Mike Mulgrew

Michael Mulgrew's greatest accolade is his sustained leadership of the United Federation of Teachers, a role he has held since 2009. His re-election to a fifth term in 2022 is a rare achievement in union politics, reflecting the trust of nearly 200,000 members. Under his tenure, he has secured landmark contracts, navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, and fought for teacher pay and working conditions.His willingness to take on mayors of both parties has made him a formidable figure in New York politics. While he has not collected traditional awards, his impact on public education is measured in the contracts he has won and the respect of his members. He is widely considered one of the most influential labor leaders in the country.