Iannuzzi takes NYSUT's helm

From 4th-grade teacher to union president

April 12, 2005

RELATED STORY: Delegates elect officers, board

Richard Iannuzzi stood at the brink of union history and the pinnacle of his professional life Saturday and reflected on a trio of 9-year-olds who touched his heart.

Shortly after Iannuzzi was unanimously elected as only the second president in the 33-year history of New York State United Teachers, he delivered a powerful address to delegates, recounting his journey from fourth-grade teacher to union president.

Just 10 months ago, he led his Central Islip class of eager fourth-graders on a field trip to the Fire Island Lighthouse, finding renewed affirmation of who he is and what he cares about.

NYSUT's new leader recounted how, on that warm June day, he helped a child from an immigrant family learn something about her new land; encouraged another young girl to overcome her fear of heights and brought a smile to the face of a third youngster whose mother - a single parent - was battling cancer for a second time.

"They are my experiences as a fourth-grade teacher. But they might as well be your experiences," Iannuzzi said in his acceptance speech. "Each of these young ladies at various stages during their lives will be helped by the professionals who are members of this union - the professionals you labor to represent every day."

Whether they are teachers or school-related professionals, work in higher ed or in health care, NYSUT members "rise to the daily challenge of meeting the needs of those in their care, often while overcoming the great hardships that result from unfair budget cuts and fewer and fewer staff," he said.

Central Islip TA delegates react to the news of the election.

In a speech punctuated by repeated applause and ovations, Iannuzzi thanked his family for their sacrifices, especially his wife, Joanne, "whose willingness to continue to sacrifice so that I might chase my dreams is a strength far superior to anything I have to offer. "

He pledged to work tirelessly to earn the trust and confidence of each of the union's 525,000 members. Rather than laying out an ambitious agenda, Iannuzzi said he wanted to tell delegates of the experiences that have made him who he is. He reflected on challenges he has faced as a longtime union leader - negotiating contracts, filing grievances and "facing countless phone messages from members who knew their union was the right place to turn." He told of walking a picket line and going on strike, not knowing what would happen but "knowing that it was the right thing to do.

"Who I am today is who you are - a NYSUT member and a union leader fighting to protect and advance the needs of our constituents," Iannuzzi said. The audience murmured in agreement as he described how each morning, "like you, I rushed out the door, clutching a different briefcase for each meeting the day would bring."

Iannuzzi spoke of the common ground all unionisists share: "As the union sisters in Lawrence, Massachusetts in 1912 called it, a desire for both bread and roses.

"Whether we work in health care, on a campus or in a school - whether we are in-service or retired - we all bring different contributions and concerns to our shared union endeavors," he said. "After all, each of us today understands that our strength is not in focusing on our diverse professions or geography, but in our common union culture. In essence, our strength is our solidarity."

He told delegates he was "humbled" by the trust they showed in electing him president. "I am grateful for the opportunity to earn your confidence and your respect," NYSUT's new president said, "as we move NYSUT forward ... together."