NEW YORK , April 11, 2008 — Deborah Collier of Yonkers today was awarded New York State United Teachers' highest honor for leadership at the union's 36 th Representative Assembly in New York City.
Collier was presented with the "Not for Ourselves Alone:" The Sandy Feldman Outstanding Leadership Award, named in honor of the former American Federation of Teachers and United Federation of Teachers president, who succumbed to breast cancer in 2005. The award recognizes the contributions of women to the education union movement.
Collier began her career as a special education teacher 30 years ago in Yonkers. She is currently on special assignment with the Yonkers Public School District. Collier is vice president of special areas for the Yonkers Federation of Teachers and serves on numerous NYSUT and local committees.
"Deborah's commitment to service and leadership embodies what is at the heart of this lifetime achievement award," said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi. "Deborah has reached out to help others all over the country in organizing the Katrina Relief Fund, breast cancer walks and a hugely successful fundraiser for the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, which brought in $12,000."
"Sandy Feldman had very high standards for herself and for her service to the UFT and NYSUT and its members," added NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira. "Deborah's long history of commitment to our union and charitable service makes her an ideal recipient of this honor."
NYSUT represents more than 585,000 teachers, school-related professionals, academic and professional faculty in higher education professionals in education and health care and retirees. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.
-30-