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Human Rights Award winners celebrated I n communities across California, the win- ners of the CTA 2011 Human Rights Awards are educators who understand that our diversity is what makes us whole, and that it takes many kinds of education to keep our society focused and fair. At the 20th annual CTA Equity and Human Rights Conference at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose on March 5, CTA President David A. San- chez praised these activists. He told an audi- ence of 500 educators that these awards are how we are “reminded of your dedication to our union and students — and to justice, tolerance and equal rights in our communities.” This year’s Human Rights Award winners, by category, are: Robert Ellis: At his school in the West Con- tra Costa Unified School District, Robert Ellis makes sure his students know about the rich history and heritage of African American cul- ture. This tireless United Teachers of Richmond activist shows a clear passion for education. For his work, he was awarded the Lois Tinson Award, named after CTA’s first African Ameri- can president. Les Nakasaki: A primary grade teacher for 36 years, the winner of the Pacific Asian Amer- ican Human Rights Award is an inspiring lead- er in the area of Pacific Asian American issues, struggles and accomplishments. His CTA work as a Garvey Education Association member in- cludes serving as the union’s liaison to the Cal- ifornia State PTA and as a 15-year member of State Council’s Pacific Asian American Caucus. In his work, Les Nakasaki keeps his eyes on the prize, advocating for an inclusive society in which all people have a voice. Janet Eberhardt: She is a paraprofessional BAD-02-08-10988.CTA 2/7/08 12:00 PM Page 1**nbkjy5z�**Users:nbkjy5z:Desktop: and an activist member of United Educators of San Francisco, where she’s also vice president of the UESF Council of Classified Employees. She is a longtime member of the executive board and bargaining team for UESF, which repre- sents 6,000 San Francisco Unified employees. For her dedication, Janet Eberhardt is the CTA Member Human Rights Award winner. Aurora Vinci: She earned the Physically/ Mentally Challenged Students’ Issues Human Rights Award for her 27 years of outstanding service as a special education teacher in the New Haven Unified School District in Alame- da County. Her James Logan High School stu- dents are inspired by her belief in the potential of all students, and she has mentored more than a half-dozen other special education teachers in the district. Clyde Hodge: He is the current National Education Association Pacific Regional Direc- tor for the American Indian/Alaska Native Caucus, president of the California Indian Ed- ucation Association, and a remarkable advo- cate for the American Indian community. The Stockton Teachers Association activist and Enjoy the rewards. Get something back for your everyday purchases. Use your California Teachers Association Visa® Card with WorldPoints® rewards from Bank of America, and you’ll earn points you can redeem for cash, travel, merchandise, even unique adventures.� Rewards for the things you buy anyway. Plus ongoing support for the California Teachers Association. 1.866.438.6262 Use Priority Code FACBGVwhen calling. For information about the rates, fees, and other costs and benefits associated with the use of this Rewards card, or to apply, call the toll free number above, or write to P.O. Box 15020, Wilmington, DE 19850. � Terms apply to program features and Credit Card account benefits. For more information about the program, visit bankofamerica.com/worldpoints. Details accompany new account materials. This credit card program is issued and administered by FIA Card Services, N.A. The WorldPoints program is managed in part by independent third parties, including a travel agency registered to do business in California (Reg. No. 2036509-50); Ohio (Reg. No. 87890286); Washington (6011237430) and other states, as required. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association, and is used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. WorldPoints, the WorldPoints design and Platinum Plus are registered trademarks of FIA Card Services, N.A. Bank of America and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. All other company and product names and logos are the property of others and their use does not imply endorsement of, or an association with, the WorldPoints program. ©2008 Bank of America Corporation T-709149-092107 BAD-02-08-10988 28 California Educator | MARCH 2011