Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1480924
Tina Gustin-Gurney 30-year elementary educator, CTA-Retired Running unopposed for: Westminster School Board Why? I was appointed in October 2020 and wanted to bring my edu- cation experience to the board as they navigated through COVID. Now I'm running to continue the success of a great school board and provide consistency to a district that has had many changes. Why now? After I retired as COVID hit, I decided to submit my application when the district needed to replace a board member. I'd thought about being on my local board when I retired and this opportunity presented itself. I am the current president of the board and feel I've contributed to making the district more understanding of the educators' perspective and that stu- dents are the most important part of this endeavor. Advice for other hopefuls? Your expertise about policies that affect classrooms and educators is invalu- able in the decision-making process. You have a sense of reality that busi- nesspeople don't understand about how schools are run. You can offer solutions that make sense for schools. You can also make sure students are getting an equitable education. You know how to present information and to ask lots of questions! Taunya Jaco Sixth-grade teacher, San Jose Teachers Association; CTA Board of Directors, District G Running for: Oak Grove Unified School Board Why? I believe that educators should be the ones to make decisions about public education. We must work col- laboratively with our students, parents and community to empower, grow and transform public education. Why now? It's not about me running as much as it is about wanting to do what I can to serve the students and families in my community. We cannot afford to wait. Our students and educa- tors deserve our best now. It's easy to tell others, "you are the change that you are looking for," but we can't just talk the talk; we also have to walk the walk. This is my opportunity to give back and serve the community that helped to raise me and to be the change that I hope to see. Advice for other hopefuls? You are a highly trained, professional educator. You have a union and a community of support. Shirley Chisholm said, "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair." Remember that tomor- row may never come; your time is now. Let go of fear and move in confidence and love. You got this! #WeAreCTA Website: taunyajaco.org; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @DrJacoSays Tara Jeane High school English teacher, West Placer Teachers Association; NEA Board of Directors, District 1 Running for: Sacramento City School Board Why? I want to do more for kids. I've taught about 3,500 students in 17 years in the classroom; I've lobbied with local, state and national leaders for what schools need; and I've worked with my colleagues collaboratively to solve any problem that we've faced in education. Our current school board doesn't have a teacher on it, and I'm eager to use my teacher voice in that room! Why now? In February, after a day of virtual union meetings, I felt rather deflated. The last two years have taken their toll on educators and proven yet again how vital it is for us to be in the room when people make decisions about education. I woke up the next morning and knew it was time to run for school board. Advice for other hopefuls? The minute I decided to run, I started hear- ing the voice of doubt. I so appreciate that my union family has been louder than that voice, continually encourag- ing and championing me on every step of this journey. Our world needs us and we can do this together! Website: Tara4SacCity.org; Facebook: Tara Jeane For Sac City 38 cta.org Election 2022