Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1533049
Human Rights Award for Women's Advocacy Awarded to a member whose activities have helped to achieve significant progress in women's rights. Shelby Anderson HISTORY TEACHER Laguna Beach Unified Faculty Association Shelby Anderson embodies a relentless dedication to dismantling gender bias and expanding women's history. She has done this by developing transfor- mative educational programs, such as her authorship of a WWII women's military service lesson and her co-lead- ership of a professional development series with the National WWII Museum. Anderson recently collaborated with the museum's Edu- cator Advisory Council on the "What's In Your Footlocker " lesson. It featured profiles of five servicewomen, including a Native American, African American and Japanese American. The lesson highlights their motivations for joining the ser- vice, job experiences, and the unique challenges they faced, such as segregation and discrimination. By emphasizing inclusivity, the lesson broadens students' appreciation of history and encourages them to view these servicewomen as veterans and pioneers of equality. In Anderson's classroom, lessons go beyond traditional approaches by incorporating hands-on and discus- sion-based methods that deepen students' empathy and understanding. Her focus throughout her curriculum is on underrepresented groups, primarily women from all ethnic backgrounds. Through living history, she teaches students about wom- en's military service wearing her original WWII women's uniforms, including those from the Women's Army Corps, The Women's Naval Reserve and more. Anderson's passion for servicewomen's contributions challenges traditional male-centric narratives of wartime and helps reduce bias against studying women's military history. Anderson is also working to bring a Women's AP U.S. History course to fruition and contributing her knowledge of women's military service during WWII to the curriculum. She has co-authored a lesson plan for the UC Irvine History Project on the Mendez et. al v Westminster case that deseg- regated schools in California during WWII, years before Brown v. Board (to be published). Her commitment to teaching through a human rights lens helps ignite a passion for social justice among students and educators alike. By nurturing understanding and advocacy, Anderson is shaping a new generation that recognizes and champions the rights of all who served, ensuring that their stories are told and honored. Pacific Asian American Human Rights Award Awarded to a member whose activities have helped to achieve significant progress on behalf of equal opportunity for Pacific Asian Americans. Wei-Tsu Loh SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST president of Associated Pomona Teachers, CTA Asian and Pacific Islander Caucus member As president of Associated Pomona Teachers (APT ) for three years, Wei- Tsu Loh inspires others and empowers them to do the work necessary to make change. Loh has prioritized political activism, equity and a working relation- ship with the district board. During her tenure, APT successfully negotiated a 20% increase in educator pay. Among her other accomplishments: • Bilingual programs: Loh revitalized an APT committee for educators involved in the district's Dual Language Immersion Program (now at four schools and growing) and worked with the district to ensure that the educators are supported and able to provide the education stu- dents deserve. • Educational equity: Loh created a program where mem- bers of the APT executive board are connected with a board member from their trustee area. The pairs meet to discuss issues of importance for all Pomona students, allowing educators to have access to decision-makers. For example, Pomona has a growing Asian community, and this program helps address their needs. • Involvement in the community: Loh attends multiple community events, including those for nearby CTA locals, on behalf of students and CTA. She is collabo- rating with the district, parents and educators to create a community schools steering committee and get rele- vant training for the team. She is also working with the district to make sure a community schools grant is used to better Pomona schools and provide students alterna- tives to gangs. • Political activism: Loh lobbies at the State Capitol, repre- senting CTA and advocating for students, educators and communities – particularly in the BIPOC communities. She is a leader in the Inland Communities Organizing Network tackling housing shortage issues in Pomona. • Representational equity: Loh faced backlash for the ethnic diversity of APT 's executive board., but she is dedicated to ensuring that all voices are heard. She has encouraged the district to expand its Ethnic Studies pro- gram and is actively involved in CTA 's Asian and Pacific Islander Caucus. 41 M A R C H 2 0 2 5