Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1463867
A F T E R M O R E T H A N two years of virtual meetings, CTA State Council of Education reunited in person in a powerful weekend that embodied a familiar rallying cry: We are CTA. e first in-person State Council since January 2020 was packed with business. Council representatives reviewed and considered more than 250 pieces of state legislation and 51 candidate endorsements, with exten- sive discussions that are a hallmark of in-person State Council meetings. CTA President E. Toby Boyd wel- c o m e d e d u c a t o r s b a c k w i t h a n emotional opening to the meeting, remembering all those lost to COVID- 19 and acknow ledging all that has happened since State Council was able to be together. "You managed this pandemic not only for your fami- lies, but also for your students. When schools closed, you pivoted in a minute and learned how to teach virtually," Boyd said. "You made sure students were connected for online learning and had the food support they counted on. As the days went on, you dealt with constantly Hello Again: CTA State Council Reunites in Los Angeles Emotional return for first in-person meeting in two years By Julian Peeples changing safety protocols and guidance. You did what needed to be done to keep students and schools safe." During his address, Boyd reviewed the many issues facing educa- tors during the past two years, noting that CTA members have been leading the fight for public education, equality and economic justice. From standing together to stop Asian hate to supporting LGBTQ+ stu- dents whose networks were shrunk or eliminated during the pandemic to marching in the streets to state unequivocally that Black lives matter, Boyd said educators showed courage and selflessness. Solidarity With Striking Educators State Council stood in solidarity with Sacramento City Teachers Association members as they entered the fourth day of their strike. ere were requests to support SCTA's strike fund, as well as the fund for Rohnert Park Cotati Educators Association, which had won a fair contract after six days on strike. "It's a shame that so many locals are having to deal with even the potential for a strike. Educators rose to the challenge of the pandemic with tremendous skill and grace. Being treated by their employer with respect shouldn't be too much to ask," Boyd said. "School districts argue that they can't afford to pay their teachers and education support professionals more. is is almost universally simply untrue." State Council representatives express solidarity with striking educators at Sacramento City Teachers Association. CTA President E. Toby Boyd welcomes educators back to the in-person meeting. "Educators rose to the challenge of the pandemic with tremendous skill and grace. Being treated by their employer with respect shouldn't be too much to ask." —CTA President E. Toby Boyd 49 A P R I L / M AY 2 0 2 2 C