California Educator

April/May 2024

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Jessica Potts was a part of the group of educators who worked tirelessly for years at the state and national level for a law that allows women in California to take bereavement leave for a miscarriage or failed adoption or other "reproductive loss event." The law, supported by CTA and passed in 2023, requires covered employers to provide up to five days of leave for qualified employees. The law is life-changing for women across the state, who were previously forced to return to work immediately after losing a baby. "She did a lot of work for women who lost a baby to have the right to grieve, to be able to say, ' You know what? I do need a couple of days to process that and to grieve that,'" said Shellie Ann Bittner, who nominated Potts for the award. "Nobody even knew about this, it was all behind the scenes — the meetings, the emails, the follow-up." Potts, a high school forensics teacher, currently serves as vice president for Irvine Teachers Association, president of the Orange Service Center Council, and was recently elected CTA Women's Rights Committee chair. On the ITA Social Media/ Communications committee, she regularly shares information about women's rights and resources available at the local and state levels. She leads and speaks at countless conferences throughout the state. Potts is known for her willingness to have hard conversa- tions in support of female educators who experience sexist treatment, and for her efforts to make things better profession- ally and on a personal level for women and all people. Gabe Alegre's multifaceted contributions speak volumes about his dedication to various aspects cru- cial to the enrichment of his community. As an ethnic studies teacher, Alegre ensures that students' educational experiences are equitable and reflective of diverse perspectives. His dedication to dismantling barriers to education is testament to his unwavering commitment to fairness. His plurilingual abilities enhance the learning environment and con- tribute to the inclusivity of educational programs. Alegre's organizing and political lobbying, as well as his participation in rallies, marches and protests on issues from education to human rights, showcase his ongoing commitment to bring about systemic change. He consistently lends his voice to causes that align with principles of justice and liberation. Alegre's impact extends to the com- munity. His leadership within APALA (Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance) inspires others and demon- strates a path they can follow. He actively contributes to programs that empower individuals and fosters a new generation of leaders. For three years, Alegre has served as a CTA Cadre trainer in Racial Justice Advocacy. He has helped create content for sessions that include "Moving Beyond Awareness to Allyship: How Educators Can Take Action" and "Decolonizing the Classroom and Me." "He is not a passive observer to things going on that affect marginalized students," said fellow Cadre trainer Kassandra Talbot, who nominated Alegre for the award. "He's an active participant. Youth and children today need someone who shows up, teaches in an intersectional and culturally responsive manner, and also does their own work outside of the class- room — that they can see out in the community. That is who Gabe is." Jessica Potts Irvine Teachers Association HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD FOR WOMEN'S ADVOCACY Gabriel S. Alegre San Mateo Elementary Teachers Association PACIFIC ASIAN AMERICAN HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD Below, Potts with the CTA Officers. Alegre with fellow CTA Cadre trainers. 36 cta.org Social Justice

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