Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1480924
Elva Lopez-Zepeda Second grade teacher, Southwest Teachers Association Running for: Sweetwater Union High School Board Why? I know that I can make a difference to the youth of the com- munity. My professional and personal experiences provide me with a unique understanding of the workings of a school district. I will bring knowledge to the office that no other candidate has and be able to provide a unique per- spective in decision-making. Why now? It is time for me to apply all I have experienced and learned in my career. I will be the voice of parents, educators, community mem- bers and the students. I will promote policies that will remove obstacles to student growth to assure that all students are prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Advice for other hopefuls? Go for it! Is it easy? No. But as educators, we know what is best for students, and we need to get out of our comfort zone and work for kids outside the classroom. We have the passion, the knowledge and the drive to get things done. Let's use it to advocate for students, colleagues and families and bring the needed change to education. Website: elvalopez-zepeda.com Amie Stewart Middle school physical education teacher, Teachers Association of Paramount Running for: Bellflower Unified School Board Why? I felt I needed to get more involved in my community. I wanted to serve the community that raised me and prepared me for my future in education. Why now? I believe my community has been asking for but not receiving the support it deserves, and I want to try and help make a difference. We need to work with our labor unions and educational partners, and I believe I can help us improve in those areas. Advice for other hopefuls? It is a lot of work, a lot of long hours, phone calls and research – and it is all worth it. I am humbled to have met so many people in my community who I didn't know before. It feels amazing to be more involved and give back to serve others. I love the people I get to work with and I believe I have made lifelong friends in this process. Facebook, Instagram: @AmieStewartForSchoolBoard Erika Zamora School counselor, Alvord Educators Association Running for: Val Verde Unified School Board Why? I grew up in this district. I'm invested in Val Verde, not just as a for- mer student, employee and parent, but as a community member and educator. I'm an advocate for students and edu- cators, and I believe I need to do more for my community. Why now? Being involved in CSEA from 2000-2015 allowed me the oppor- tunity to know what it meant to work collaboratively for a common goal. Being active in CTA has opened doors into advocacy for all educators. As chair of CTA's Student Support Ser- vices Committee, I have been able to work alongside fellow educators from across the state to support and push for legislation and policy that is stu- dent-centered and protects our public schools. As an NEA director, I have had the honor of lobbying at the national level. And now that my kids are a bit older and I have more experience, I feel it's time to serve my community. Advice for other hopefuls? Do it! Who better to decide what is best for the students and our schools than edu- cators? Public schools have been under attack for too long and it's time that educators have a seat at the table. Website: erikaforvalverde.org Twitter: @Erika4ValVerde, Facebook and Instagram: @ErikaForValVerde 39 O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 2