In just a few weeks, classroom doors will reopen across New York City.

Yet, during a time that should be marked by energy and excitement, United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew made headlines in sending a disappointing message to educators, advocates, and families. He threatened to withdraw the union’s support for NYC Reads, perhaps the city’s most promising education initiative in decades.

Fortunately, Chancellor Kamar Samuels responded by saying he’s doubling down on NYC Reads. And he’s right to do so. The city needs leaders who will commit to building on NYC Reads and doing the hard work of improving student reading outcomes and strengthening the tools and support educators receive.

For years, New York City teachers navigated a broken and fragmented instructional system. Curricula varied from school to school. Assessments weren’t necessarily connected to what teachers were teaching. Intervention systems for students who needed........

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