Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1544915
From left to right: Adrian Tamayo, CTA Vice President Leslie Littman, James Gensaw, Dr. Malinda Hurley, Nicole Williams (standing in for Gladys Williams), Dr. Hezekiah Herrera, Robyn Lee Nixon, Maya Suzuki Daniels, CTA Secretary-Treasurer Erika Jones, CTA President David Goldberg, Fadi Saba. You can watch videos of the 2026 award winners at youtube.com/Californiateachers. To learn more about the CTA Human Rights Awards, and to nominate a member, visit cta.org/awards. colonialism, civil rights and solidarity. Through his leader- ship, Saba models how unions can be powerful vehicles for dignity, safety and justice — proving that advocacy inside and outside the classroom are inseparable parts of the same lifelong commitment. Dr. Hezekiah Herrera STUDENTS WITH EXCEPTIONAL NEEDS HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD Dr. Hezekiah Herrera, a member of Chula Vista Educators, is an educator and union leader whose work reflects a deep commitment to educational equity for students with exceptional needs. As a father to children with disabilities, his advocacy is deeply personal. He models a proactive, solu- tions-oriented approach that empowers other educators to become better advocates and partners in inclusion. In his classroom, Dr. Herrera focuses on creating inclu- sive environments where students with extensive support needs can participate fully in school life. Recognizing that traditional curriculum often fails to meet the needs of such students, he has developed innovative instructional tools and customized learning materials tailored to students' communication, sensory and academic needs. He has also authored inclusive children's literature to ensure students see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Dr. Herrera designed a suite of digital learning appli- cations aligned with students' Individualized Education Program goals. These include a digital communication plat- form where students practice composing functional emails and texts, and applications that teach essential life skills such as managing money. He created a progress-tracking system that provides instructional guidance for paraprofessionals, ensuring students receive con- sistent, high-quality support. He also built a specialized support plan genera- tor for events and field trips. The tool generates a comprehensive document in minutes that details all accommodations, medical needs and sensory supports required. It demystifies support, reduces anxiety for staff, and directly tears down barriers that traditionally prevent students with complex medical and physical needs from participating in these activities. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Herrera serves on CVE's executive board, participates in his district's Special Education Task Force, and, as a CTA State Council representative, contributes to the Special Education com- mittee. Through these roles, he amplifies educators' voices and advocates for safer classrooms, adequate staffing and stronger supports for students with exceptional needs. He also actively partners with community organizations to champion the rights and opportunities of all students with disabilities. Dr. Herrera truly models what it means to be an innovator and human rights advocate. 35 S P R I N G 2 0 26