Pat Flynn taught on both the elementary and the secondary levels. He has been a Language Arts Coordinator, a Title I Coordinator, a Resource Room Teacher, a Labor Relations Specialist, and an Associate in Educational Services for the NYS United Teachers union. He was the co-creator of the union’s School Reform Initiative. He represented teachers regarding the development of the NYS Learning Standards, student assessment, and school accountability system. He served on State councils, including those dealing with Career and Occupational Education. He has studied firsthand, innovative schools and school structures in the United States and overseas. He and his wife, Marge, reside in Albany, NY. They have three daughters and four grandchildren.