2025 Representative Assembly Wrap-Up

The 2025 Representative Assembly kicked off with a two-day pre-RA Local and Retiree Council Presidents Conference, where leaders dove into a variety of pressing topics through a series of sessions and panels.

These sessions included updates on everything from distraction-free learning environments and SRP mentoring to parental leave, along with updates from the State Education Department on issues from COVID-19 funds to state testing. 

Retirees got into the action with their annual flash mob on the exhibition hall floor.  

NYSUT’s executive team took to the stage to give updates on the past year and inspire members with messages of hope and action. Get caught up on their speeches below.

President Melinda Person 

Executive Vice President Jaime Ciffone  

Second Vice President Ron Gross  

Secretary-Treasurer J. Philippe Abraham  

NYSUT members at the RA heard from the students they serve as well, including SUNY Brockport senior and student government president Tenin Sidmea, who spoke about how education opens the doors of opportunity for all.  

NYSUT delegates passed dozens of resolutions over the course of the RA. Included in those was a resolution stating that “One Job Should Be Enough.” The resolution is focused on School-Related Professionals and asserts that every job deserves to be paid a living wage.

Delegates also passed two resolutions from the NYSUT Board aimed at protecting public schools, colleges and universities from unwarranted attacks, including from the federal government and funding cuts. These resolutions highlight the importance of a higher education system where ideas can be presented and challenged freely, instead of suppression.

Each day brought new highlights for delegates to see. From new locals speaking to the RA for the first time, to teachers standing up for their students, to the work NYSUT has done on distraction-free schools, social justice and it was a celebration of the work the union has done over the past year.

More on NYSUT’s past year was also published in a commemorative book highlighting the union’s legislative victories and advocacy on many fronts.  

NYSUT honored several award winners at the 2025 Representative Assembly, from Sandra Carner-Shafran and Zina Burton-Myrick, winners of “Not for Ourselves Alone:” The Sandy Feldman Outstanding Leadership Award, to the 2025 Teacher of the Year Colleen Keough, and many, many others.

See the full list of award winners and award winner videos here. 

NYSUT delegates also heard from a number of guest speakers, including AFT president Randi Weingarten, NEA president Becky Pringle, AFL-CIO President Mario Cilento, New York State Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and many others.

NYSUT set up its online store in-person for the RA and delegates could not get enough! Did you miss your chance at the RA? Not to worry, our online shop is still open!