New Head of StateTeachers Union Seeks Greater Political Clout

Karen Magee was elected president of the state’s largest teachers union, replacing Richard Ianuzzi who served in the role for almost 10 years.

An outspoken critic of the state's implementation of the new Common Core learning standards, Magee said teachers were not adequately prepared to teach material aligned to the new standards and, as a result, she opposed using test results to evaluate teachers.

Magee told delegates over the weekend that she would be more vocal than her predecessor: “It is time for NYSUT to exert itself as a powerful political force once again."

Magee said teachers were unhappy about state budget decisions that reduced school funding and overall morale was low.

“They are upset, they’re frustrated, they feel disrespected,” Magee said of the state's teachers.