A Champion for Students, School Leaders and Public Education
For over thirty-eight years, Mark Cannizzaro has been a steadfast advocate for public education and a champion for school leaders and the students they serve. A respected educator, transformational union leader, and tireless voice for equity, Mark has worked to ensure that every child has access to a high-quality education—one rooted in opportunity and driven by strong, effective school leadership.
Mark currently serves as Secretary-Treasurer of the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), AFL-CIO. In this national leadership role, he fights for public education, workplace rights, and the resources school leaders need to thrive—because when school leaders succeed, teachers and students succeed.
Mark’s influence grew as he took on leadership roles within the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA), AFSA Local 1. He served as CSA president for more than five years, following terms as executive vice president and secretary. During his tenure, he led through Superstorm Sandy and the Covid Pandemic, spearheaded contract negotiations, improved salaries and working conditions, and secured resources that benefited not only union members, but entire school communities.
Mark believes that great schools begin with great leaders and that school leaders must have discretion to make decisions that are best for the communities they serve. He has been a powerful and Influential voice for investment in public education, expansion of student support services, and policies that uplift both educators and learners. He stands out as a pragmatic leader—one who understands that real, lasting solutions come not from the extremes, but from the common ground. He believes education is not a partisan issue, but a national priority. With a commitment to inclusive, bipartisan solutions, he consistently advocates for policies that reflect the diversity of the communities our schools serve.
Beyond his union work, Mark is a member of the New York Academy of Public Education and led the Middle School Principals’ Association of NYC as president from 2009 to 2011. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physical education from SUNY Cortland, a master’s in special education, a sixth-year certificate in supervision and administration from the College of Staten Island, and a certificate in Union Leadership from the school of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University.
A proud Staten Island native, Mark began his career as a physical education teacher and rose through the ranks to become a principal and nationally recognized voice in education. He taught and served as assistant principal at Totten Intermediate School (I.S. 34), then led Paulo Intermediate School (I.S. 75) as principal, earning recognition as a model middle school under his leadership. From 2003 to 2012, Mark’s leadership at I.S. 75 fostered a culture of academic excellence and collaboration.
His impact as a school and union leader earned him numerous honors, including the Angela Zirpiades Outstanding Physical Educator Award, the Entertainers4Education Outstanding Leadership Award, a Cahn Fellowship at Teachers College, Columbia University—a prestigious recognition for top-performing principals, Educator of the Year awards from St. John's University, The Catholic Teachers Association, and the Emerald Society. He was also honored as a medalist by the prestigious New York Academy of Public Education and he received a lifetime achievement award from the Middle School Principals Association of New York City. He has been regularly recognized by City and State Magazine In their "Power 100" list for his contributions to education and labor.
Cannizzaro remains a guiding force for progress in public education. His leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication continue to make a lasting impact on school leaders, educators, and—most importantly—the students who depend on them.