In his final address to the convention as education commissioner, Mills thanked NYSUT for being such a strong partner in efforts to raise standards and end the achievement gap. (With VIDEO).

We asked delegates to the Representative Assembly in Buffalo: "What does the convention theme 'Speak Up, Speak Out' mean to you?"

Inspirational leaders issue the call for convention delegates to "Speak Up, Speak Out."

Examples of excellence in teaching in the classrooms of NYSUT members across New York state.

View all of the photo updates to Flickr posted over the course of the convention.

Vickie Mike of the Horseheads Teachers Association is a high school Spanish teacher who uses hands-on learning and technology to engage her students.

When she's not attending to the needs of her middle-level students, Miriam Lynn of Nyack Teachers Association is volunteering her services to sick children across the world.

Richard Miller began his teaching career in 1958. During those days of the union's development and fight for recognition, he participated in the organizing effort. He distinguished himself as an activist, organizer and leader during the 1960 strike.

Arlene Hanley of the Rochester Association of Paraprofessionals is a longtime SRP advocate who serves as a NYSUT state Employees' Retirement System consultant in the Rochester regional office.

Carol Herb is a problem-solver and delivers results. She has served as chapter president of the Monroe-Woodbury Employees Association and as a delegate and second vice president of the Monroe-Woodbury Teachers Association since 1995.

Thomas Matthews' service to higher education and unionism began in the 1970s and continues today.

Those nominating Donlon for the award call her "an outstanding leader and her work, always, is for the benefit of others."

In her union work, Shelvy Young-Abrams led campaigns to prevent injuries on the job for paraprofessionals; the result was the UFT Workers Compensation Project.