Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1525262
Cesar Juarez Ruiz was inspired to become an educator by his professor in a Mexican-American history class at Evergreen Community College in San Jose. He says learning about the history of people he identified with was empowering, and an absolutely new experience. The instructor issued a challenge to Juarez Ruiz: Bring that passion to kids in his commu- nity as a high school teacher. " That's why I became a teacher, to share that same empowering experience with students in my class," says Juarez Ruiz. He approaches teaching with an equity lens, work- ing to lift students and instill knowledge that helps them better learn about themselves and shape their identities. As an ESTA member, Juarez Ruiz applies the same lens, serving as the chair of his local's Equity Committee and working to create spaces for educators who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) to connect and build together, and for mentorship. He is also a graduate of CTA's Ethnic Minority Early Identification (EMEID) program, which provides resources to emerging BIPOC union leaders. "I feel a strong sense of family and support in con- necting with like-minded educators," says Juarez Ruiz. " Teaching has historically been under attack — espe- cially teachers of color who want to transform their communities. Being part of a powerful union that sup- ports educators on a statewide level and providing Juarez Ruiz (standing in green jacket) at an ESTA #RedforEd rally. Cesar Juarez Ruiz HISTORY, AVID TEACHER East Side Teachers Association "Being part of a powerful union that supports educators and providing resources for BIPOC educators makes me feel empowered in the work I do." Educator Passion on Display Keep an eye out for these amazing educators: CTA's current media spots feature some of the people profiled here and showcases how educators are fighting together in our union to strengthen California public schools and community colleges. You can also go to cta.org/ourfight to view the spots. resources for BIPOC educators, it makes me feel empowered in the work I do." Juarez Ruiz previously worked at a non-union charter school, and he missed the shared purpose he now feels with fellow CTA mem- bers. It's a feeling he hopes to build with partners and allies in the community to help win the public schools all students deserve. "People have the power to join educators in transforming public education so we can continue doing the important work in the com- munities where we live," he says. 16 cta.org Feature