Known for facilitating student success, he has developed a variety of field experiences designed to enhance student learning via hands-on science exploration. Jeff has motivated students to take part in science research and competitions and several of his pupils have won significant awards.

Currently a third vice president, Bianco has served on numerous negotiating teams, lending words of wisdom and creativity to get contracts settled. She is known for looking at the big picture and keeping her union vision clear and in the forefront.

When he returned to his alma mater Nassau Community College as a faculty member, he attended his first union meeting only to find his mentor was the president of the faculty association. He calls that his "union moment."

As a delegate to the NEA RA and the NYSUT RA, Peters has worked to broaden the state and national agendas to include school counselors and related educational professionals.

Starting back in 1985, Caulfield had worked in the summers helping the AFT organize locals throughout the country. Since his retirement, he has assisted the AFT in even more organizing activities and political campaigns.

Darwin has been an aggressive advocate for retiree benefits. She played a major role in energizing support for a pension COLA, not only on Long Island but also throughout the state.

Alongside Al Shanker, Swaim served on the first negotiating committee as "historian" and recorded all the official minutes. The negotiations yielded the first comprehensive collective bargaining agreement covering teachers anywhere in the United States - and spurred forward a national movement of teacher unionization.

Michele E. Brockner has been an elected officer in the Western Sullivan United Teachers and SRPs for 12 years, and is serving her second year as president.