Cortese lauded for leadership, advocacy

April 9, 2005

RA delegates Friday roared their appreciation and pride in Antonia Cortese, who is fighting the good fight for education in our nation's capital.

In a special order of business, the RA recognized the dedication and service of Cortese, now executive vice president of the American Federation of Teachers and one of the founders of NYSUT. Delegates gave Cortese a powerful ovation after watching a video portraying her legacy as a NYSUT vice president for three decades.

Cortese's vision shaped the growth of the union's Division of Research and Educational Services into a national exemplar of educational policy and professional development. President Tom Hobart called Cortese "probably the

No. 1 authority on assessments in the nation."

Board member Lee Cutler of the Nanuet TA credited Cortese with "restoring my faith in public education, leading a movement to do what's best for children, not just for the bureaucratic system."

Cortese, who also had oversight of New York Teacher operations, was the former president of the Rome Teachers Association in Central New York.

The resolution noted that Cortese, "has for more than 30 years of dedicated unionism flexed her intellect, strength and advocacy to advance the lives of children, educators and working women and men."