Saunders: Welcome to Washington

"Good evening NYSUT! We enjoy having you!"

With those words Nathan Saunders, president of the Washington Teachers' Union, welcomed delegates Thursday night on behalf of his organization's 5,000 active and retired members.

Saunders acknowledged the many challenges facing education, and saluted NYSUT's efforts to advance the education labor movement.

"You demonstrate the kind of solution-driven unionism that ensures a quality education for all students, not just some," he said. "I'm ecstatic to have you represent the voice of teachers on significant education issues."

Saunders also proudly touted the talents of the Miner Elementary Glee club, led by WTU member Martin Ford, who performed earlier.

"They are an excellent representation of the quality of education found in the Washington, D.C., area," he said, joking that the number of songs performed by the students surpassed those he'd heard recently in a Broadway play. "They may have one-upped them," said Saunders. "Once again, welcome to Washington D.C."