Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1035650
CTA MEMBERS ARE RUNNING WITH VALUES E D U C A T O R S A R E no longer willing to sit on the sidelines and watch uninformed and mis- guided politicians decide the future of students and schools. They're mobilizing, organizing and jumping into the political fray, intent on making positive and lasting change. Here is a look at CTA mem- bers who are joining hundreds of educators across the country to run for office on local school boards and city councils. VIRGINIA TORRES Lifetime CTA/NEA member and associate member of Teachers Association of Long Beach; taught grades K-8 for 34 years in Long Beach Unified School District before retiring. What: First-time candidate for Westminster School District Board of Trustees, Area 2; endorsed by Westminster Teachers Association (WTA). Why: "I'm running to make our district and schools a great place of learning. I have concerns about school safety and stu- dents' mental health. There's so much bullying in our schools, especially online. I'd like to see social and emotional devel- opment of children come to the forefront at all grade levels. "I'll work for safe schools, high behavioral and academic expectations, and schools with a rigorous curriculum as we prepare students for the 21st century. I feel strongly about equity in our education system, closing the achievement gap, and having success for all students." How: "WTA's campaign includes walking my area with flyers and lawn signs, phone calling, sending mailers out, and GOT V calls. Teacher reps and I attended back-to-school nights and passed out my flyers. WTA applied for ABC funds. In July, CTA's Region IV political organizer spent a day training WTA officers, their PAC and candidates." CTA MEMBERS ENTER LOCAL POLITICAL RACES INTENT ON MAKING LONG-LASTING CHANGE 34 cta.org ELECTION ELECTION Wheatley