The 2022 NYSUT Representative Assembly, April 1–2 in Albany, will mark the 50th anniversary of the formation of New York State United Teachers.
The statewide union was formed March 30, 1972, with the merger of two rival statewide teacher unions — the New York State Teachers Association and United Teachers of New York. Initially named the New York Congress of Teachers, delegates at the union’s first RA, held in Montreal in 1973, adopted NYSUT as the union’s official name.
Over the past half century, our membership and visibility have steadily soared. During this time, NYSUT members have advocated tirelessly to make sure that the work we do is properly valued, appreciated and protected.
NYSUT: The First 50 Years, which premiered at RA 2022, is a documentary film covering the origins of the union, featuring stories told by the people who were there at some of the biggest moments in NYSUT history.
“Now, we focus every day on growing, guarding and solidifying this movement for the benefit of our professions, our people and our communities,” said NYSUT President Andy Pallotta.
After the pandemic forced NYSUT to conduct virtual RAs the past two years, restoring the annual convention to an in-person event is an important priority for 2022, with appropriate precautions in place.
The RA is NYSUT’s highest policymaking body. Convention delegates, elected by their local unions, will debate nearly 30 resolutions to set the union’s course on legislation, health care, pre-K through post-grad education, organizing and retirement. They will also consider amendments to the NYSUT Constitution and Bylaws. View the full document at nysut.org/about/constitution-and-bylaws. The RA will pay tribute to the winners of the union’s awards and recognitions for members’ work on the job and their service to the community.
For more information on the RA and the Local and Retiree Council Presidents Conference, visit nysut.org/ra.