Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1509126
What You Wish Traditional K–12 Educators Knew About Charter Educators: TIERRA ALLEN " We are stronger together and we can help each other. We want the same things: safe, nurturing learning environments, safe working conditions and fair pay." SAL WILLIAMS " When we're establishing a contract, we're essentially fighting for Ed Code. We're organizing for basic rights that most K–12 educators already enjoy." NICOLE PIPER " We're in the same fight on the same team working toward the same end — and we are not our employer. We are trying to change things from the inside to make them better." On Support From CTA: MARY GARDNER " Our CTA staff has been invaluable. As teachers, we look out for our students' best interests; we both advocate for them and empower them to advocate for themselves. That's what my CTA staff is to me — all our work would be impossible without that support." TIERRA ALLEN " I can't tell you how much being connected to CTA means to our unit. The charter school strand at CTA Summer Institute helped me understand that my management was using the same tactics as other charter operators." SAL WILLIAMS " Even though we're union now, it's still very new to us and we rely on the expertise of our CTA staff. Everyone in our local benefits from staff support." JEREMY ZUNIGA " CTA is looking out for all educators." Charter local union leaders also had the opportunity to learn and connect with each other at CTA Summer Institute's charter educator-specific strand. Gardner called the experi- ence invaluable. "I can't say enough about that week, the trainers, the charter educators I met and the planning I was able to do," says Gardner, who attended in 2022. "When you're involved in union leader- ship, it can be exhausting, so it's great to meet other people who are doing the same work — it makes me hopeful to see so many people working hard to make things better!" As the Charter Leader Strategy meeting continues this year, the network of charter educators is growing, with work continu- ing on statewide contract standards that lift the floor of charter educator compensation, complement existing teacher contracts and improve the quality of life for all educators. "Until educators are the ones making decisions and have power, things are not going to change," Gardner says. " The teachers that are going to be the best are going to be the most respected and feel like they have some control of their environ- ment. I feel that the only way to achieve that is organizing." Nicole Piper (top row, middle) and the CVEU leadership team are working on their sixth contract campaign. Sal Williams says the visit to CTA State Council showed how members are a part of something much larger than themselves. 42 cta.org Advocacy