ALBANY, N.Y. April 4, 2017 — New York State United Teachers today announced the endorsement of Christine Pellegrino, a Baldwin teacher and fighter for public education, in the race for the open 9th Assembly District seat.
NYSUT’s Board of Directors voted to endorse Pellegrino in the May 23 special election, saying that, as a reading teacher at Brookside Elementary School in Baldwin, she can offer Albany — and her Nassau County district — expertise on how to reign in over-testing in favor of more teaching and learning.
“Christine Pellegrino’s voice must be heard in Albany. She’s a teacher, a leader, an opt-out activist and a fighter for public education and middle-class families,” said NYSUT President Karen E. Magee. “We are proud to endorse her candidacy.”
NYSUT Executive Vice President Andrew Pallotta said Pellegrino attended workshops and trainings co-sponsored by the union that encouraged leaders, like her, to become involved in politics and to ensure their voices are heard in the corridors of power.
“Christine’s knowledge and experience on education issues make her the best candidate to represent the 9th District, which is known for its terrific schools and passion for public education. Her commitment to students and teaching — as well as her commitment to making her community a better place to live and work — will serve her well in the Assembly,” Pallotta said. “She is one of us, a star of our Pipeline Project, and we are thrilled to be supporting her candidacy.”
Pallotta said the union’s endorsement would include financial contributions to help offset the cost of Pellegrino’s campaign. More importantly, he said, “We will work with Christine to put ‘feet on the street.’ Our endorsement means the energies of hundreds of volunteers to work on phone banks, hand out literature and attend rallies on Christine’s behalf.”
New York State United Teachers is a statewide union with more than 600,000 members in education, human services and health care. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, the National Education Association and the AFL-CIO.