LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Michael Mulgrew upon the occasion of
his designation for special recognition by District 20 of the United
Federation of Teachers on January 21, 2010

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize those
individuals of commitment and high achievement whose purpose and endeav-
ors prove a dedication to the pursuit of excellence in the education of
the youth of this noble Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Michael Mulgrew upon the occasion of his designation for special recog-
nition by District 20 of the United Federation of Teachers at its Schol-
arship Fund Dinner Dance to be held on Thursday, January 21, 2010, at
the El Caribe Country Club, Brooklyn, New York; and
WHEREAS, A man of singular distinction, Michael Mulgrew has contin-
ually demonstrated extreme competence, extraordinary intelligence and
diligent leadership in his unwavering service to his profession, the
United Federation of Teachers (UFT) and the entire community; and
WHEREAS, Michael Mulgrew was elected President of the UFT in July
2009; prior to his current position, he had served as Vice President for
Career and Technical Education (CTE) High Schools in 2005, and became
the union's Chief Operating Officer in 2008; and
WHEREAS, A Staten Island native, Michael Mulgrew began his teaching
career as a substitute at South Richmond HS IS/PS 25, instructing
students with special needs; he also volunteered weekends at CUNY,
teaching at-risk high school students creative writing; and
WHEREAS, From the beginning, Michael Mulgrew wanted to work with
at-risk kids, and at a very young age he embraced his mother's most
important piece of advice: "Wherever you are, whatever you do, always
help others"; he has worked hard to pass this value on to his daughter
as well as his nieces and nephews, and it has also helped shape his
career; and
WHEREAS, Michael Mulgrew became a full-time teacher at Brooklyn's
William E. Grady High School in 1993, and served as the school's Chapter
Leader from 1999 to 2004; under his stewardship, and through the hard
work of the UFT committee and school staff, Grady High School emerged as
one of the UFT's strongest and most unified chapters; and
WHEREAS, As the chapter leader, Michael Mulgrew never hesitated to
support his colleagues, filing grievances on their behalf and advocating
strongly for resources and support for CTE programs; the staff's hard
work earned the Grady High School UFT Chapter a Trachtenberg Award in
2002; and
WHEREAS, Upon his election as Vice President for Career and Technical
Education (CTE) High Schools in 2005, Michael Mulgrew immediately went
to work expanding and enhancing CTE programs around the city, as well as
reorganizing the union's Safety and Health Department to better track
and respond to school safety and environmental concerns; and
WHEREAS, A firm believer in building alliances and creating opportu-
nities for collaboration, Michael Mulgrew prides himself on his work
with parent, civic and community groups; and
WHEREAS, Michael Mulgrew was instrumental in organizing the Keep the
Promises, One New York, and Fighting for Fairness coalitions in 2008 and
2009, which helped to fight planned city agency budget cuts; he also
spearheaded the UFT's engagement in these successful campaigns, restor-
ing hundreds of millions of classroom dollars to state and city budgets;
and

WHEREAS, In addition to his UFT responsibilities, Michael Mulgrew is a
Vice President of the American Federation of Teachers and an Executive
Board Member of the New York State United Teachers, chairing its state-
wide committee on CTE programs; and
WHEREAS, In November 2006, Michael Mulgrew received the Albert Lee
Smallheiser Award for his service on behalf of the teaching profession;
in November 2008, he received the first Sandra Feldman Award for his
service to UFT members; in June 2009, he was given the NAACP's Centenni-
al Freedom Award for his efforts to improve the quality of life for all
New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, Michael Mulgrew attended CUNY's College of Staten Island,
from which he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English literature
and a Master's degree in special education; and
WHEREAS, The future success of our State and Nation is dependent upon
individuals such as Michael Mulgrew, who dedicate their lives as educa-
tors, nurturing our most precious resource, our youth; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their
profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Michael Mulgrew upon the occasion of his designation for special
recognition by District 20 of the United Federation of Teachers on Janu-
ary 21, 2010; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Michael Mulgrew.