Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1535219
Supporting some of our most vulnerable students requires collaboration, which Benvenutti would like to formalize with the creation of a joint union-district special education committee to be able to discuss issues and concerns before they escalate. "Also, it could be helpful to get the community involved in this committee, so that we are all working together for our most vulnerable children," he says, adding that PVTA is also exploring ways to provide education, training and development on special education issues to parents. "A parent who is knowledgeable is a kid who is successful." While the community is mostly conservative, Benvenutti says it doesn't seem like the political affiliations determine how peo- ple feel about supporting students in special education. " You might see a lot of Trump flags around town, but when it comes to education and exceptional children, there is a lot of support," he said. In March, educators nationwide held "walk-in" rallies before school started in the morning to show support for ED and the crucial services provided by its staff. In communities including Charter Oak, Glendale and Sacramento, CTA members joined students and families in rallying for the federal education sup- port our public schools need. "e bottom line is we need to create a better environment for our children and our jobs," Benvenutti says. "We are educators and we want the best for our kids." Students and families joined educators in Santa Maria. One Alhambra Unified's Dream Centers, a safe space for all Alhambra students. The Alhambra march is one of many unity events planned this year to lift "unheard voices." "We need to be showing our students how to do civil disobedience effectively and make positive change in our community." —Javier Gutierrez, Alhambra Teachers Assn. 22 cta.org Feature