Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1463867
J o s h G o d i n e z AMBASSADOR TO THE CALIFORNIA PUPIL SERVICES COALITION Corona-Norco Teachers Association Importance of educator voice: "CTA is the foundation for education in California, and having a voice with those who offer support services is key, because together we create school communities that enhance the educational experiences and meet the ever-changing needs of California's students daily." Value to CTA: "Representation is extremely important because we are the pulse of the school communities and the voice of California educators who work hard to educate, empower and inspire students daily." Miller says while some might think implementing school policy is easy, there are thousands of other issues that affect day-to-day business in schools. He says the relationships built through the liaison and ambassador program allow educators to provide a true, authen- tic glimpse into the school system. He recalls when a colleague on the Equality California board suggested training all teachers statewide on an important issue but didn't fully grasp the complexities of coordinating such an endeavor with more than 1,000 school districts statewide. " W h e n I e x p l a i n e d that it isn't that simple and no one can just wave a magic wand to create c h a n g e i n o u r p u b l i c schools, it was eye-open- i n g t h a t m a ny p e o p l e outside of education sim- p l y d o n' t u n d e r s t a n d h o w i t w o r k s ," Mi l l e r says. "It is not enough to send your kids to school o r t o h a v e a t t e n d e d school, for that matter, to claim to know how to make change in our schools." The liaisons and ambassadors don't work in iso- lation . They receive training at each State Council meeting on current issues facing education and CTA's official positions on them. Miller says they also work directly with CTA's officers and staff to deliver CTA's message and develop strategies to build ongoing rela- tionships. It's a lot of hours on top of their jobs and other responsibilities, but liaisons and ambassadors say it's a rewarding charge. "To represent the many voices of CTA as an ambas- sador to the Pupil Services Coalition is such an honor," says Josh Godinez, a member of Corona-Norco Teach- ers Association. " With student mental health being " With student mental health a necessary focus, supporting educational support personnel is critical in making sure students have access to people and resources." —Josh Godinez such a necessar y focus as we work on increased attendance, pro- moting positive cultures and climates, and academic achievement, supporting educational support personnel is critical in making sure that our students have timely access to the people and resources that provide these unique supports." For more information about CTA liaisons and ambassadors, visit cta.org/liaisons. Continued from page 31 34 cta.org Advocacy