Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1537217
Outstanding Contributions CTA's 2024 Member- and Chapter-in-Politics Awards By Amy Peruzzaro T H I S P A S T A P R I L several members and locals were recognized with the 2024 Member-in-Politics Award in Honor of Ted Bass and the Chapter-in-Politics Award in Honor of Joyce Fadem. The Chapter-in-Politics Award, named for the late CTA director of Governmental Relations Joyce Fadem, honors locals that make outstanding contributions to their communities across the state through exemplary organizing in political campaigns. The Member-in-Politics Awards is named for the late CTA political consultant Ted Bass and recognizes outstanding teach- ers in politics for their effective organizing in political campaigns. CELIA GREENE, Burbank Teachers Association, received the "State Priorities Award." Greene met with legislators several times on behalf of educators and students to reaffirm their commitments to not reduce the education budget and not harm student success. She canvassed and phone banked for a Burbank school board race, and participated in candidate interviews for Burbank Unified school board and Burbank City Council. KRISTINA TAYLOR, Anderson Cascade Teachers Assn., is the recipient of the "Getting Others Involved Award." Taylor was responsible for hosting most of the campaign activities for her local's initiative to embrace political engagement and contacted members about potential candidates for the Cascade school board. She also led an inclusive campaign to foster more political engagement among members. LONNY JOHNSON, Selma Unified Teachers Assn., received the "Overall Award." Johnson has held various leadership roles within SUTA including site representative, negotiations chair, Political Action Committee (PAC) chair and vice president. Johnson was instrumental in establishing SUTA's PAC, which has been a critical part of supporting pro-education candidates for school board elections. Johnson has also worked closely with the California School Employees Assn. and is a chairperson of the Strategic Initiatives Committee within the Fresno County Democratic Central Committee. Member-in-Politics Awards Political Involvement Committee Chair Roger McCoy and Lonny Johnson 33 S U M M E R 2 0 2 5 Our Union Celia Greene Kristina Taylor