UFT Queens High School District Representative James Vasquez (back row, left) and members prepare to board the bus to Albany for UFT Lobby Day on March 9.

First-year lobbyists from Queens — (from left) Louise Kaufman of PS 162, Sarah Evans of MS 172, Doris Iskaros of PS 186 and Liz McCormick of PS 163 — take their seats on the bus.

UFT members arrive in Albany just before meeting with lawmakers to voice their concerns.

A contingent of UFT members files into the convention center.

Maria Belkadi (left) and Gail Hyman of PS 212 in Brooklyn gather together before hearing from UFT President Michael Mulgrew, NYSUT representatives and state legislators.

“Our goal for today is to make sure everyone you meet with understands that we serve the children of the New York City and we do one of the most difficult jobs,” UFT President Michael Mulgrew says as he prepares the members to meet with lawmakers.

Andrew Pallotta (left), the executive vice president for NYSUT, addresses lobbyists (from second left) Priscilla Menfah, Fay McGeary and Earline Menfah.

Janella Hinds (front right), the UFT vice president for academic high schools, joins a group of Manhattan high school educators who are ready to lobby.

NYSUT President Karen Magee (left) speaks with teacher Alexandra Hernandez of PS 257 in Queens and paraprofessional Anthony Sanchez of John Adams HS.

Debra Poulos (right), the UFT Brooklyn borough representative, catches up with educators.