Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1512793
How They Did It F R E S N O T E A C H E R S W O N a historic contract through unbreakable solidarity, commitment to a shared vision and faith in FTA leadership. Here are some tips learned by FTA President Manuel Bonilla. Start with a vision: Bonilla shared a photoshopped graphic during a 2021 retreat with the FTA executive board that showed thousands of blue-shirted educators rallying for better Fresno schools — which became reality this year (see graphic). "We got the board to see that it was possible and asked what needed to happen to make it a reality." Know your audience: "We never thought we were in the wrong. If something is right, that's what we need to do. That resonated with our members, and then we were relentless about it." Lean into transparency and difficult conversations: "We were always informing people. We had lots of virtual meetings with 2,000-plus members. Invite people into the process." Be relentless with your message: "Overcommunicate and call things what they are, but be sure to take the high road. Keep things classroom-centered and student-focused." The struggle continues: " The top of one mountain is the base of another — we are literally having discussions about what we are going to do next." "Our teachers made it clear that students thrive when educators thrive — and educators thrive when leaders value their hard work, tireless dedication and are committed to providing adequate support." —FTA President Manuel Bonilla "It's absolutely amazing to see the solidarity with folks and the reason for it — not just with our members but with union mem- bers across the valley," Bonilla says. "We gave them a reason and they just stepped up." Bonilla says this year's victory was accomplished through a shared righteous confidence by all of FTA's 4,000 members. "We were relentless about what needed to change and how it needed to change," Bonilla says. "Our struggle is not a series of challenges and accomplishments — it's an ongoing building of the profession and development of educators standing up for their rights. We don't stop." FTA President Bonilla announced a tentative agreement had been reached at an Oct. 31 press conference at Fresno High School. 19 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 24