Zina Burton-Myrick, United Federation of Teachers
A self-described “Harlem girl, born and bred,” Zina Burton-Myrick has transformed from a reluctant union participant to powerful advocate during her 37-year career. As UFT Manhattan Borough Rep for District 5, she represents educators across 27 Central Harlem schools while continuing to serve as a literacy coach at PS 154.
Burton-Myrick commands attention with her vibrant energy and unwavering commitment to collective power. Her community activism extends well beyond contract enforcement. Colleagues call her “the bag lady” for constantly arriving with resources — from shirts to toys, coats and food donations. She secures grants, organizes community drives, and involves students in service projects, teaching them the importance of giving back.
Her dedication stems from personal experience: “I could have been another statistic ... but people saw something in me and poured into me.”
This philosophy guides her approach to education and mentorship, emphasizing that every student has potential that simply needs nurturing. Burton-Myrick also heads up the Paraprofessional Academy, an initiative that provides training and support to help paras become certified teachers.
A recipient of the UFT David Wittes Award and NAACP Freedom Award, Burton-Myrick embodies the legacy of strong women leaders like Sandy Feldman, whom she first encountered at her first Delegate Assembly decades ago. Coming full circle, she’s now honored with the award bearing Feldman’s name, a testament to her impact on education and unionism.