NYSUT REACTS TO STEINER'S RESIGNATION
ALBANY, N.Y. April 7, 2011 - New York State United Teachers President Richard C. Iannuzzi today issued the following statement in response to the resignation of State Education Commissioner David Steiner:
"We have a great deal of respect for Commissioner Steiner as an educator and we wish him well. We are confident he will move into a position that is personally and professionally satisfying for him. We trust the state Education Department and Board of Regents will work on a good transition and search process during this very critical time, when the department must make monumental decisions that will impact education in New York state for decades. There must be no break in the state's efforts to concentrate on the needs of students and the needs of schools. That's what we will be looking for."
STATEMENTS REGARDING DEPARTURE OF EDUCATION COMMISSIONER DAVID STEINER
Commissioner David Steiner: As the end of the school year and the legislative session approaches, I am immensely proud of the reforms we've achieved -- guiding New York's successful Race to the Top application, designing a new teacher and school leader evaluation system, reforming teacher preparation and certification and implementing a tough re-setting of our 3-8 tests. With the anticipated approval of a final teacher evaluation program in the coming months, I have informed Chancellor Tisch and members of the Board of Regents that I intend to leave the State Education Department later this year. Together we will begin to plan for a seamless transition.
Chancellor Merryl H. Tisch: We recruited David because he is one of America's leading education reform visionaries, and as Commissioner he has delivered - leading New York's successful Race to the Top application and guiding this department through an amazing array of reforms. As he approaches the end of his second legislative session and second school year as Commissioner, he has informed me of his desire to return to a role outside of state government where he can continue to champion reform. I know he is weighing a number of exciting options. In the weeks to come the Board will begin an orderly transition and continue to move forward with our reform agenda.
UFT STATEMENT REGARDING DEPARTURE OF SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR CATHIE BLACK
Regarding Cathie Black's departure, UFT President Michael Mulgrew said: "The city now has the opportunity to rethink its failed educational strategy. It should use this occasion to change its approach by emphasizing real learning, rather than test prep; to focus on fixing schools rather than closing them; and to stop making decisions based on ideology and to start really listening to the parents and teachers who know what the kids in our schools need." SEE THE VIDEO