Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1470295
Rising to Lead Educators across state run for oice to make change for students and communities By Julian Peeples E D U C A T O R S A C R O S S C A L I F O R N I A are taking their leadership to the next level to make direct change for students and communities. We caught up with three educators and CTA activists looking to expand their changemaking reach from the classroom to the school board meeting and even the halls of the State Capitol as they run for elected o•ice in the June Pri- mary. (Others are expected to run in November 's General Election.) Results of these races unknown as of press time. Check cta.org/educator for the latest news on these and other races. Above, Ingrid Gunnell with her children. Dawn Addis San Luis Coastal Teachers Association OFFICE SOUGHT: State Assemblymember, District 30 Longtime teacher and current Morro Bay City Council member, Addis is the CTA-endorsed candidate for Assembly District 30. She is a Teacher on Special Assignment for English Learner and Intervention Programs in San Luis Coastal Unified School District, where she has taught for 22 years. Addis' top priorities in the Assembly: education, housing, jobs, healthcare, climate action and justice. Addis said now is the time to lead at a state level because too many people do not see themselves reflected in decision-making bodies — something especially true for educators who work and come from underserved communi- ties, she said. " We need to elect people who will speak up for others, who will bring dollars to classrooms, who understand the true needs of special education and English learner programs, and who will advocate for California's chil- dren and families." Ingrid Gunnell United Teachers Los Angeles OFFICE SOUGHT: Trustee, Glendale Unified School District An educator in Los Angeles Unified School District for more than 24 years, Gunnell is running for school board in her hometown of Glendale. She is endorsed by the Glendale Teachers Association. Gunnell is a member of the CTA State Council of Education, serving as the chair of the Political Involvement Committee. Gunnell is running for three main reasons: to protect Glendale educators' ability to teach truth in their class- rooms; to ensure the district bargains in good faith; and to provide mental health support to students and sta•. "It's critical that we have educa- tors who know the landscape run for school board. We know our profession and we can uplift our colleagues in the district we live in. Now is the time to get involved!" Ruth Luevand Bonita Unified Teachers Association OFFICE SOUGHT: Mayor, City of San Dimas Luevand teaches all divisions of chem- istry at San Dimas High School, where she holds a variety of leadership roles. A member of the NEA Board of Direc- tors, Luevand brings fresh ideas, bold leadership and a collaborative spirit to a city council that needs diversity in thought, profession and ideas. Among Luevand's top priorities: balancing the budget, creating opportunities for additional reve- nue in downtown San Dimas, and ensuring that development within the community is responsible and environ- mentally sound. For fellow educators considering a run for city elected o•ice, Luevand advises volunteering in the community and on city commissions, and devel- oping relationships with business and community groups to become more knowledgeable about important issues. "In essence, the message is get involved, get involved, get involved." 50 cta.org CTA & You