Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1527898
insight on the problems and struggles classified staff were facing at the school. "As teachers, we want to make sure they're getting as much support as possi- ble. We're all here for the same reasons," Patterson says. "Showing up together has made a big difference. Speaking up for each other and showing that unity has helped all of us in this district." H a r n e s si n g t h e i r u n i ty i n s e r v i n g New Jerusalem students and support- ing each other, NJU Secretar y Isabela Gonzalez says that raising their voices together is building power in the small Tracy school district. "It's just not me alone. I know I'm not the only one reaching out to people," she says. "Our voices are definitely stronger." Duran says the unionizing process was daunting at times but fueled by their commitment to each other and lifted by the support of their teacher siblings, NJU and NJEA members built real power to make change together for their students. " There's a lot to be said about hav- ing numbers. It's worth every emotion that you go through. Just to know that y o u h av e c o n tro l o v e r y o u r w o rki n g environment makes it that much more worth it," Duran says. "It's not easy being in education. I would love teachers to know that we're all aspiring to be them. Their support throughout this has been so helpful — there's always a hand for us to reach for." What's next for these two New Jerusa- lem unions? Patterson says it's all about leaning into their unity and focusing on what's best for their students and sup- porting each other. "Sticking together and continuing our work to advocate for our school," she says. "It really does make a difference. We love our students and each other, and we also have to take care of our families, so we want to make sure our pay stays compet- itive in our area." NJU executive board members Katie Christensen, Martha Duran and Isabela Gonzalez are ready to build on their victories. Below, Duran and Miriam Patterson, presidents of NJU and NJEA, respectively. Welcome to the CTA Family! New Jerusalem United New Jerusalem School District, Tracy Members: 10 education support professionals Founded: 2024 President: Martha Duran F I R S T C O N T R A C T : What NJU Won • Immediate pay raises up to 18% • One-time stipend of two weeks pay • Six-month probationary period • Eliminate cap on leave accrual • "Out-of-class" pay when temporarily covering better paid positions • Paid federal holidays • Parental leave • Current employees prioritized for assignment changes 43 O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 24