ALBANY, N.Y. Oct. 1, 2009 - New York State United Teachers congratulated David Steiner on being sworn in today as state education commissioner and said the union is enthusiastic about partnering with the commissioner in moving New York forward to achieve "world class standards" for its students.
"We support Commissioner Steiner's commitment to ending the achievement gap and embracing world class standards for our students," said NYSUT President Richard C. Iannuzzi. "With more than 600,000 members, from pre-K through post-graduate, NYSUT is committed to continuing and accelerating the progress our students are making."
NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira, who attended today's swearing-in ceremony, said the Commissioner's focus on world-class standards "ensures that as we continue progress in ending the achievement gap for students who are struggling, we are at the same time moving New York toward the high standards needed to succeed in a global economy."
"We share his commitment, and we welcome the opportunity to build on what is working, to embrace innovation that advances student achievement and to partner with the Commissioner, the Regents and elected leaders to secure the resources teachers need," she said. Neira – who oversees NYSUT policy on professional and education issues – said, "We will work together to ensure that New York's schools and higher education institutions have the resources they need to create a world-class educational system."
Iannuzzi and Neira are scheduled to meet with Steiner tomorrow, Oct. 1.
NYSUT, the state's largest union, represents more than 600,000 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.