Ronald Gross is the second vice president for New York State United Teachers. Elected to the position in 2020, Gross oversees program services for the union, which addresses a wide range of issues including health and safety concerns and the unique needs of small and rural locals. Member constituencies serviced through his office include School-Related Professionals, health care professionals and retiree members.
Gross was born and raised in Mastic Beach, a small suburban town in Suffolk County. After graduating from SUNY Cortland, he returned to his alma mater, William Floyd High School, where he taught social studies for more than 30 years.
During his tenure at William Floyd, Gross served his local in multiple leadership roles and eventually served as president of the William Floyd United Teachers for more than 11 years. While president of WFUT, he also served as a delegate to all NYSUT, American Federation of Teachers and New York State Teachers’ Retirement System conventions. In 2017, Gross was elected as one of the four teacher-members of the state TRS Board. During his four years as a trustee, Gross conducted numerous pension and retirement workshops, served as chairman of the disability review committee and was an active member of the National Council on Teacher Retirement.
Since his election as NYSUT’s second vice president, he has helped expand the statewide union’s ability to train local leaders by encouraging the use of multiple network platforms to reach as many members as possible. He believes that while the pandemic may have created many challenges, it has also led to new opportunities. NYSUT’s Program Services department has incorporated virtual and in-person formats as part of its Local Action Project, Leadership Institute and new presidents training programs.
As part of his union work, Gross strives to foster unity among NYSUT members and to highlight the value of union membership. He believes that when union members work in solidarity, there are few goals that cannot be achieved.
Ron.Gross@nysut.org
January 2023