Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1480924
Ava Chiao High School science teacher, East Side Teachers Association Running for: Cupertino Union School Board Why? I've always had a heart for stu- dents. I know what it takes to help an individual child in a classroom because I've been doing that every day for years. Now I'm ready to take that expertise and apply it at the district level, imple- menting policy and looking strategically at the district. My unique perspective will bring an important balance to the board, to help make informed decisions for my community. I'm the only candi- date with a teaching credential and I also bring student voices to the board. Why now? I've been working to be ready since 2017. With my teaching, community service, and education pol- icy experience, I am ready to serve. Advice for other hopefuls? Run- ning for office will be like having another job. It may seem a lot, but you will have a core team that supports you. We need teachers to be more involved in making decisions at the table — if they 're not at the table, they 're on the menu. Let us get more teachers involved at the political level. Getting involved starts with you! Website: avachiao.org; Facebook: @AvaChiao.org; Twitter: @AvaChiao; Instagram: @_AvaChiao Mikki Cichocki Recently retired 33-year educator, CTA-Retired Running for: San Bernardino City School Board Why? Education is a family tradition as both my parents were teachers in San Bernardino. I bring the perspec- tive of an experienced teacher, as I taught in elementary and secondary schools. I know what works in helping our students succeed. I know what teachers and school staff need to thrive professionally. Why now? The timing was right. I just retired and we have a special elec- tion to fill the seat of a beloved board member, Dr. Margaret Hill, who passed away. Several teachers and commu- nity members spoke to me about this opportunity and after talking with my family, we decided the time was now. Advice for other hopefuls? Cam- paigning is not for the faint of heart. You have to be willing to put yourself out there. But next to teaching, being willing to serve your community as a school board member or other elected leader is great community service. Hav- ing a background in education and the experience of being a CTA local leader from site rep to president gives you invaluable training and insight in how to serve your community. Facebook: @mikki4sbcusd Cesar Fernandez Secondary educator, Sweetwater Education Association Running for: Chula Vista Elementary School Board Why? I was appointed to the board a year ago and am running because I enjoy leading from the dais. I am a par- ent of a child in the district and want to provide all the students with robust learning opportunities. My experience in the classroom and as a union leader provides me with a unique perspective to be an effective board member. Why now? Providing a quality edu- cation and opportunities for enrichment has been my passion, and I'd like to now provide those as a board member. Advice for other hopefuls? Do it. We need more educators to be on school boards. If you love teaching and your community, then just go for it. We need you out here keeping public education strong. Website: cesarforschoolboard.com; Twitter, Instagram: @czareff; Facebook: @Cesar4CVESD 37 O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 2