Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1535219
policy is in line with the district's historical lack of support for LGBTQ+ students, including cancelling a student-orga- nized Pride Week celebration. She said her students noticed the Pride f lag in her classroom disappear and many of them organized to fight back against the policy, speaking their truth at a school board meeting — one student told trustees "my life is not controversial." Magaña says fighting this policy and supporting her students meant honoring her commitment as an edu- cator. " We learn so often in our prep programs that as teachers we're supposed to be agents of change and this was me following through on that commitment," she says. "I was thankful for that. Nervous of course, but it was necessary." H av i n g s u p p o r t i n t h i s f i g h t f r o m h e r union and CTA legal staff meant everything to Magaña, reaffirming her decision to speak out. She recommends building a support net- work of like-minded colleagues with similar values to protect safe and brave spaces for all. " We need to build community, get to know each other and build a strong foundation so we don't feel isolated," Magaña says. " S how up for y our students, w h eth er it 's provi din g Know Your Rights cards in classrooms or being someone who listens when they 're experiencing something and con- nects them with resources." Protecting Special Education Resources " What is happening at the federal level is extremely scar y, because they're bullying the children who need the most," says PV TA's Benvenutti. "If we stay united, not just as a union but with parents and community, we can get greater results. It's scary times, regardless." Benvenutti is building a movement to defend students with disabilities and the special edu- cation resources they deserve in Blythe, deep in the low desert. e special day class teacher worked to form a Special Education Committee in his local to better advocate for his students. "We are looking into a lot of things that are impacting our classrooms. A lot of us don't have hard caps — last year, I had 20 students," says Benvenutti. "Our students are not getting a quality education. We don't have enough subs, so our teachers aren't participating in IEPs (Individualized Edu- cation Plans). How is that what's best for students? We've been very vocal about it, participating in board meetings and making our voices heard." Special education services and resources are under threat "What is happening at the federal level is extremely scary, because they're bullying the children who need the most." —Luis Benvenutti, Palo Verde Teachers Assn. On March 19, Charter Oak Educators Association members held walk-in rallies to support their schools, students and ongoing bargain. 20 cta.org Feature