Sandra Feldman gets union's top service award

March 28, 2005

For the first time, the union will pay tribute to one of its own when it awards the Albert Shanker Award for Distinguished Service, in honor of the visionary leader who co-founded NYSUT.

Sandra Feldman, who retired as AFT president this summer to battle a recurrence of breast cancer, will receive the award at a session to be announced later.

"Sandy was part of the team that negotiated the merger that created our statewide union," said NYSUT President Tom Hobart. "Her passionate advocacy for members and for the children of New York City and then for our whole nation in the 33 years since, are invaluable. I am honored to still be president when we honor her."

Feldman's election as AFT president in 1997 followed a distinguished 30-year career with the United Federation of Teachers in New York City, including 11 years as UFT president. Besides being a champion of high academic standards, rigorous teacher training and using research-backed programs to raise student achievement, she is also known for her advocacy for civil rights and social justice. In the 1960s she was active in the Freedom Rides and the 1963 March on Washington for jobs and freedom.

Besides Feldman, NYSUT will celebrate the successes of members. In response to delegates' suggestions last year, the union will spread out the recognition of the work members do at each general session. Awards will recognize the contributions of Elizabeth Day of the Mechanicville Teachers Association, New York State Teacher of the Year; "Sam" Keomuongchanh of the Rochester Association of Paraprofessionals, School-Related Professionals Member of the Year; George Altomare, United Federation of Teachers, and Sheila R. Goldberg, Plainedge Federation of Teachers and Retiree Council 17, Retiree Members of the Year; Lorna Arrington of United University Professions, Higher Education Member of the Year; and Anne Goldman of the UFT, Health Care Professionals Member of the year. Jane Kauffman of the Williamsville TA and Ann Kessler of the UFT will receive the "Not For Ourselves Alone" Outstanding Leadership Award.

The RA also will pay tribute to this year's Community Service Awards, LifeLine honor roll, and delegates who received National Board Certification and New York Teacher Journalism Contest winners.