In November, as he accepted the Charles Cogen Award at Teacher Union Day, United Federation of Teachers Secretary LeRoy Barr reminded the 1,700 unionists in attendance: "In this union, we don't rise by standing above one another, we rise by lifting each other shoulder to shoulder in solidarity and purpose."

Now that he has retired from his role, those words feel less like a quote and more like a summation of a career.

LeRoy has always embodied solidarity in action. As President Michael Mulgrew said, "LeRoy is the epitome of someone who has always put the union and its members first. He understands the importance of being stronger together and he lives that truth every single day."

Beginning his teaching career in 1992 at PS 154 in Harlem, LeRoy quickly learned that strength comes from collaboration. As a young 5th-grade teacher, he sought out veteran educators, sitting in their classrooms to learn how to balance discipline with connection.

That willingness to listen, learn and grow alongside others would become his leadership trademark.

When PS 154 entered the Chancellor's District, LeRoy stepped up as chapter leader. The dramatic rise in student achievement that followed was no accident: it was the result of his belief that educators working together can transform schools. His ability to unite a school community caught the attention of then-UFT President Sandra Feldman and Staff Director Tom Pappas, launching his broader service to the union.

From grievance department staffer to Manhattan borough office special representative, from staff director to assistant secretary in 2013 and ultimately secretary in 2019, LeRoy continued to build trust with members, stopping at nothing to provide educators with the support they needed and becoming a steadfast example of a true unionist.

He has always honored those who built the foundation before him, including George Altomare and Abe Levine, and expressed deep gratitude to mentors and colleagues including Randi Weingarten, Carmen Alvarez, David Sherman, Ron Jones and Vice President Anne Goldman. That humility and respect for union history have helped strengthen bonds across generations of members.

As former VP of Special Education, Carmen Alvarez, said so simply and powerfully: "He cares about the leadership and the members — he truly does. That's why he's been successful."

LeRoy's appreciation for unions was instilled early on by his parents — his mother, a public school teacher, and his father, a police officer — and he carried that respect into every chapter meeting, every borough office, every negotiation and every union gathering.

As with all great educators, he was not just a leader but someone to everyone. A steady presence, a unifier, a listener, a mentor.

Congratulations, LeRoy, for more than three decades of dedication to students, educators and the labor movement. Thank you for reminding us that solidarity forever is a daily mission rather than a slogan.

Enjoy your well-earned retirement. Your union family rises stronger because you helped us stand shoulder to shoulder.