UFT President Michael Mulgrew tells members from District 31 and Staten Island high schools that corporate education reformers claim to want great teachers during a Meet the President gathering on April 14 at a catering hall in the borough. “I tell them, ‘We already have great teachers,’” Mulgrew said, “‘and you’re trying to scare the great teachers away.’”

Showing their solidarity are IS 75 members (standing, from left) Rose Crowley, the chapter leader, and Lisa Alvinez, a delegate, and (seated, from left) Maryjean Childs, a paraprofessional, and Theresa Tepedino, a teacher.

PS 19 English as a second language teacher Mildred Rios asks a question about standardized tests for ELLs.

PS 16 Chapter Leader Kathleen Bayer wants clarification on the procedure for Tuesday afternoon professional work time.

Nearly 200 members attended the Meet the President gathering on Staten Island.

Mulgrew chats with members after the meeting.

UFT Special Representative Donna Coppola, flanked by New Dorp HS teacher Vincent Dellatacoma (left) and PS 3 paraprofessional Harry Rainbow.

Teachers who formerly worked together at Concord HS — (from left) Nurea Selami, Antonia Prescia and Kim Wilson-Hite — have an impromptu reunion.

IS 49 teacher Cheryl McMillan talks to Mulgrew after he addressed members.

Marisol Cortez, an occupational therapist at PS 50, grabs a cup of coffee before the meeting.

UFT Borough Representative Debra Penny (right) introduces Mulgrew while (from left) District 31 Representative Sean Rotkowitz, Special Representative Donna Coppola, Educational Liaison Tanisha Franks and Special Representative Lillian Kohler look on.