With the union  - and indeed the state and nation  - on the move, more than 3,000 delegates are headed to New York City April 10-12 for NYSUT's 36th annual Representative Assembly.

In November, Americans will elect a new president and House of Representatives, and New Yorkers will elect legislators to serve in the Assembly and Senate. It's also a NYSUT election year; delegates will elect NYSUT officers and members of the Board of Directors.

"Like the RA theme proclaims, we are a union 'On the Move,'" said President Dick Iannuzzi. "The convention is a time to reflect on the achievements of the past year as well as set the course for the future so we continue our growth."

Delegates will hear from an impressive roster of speakers, including U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, American Federation of Teachers President Ed McElroy, National Education Association President Reg Weaver and NEA Vice President Dennis Van Roekel, state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, state Education Commissioner Richard Mills and Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith.

The convention will recognize members who have earned the union's most prestigious annual awards. The union will also be presenting its highest honor, the Albert Shanker Award for Distinguished Service, to the Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery. A minister and longtime civil rights leader, Lowery co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Delegates will consider 64 new resolutions. Topics range from calling for extending solidarity to educators in Peru and the people of Burma, to supporting the organizing efforts of packing workers in North Carolina.

Several resolutions deal with the No Child Left Behind Act, including high-stakes testing and performance pay proposals. Resolutions also call for equity in public school funding and support for "green" building projects and recycling programs in schools.

Delegates, who are elected by each local, are the policy-making body of the union. They will consider 24 resolutions for reaffirmation and one proposed amendment to the union's Constitution, which calls for additions to the NYSUT membership bill of rights.