Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/65746
Azusa Pacific University managing phone banks, but CTA does such an outstanding job providing resources, training and support that I'm very confident in those roles." Deb McKenzie, Rialto Education Association, recalls SCHOOL OF EDUCATION despicable behavior by a difficult school superintendent that reminded her of her former marriage to an abusive husband. "I was stressed, frustrated, bullied and disrespected. I had told myself that I would never let myself be treated that way again, so I started going to school board meetings and got involved in the next election cycle. We helped elect three new board mem- bers, the superintendent resigned the day after the election, and I've been politically active ever since. If we don't push for informed, supportive education legislation, schools will con- tinue to be underfunded and overregulated. ing and enjoying themselves," says Santa Ana Educators Asso- ciation member Karen Bluel. "I love it when they have a chance to be creative or when something we do in class together motivates them to learn on a deeper level. As I began to realize Either we can sit back and accept what happens to us, or we can take an active role in advocating, lobbying and educating the politicians who represent us and the citizens in our communities. Jolene E. Tripp more fully that our profession and our ability to meaningfully engage our students is threatened, I knew something had to be done. So I jumped in!" So what can CTA and local chapters do to help mem- bers become better informed about and engaged in political action? McKenzie advocates for continued networking and learning opportunities for CTA members from different chap- ters like the Political Academy. Tripp says everything should begin and end with the local chapters, "since that's where our members are." "Too often, people get focused on their own situations and not the bigger picture," says Bluel. "I'd like to see us make more effective use of social media such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. ing teams to sites for assistance with 10-minute meetings and one-on-ones. "My personal goal dovetails with our local chapter's goal, says Munoz. "We're getting the word out about the Corporate Power Grab Initiative and doing everything we can to get the needed votes to defeat it. We are in a fight to preserve our rights and our students' educations." " 12629 By Bill Guy " Stillman and Munoz offer similar solutions — send- "My greatest joy is when I see my students engaged in learn- " Ken LaVigne, M.A. '86 La Serna High School 2012 California Teacher of the Year Earn your degree from a university known for excellence in education. Azusa Pacific has a reputation for consistently producing innovative and comprehensively prepared educators. Our graduates serve as teachers, counselors, coaches, and administrators throughout Southern California, and are known in their schools and districts as leaders in their field. Choose from more than 60 credential and degree options at APU, including a bachelor's degree completion program in liberal studies, and join a 113-year legacy of excellence in education. Programs start throughout the year. Contact us today! www.apu.edu/explore/education (626) 815-4570 AZUSA | HIGH DESERT | INLAND EMPIRE | LOS ANGELES | MURRIETA ORANGE COUNTY | SAN DIEGO | VENTURA COUNTY | ONLINE May 2012 / www.cta.org 23