Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1035650
TYRA WEIS Associated Pomona Teachers, CTA/NEA member since 1994; served as APT president 2009-2013. Teacher for 25 years, currently teaching K/1 combo in Pomona Unified School District. What: Candidate for Chino City Council District 1, where she lives. Endorsed by Protect Chino, Business Leaders for Ethical Government, CTA's Service Center One, and more. Why: "I have long believed that educators deserve a role in decision-making at school board, city, state and national levels. I am running on a platform of com- munication, advocacy and transparency and hope to bring focus to honoring the city 's general plan. I also want to address housing affordability and establish a kindergarten-to-college savings plan as a private-public partnership." How: "I am walking, knocking and talking. I have a Face- book page and website. My chapter does not take positions on city council races, but colleagues have been supportive with the media campaign and con- tributions of time and money. They have also walked alongside me and helped place lawn signs. "I am a May graduate of NEA's See Educators Run. It was a great nuts-and-bolts training on all aspects of a campaign. Having a clear message and being able to pivot to your talking points was an important part. I had planned for years while living in Pomona, to eventually retire and run for school board. See Educators Run opened me up to the possibilities." MARY S. DOYLE Sweetwater Education Association (SEA); 25-year educator currently teaching high school Spanish. What: First-time candidate for South Bay Union Elementary School Board; endorsed by Southwest Teachers Association (SWTA; SEA does not endorse outside of its own school board races). Why: "I live and work in this commu- nity. I realized I needed to run when I spoke to unit members of SWTA and realized changes that SEA and community members had brought about in Sweetwater Union High School District had not trickled down to our feeder schools. I feel a more equitable elemen- tary school experience could result in better prepared and academically inspired citizens of our region. "Classroom teachers have much to contribute and should be welcomed in district-wide decision mak- ing. Classified employees have first-hand knowledge and invaluable experience as well. Parents and com- munity members live with decisions school boards make long after the trustees themselves have moved on. Let's listen to these stakeholders." How: "I'm walking precincts, making phone calls, doing social media, seeking endorsements from labor. "SEA members are supportive of my campaign. I am endorsed by SWTA; members and retirees have passed out flyers at open houses across the district." " NEA's See Educators Run was a great nuts-and-bolts training on all aspects of a campaign. Having a clear message and being able to pivot to your talking points was an important part." — Tyra Weis 38 cta.org Doyle Weis