Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1208082
Sí se puede. " Yes, we can." This rallying cry from civil rights leader and legendary community organizer Dolores Huerta has inspired and empowered a beautiful movement for nearly 50 years — one that students across California will soon learn more about because of the efforts of a small group of educators. Since last year, these teachers have been meeting on their own time to work with the Dolores Huerta Foundation in developing curriculum for the statewide observance of Dolores Huerta Day on April 10. e day recognizes the labor icon's tireless work for justice and encourages local school districts to teach students about her life and the struggle. This year's observance will feature the freshly created curriculum, a fitting way to celebrate Huerta's 90th birthday. " I 'm g l ad to share th e l ess ons I 've learned in my life so that others can learn from them," says Huerta. "I want students to get a sense of their own empowerment and the things they can do to make the world a better place. I 'm hoping that Dolores Huerta Day will be focused on civic engagement." e curriculum includes lesson plans and content for students from kindergarten through high school to help examine the essential question: "How do people work Curriculum empowers youth through the teachings of Dolores Huerta By Julian Peeples together to solve problems and struggle to implement the solution?" e small team of educators developing the materials includes active and retired CTA members, all of whom said they feel honored to be able to help tell the story of Huerta to millions of California students. "I 'm so excited to shin e a light on all that Dolores has done and how she has used her voice to make a difference," says Veronica Miranda- Pinkney, a bilingual educator and member of San Jose Teachers Association (SJTA). "I really want our students to believe they can make a difference with their voices just like my 'shero.'" Th e t eam d e velopin g th e curriculum al s o includes SJTA members Alison Stroot, Susan Seyan and María Carmen Guzman, retired SJTA member Wendy Greenfield, Holtville Teachers Asso ciation m emb er Yurii Camacho, retired Campbell Teachers Association member Bar- bara Lynn, Vallejo Federation of Teachers member Maria Romero, and teacher Elena Robles, as well as staff from the Dolores Huerta Foundation. Many of these educators have personal connections ¡ SÍ SE PUEDE! " To be able to stand with teachers is a great honor. Teachers are the foundation of our democracy and the soul of our nation." —Dolores Huerta 17 F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 2 0 Spotlight