Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1537217
Union educators showed that an injury to one is an injury to all in January, coming together to support each other and the greater Los Angeles community after devastating wildfires that destroyed more than 18,000 structures and chased 200,000 from their homes. Working with actors Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer, our union raised more than $40,000 to help educators who were impacted move forward. In all, 19 school districts closed and a dozen schools were destroyed in the Palisades and Eaton fires. Our union mobilized immediately, with local associations in the impacted areas supporting members on the ground and CTA coordinating relief efforts through our Disaster Relief Fund to help support those in need. "I've been so moved by how we've carried on together, wrapped our arms around each other for support, reached out to check on our colleagues, students and neighbors, and helped raise money and provide mutual aid," CTA President David Goldberg said in January. United Teachers of Pasadena (UTP) organized and saved 40 jobs that were at risk of layoffs. Even after the wildfires that impacted educators and their families, members showed up to school board meetings and fought to rescind layoffs and keep educators in Pasadena. In Pasadena, an estimated 10% of school district staff lost their homes, as well as one in six students, which made the district's proposal to lay off 65 UTP members that much more difficult to swallow. UTP organized, showed up to school board meetings, fought to keep educators in Pasadena and saved 40 jobs. Carolyn Grumm, second grade teacher and Arcadia Teachers Assn. member, is a volunteer with Sierra Madre Search and Rescue team, which played a critical role during and after the 2025 LA wildfires. She is pictured standing behind the van's open door along with the team. REGION III 16 cta.org Year in Review