Rona Freiser
United Federation of Teachers
Rona Freiser, a student of New York City public schools, has devoted her considerable energies and talents to public education and educators since she first began her career as a special education teacher at August Martin HS in Queens. She taught there for 24 years and was elected chapter leader by her colleagues at the school for 16 years.
In 2001, Freiser became the UFT district representative for high schools in Queens. In 2006, she was promoted to the union's Queens borough representative, where she now oversees the work of the union for the entire borough and all its members, representing educators in elementary, middle and high schools.
She is known for her compassion and perseverance as she
advocates fiercely for her members, students, special education services and the resources needed to deliver quality education to all of our city's students.
Freiser created the union coaches program that mentors new teachers, a program so successful that it serves as an example of best practices and has been widely replicated. She has been recognized with awards and citations from the Queens Borough president, the New York City Council and the Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens, where she has made an impact through her ongoing political activism. Freiser is a member of the NYSUT Board of Directors and the UFT Executive Board.
Like all good leaders, she believes in mentoring and sharing her knowledge and skills.