Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/3650
¡Sí Se Puede! ¿Por Qué No? B Y C T A P R E S I D E N T D A V I D A . S A N C H E Z upbringing in rural Santa Maria and my par- ents, who were both educators and were very active in the teachers union. I remember how important the union was to them and how they worked together with other members, who were like an extended family. I think about our association’s rich history spanning 146 years, protecting the rights of students and teachers and helping to build communi- ties in California. And I think about each and every one of you, about how important each CTA member is and how vital all of our voic- es are to realizing the vision we have for im- proving public education. CTA is a powerful force. We’ve shown that W time and time again through the work we do with our students every day and through our efforts to improve the conditions of teaching and learning. As far back as the 1860s, we fought in Sacramento against segregation in schools — and we continued in this decade with our efforts in Washington, D.C., putting a stop to a flawed proposal to reauthorize No Child Left Behind. Had it not been for active CTA members, those great accomplishments, and a hundred other accomplishments over the years, might not have occurred. The secret of our union’s strength is our gathering together, sharing ideas that benefit our teachers and prepare our students for bright futures. That’s one of the reasons CTA has launched a new organizing campaign that is aimed at engaging all members and build- ing our union even stronger. CTA chapters will soon be conducting small organizing meetings across the state to understand how members really feel about public education and what we can do together to fix the prob- lems facing our schools and our state. That information will help guide CTA as it moves forward through these chaotic times. hen I think about being a mem- ber of our union, many thoughts come to mind. I think about my Recently, we discovered that our mem- bers’ voices were heard regarding the federal government’s rush to push through Race to the Top, which seeks to significantly tie teacher evaluations with student test scores. Because of CTA’s actions and the voices of other educators across the country, U.S. Ed- ucation Secretary Arne Duncan announced that his office needs more time before issu- ing the final regulations that states would be required to follow to receive funds. That de- lay was a direct result of our union’s collec- tive voice being heard. One particular voice that has echoed in my head over the past few months has been that of CTA member Kathleen Crummey, who passed away this summer. Kathleen was an outstanding Hayward teacher for three de- cades, a labor leader, a community activist, and a force for justice. Her work for the bet- terment of teachers, students and her union was exemplary. She truly embodied the spirit of our union. Members like her allow us to see how each member holds the power to change and make a difference. They allow us all to see why we work so hard toward the common goal of protecting public education. With members like ours, the possibility of a better future is truly limitless. I’m really proud to be a member of this great union. CTA’s history has been marked by great achievements of individual members and by de- termination as a group to stand up for schools in the face of great opposition. CTA has been the bellwether of impressive and necessary cul- tural change that has helped to cultivate more harmonious and productive communities. Join- ing together, we can all build on that history of success and create a better California for our schools and our students. The continued in- volvement of each of us means a strong CTA we can all be proud of. EDITOR IN CHIEF Dave Earl Carpenter STAFF WRITER Sherry Posnick-Goodwin CTA WEB EDITOR Karyn Ferrera Donhoff CTA WEB EDITOR Tiffany Hasker EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Craig Hamilton CTA ELECTED OFFICERS PRESIDENT David A. Sanchez VICE PRESIDENT Dean E. Vogel SECRETARY-TREASURER Gail M. Mendes BOARD OF DIRECTORS Larry Allen, Donald L. Bridge, Tyrone V. Cabell, Mikki Cichocki, Elana Davidson, Don Dawson, Dana Dillon, David Goldberg, Jim Groth, Dián Dolores Hasson, Eric C. Heins, Marty G. Meeden, George Melendez, Mary Rose Ortega, Cynthia Peña, Jim Rogers, Bonnie Shatun, Marc Sternberger, Michael Stone, Curtis Washington EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Carolyn Doggett ASSOCIATE EXEC. DIRECTOR Rebecca Zoglman COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Jonathan Goldman CONTRIBUTORS Dana Brenner, Scott Buschman, Dave Crosland, Len Feldman, Bill Guy, Dina Martin, Mike Myslinski, Kamran Nasser, Frank Wells EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Katie Young, chair; Ami S. Barker, Misao Brown, Rosalyn Collier, Tony P. Diaz, Michael Downey, Linda Guthrie, Wesley David Martin, Gregg Solkovits, Sandy Thornton, KC Walsh; Jim Groth (Board liaison) EDITORIAL INFORMATION California Educator is published for the information and edification of its members. The editorial philoso- phy is governed by the policies of CTA. Articles and advertising reflect that philosophy. Letters to the editor may be sent to editor@cta.org. Publication of advertising in the California Educa- tor does not indicate CTA approval of the product or of the companies that purchase advertising. Advertising rate card and information is available from WebSolutions, Media Division, 5666 Spruce Harbor Court, Las Vegas, NV 89122 (702) 838-3434; FAX (702) 838-3355 CTA/NEA membership dues for the fiscal year, Sept. 1-Aug. 31, are $783, including a $20 voluntary contribution. Up to $17.97 of CTA annual dues is designated for CTA/ABC political activ ities to support state and local candidates and/or initiatives and is not deductible for income tax purposes. Subscription to the California Educator is $10/year, available only to persons or institutions not eligible for CTA/NEA membership. California Educator (ISSN 1091-6148) is published monthly except January, July and August for $6.47 per year (included in dues) by: CALIFORNIA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION 1705 Murchison Dr., Burlingame, CA 94010-4583 (650) 697-1400; FAX (650) 552-5002 editor@cta.org, www.cta.org Postmaster: Send change of address to California Educator, P.O. Box 4178, Burlingame, CA 94011-4178. ¡Sí Se Puede! [Yes we can! Why not?], words inspired by César Chávez, encourage us to remember that, together, we can achieve great things. ¿Por Qué No? 4 California Educator | OCTOBER 2009 Periodicals Postage Paid at Burlingame, CA, and additional mailing offices.