Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1130365
What he brings as CTA's leader "I want to make sure that CTA con- tinues to be the thriving advocate for the children of this state and for our members. We have to be the voice of children who don't have a voice. We have to give parents the tools they need to navigate and advocate for their children, and help them do better. "I want to make sure that all mem- bers are included in my leadership. I'm a compassionate listener and problem-solver. I am known for my ability to bring people together to work collaboratively. I don't have all the answers, but it's not about me. It's about the members behind me who will help me steer CTA into the future." What he wants members to know "CTA's power is the integrity of our members, and our informed voices. We are the ones who must stand up for our students and communities as well as our profession. We must understand the value of our voices within our profession as well as to the public — and we must use those voices. "We need to stay together. We can achieve things that others cannot, we A Voice for All of Us CTA President-elect Toby Boyd ready to lead E . T O B Y B O Y D was onstage, holding the mic and rallying the thousands of educators in front of him at the State Capitol in Sacramento. "Show me what democracy looks like!" he cried, cupping his ear. e crowd responded, weakly. "We need to make some noise, folks!" Boyd said, pacing the stage and shouting the line again. e crowd thundered back, "This is what democracy looks like!" Expect Boyd to bring the same energy and enthusiasm to his role as CTA Pres- ident, which he assumes in late June, as he did as "emcee" at CTA's #RedForEd Day of Action on May 22. Many people know him as a longtime CTA leader, most recently on the Board of Directors representing District E (covering most of Sac- ramento and San Joaquin counties). He's soft-spoken and friendly, as befits the kindergarten teacher he is. But make no mistake: Boyd's ready to fight for public education and educators. "Do not be fooled by my calm, quiet demeanor," he told CTA State Council dele- gates in March in his speech before the election. "I've learned power and action do not come from a loud voice. ey come from listening, reflecting, and then acting." e self-professed "proud black man from Detroit and single father of a daugh- ter with special needs" will be the face of CTA during a particularly high-profile time. While education funding in California is at a high, the state is a dismal 39th in the country in per-pupil spending. e #RedForEd movement has focused attention on public schools, students and educators, yet resources for all are still lacking. e racial and social justice issues that roil the country are felt intensely in our classrooms. We talked to Boyd about his vision for CTA as he takes office. I've learned power and action do not come from a loud voice. They come from listening, reflecting and then acting." 14 cta.org Spotlight