty after the death of their mother — eventually found herself in an abusive relationship that cost her her own life before age 25.

Iannuzzi — his voice cracking as the audience gasped at Tyneisha's story — said her struggle in particular has "haunted" him. "She had everything to offer — and every hurdle to overcome," he said.

He looked out at the delegates and said: "It is our moral obligation to demand equal educational opportunities for all — I repeat all — our children."

Despite the challenge the achievement gap presents, Iannuzzi said, NYSUT — thanks to its local leadership — continues to move forward. "Leadership is an honor and responsibility each of you share," Iannuzzi told the delegates.

The re-elected president thanked the delegates for their continued support and their "willingness to allow me to continue to lead our great union — all 600,000 strong."