Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1545867
John Swett Media Awards CTA's John Swett Media Awards annually celebrate outstanding coverage of community and campaign issues that have impacted California's public schools, community colleges and the labor movement. CTA local leaders nominate works by journalists that are independently judged by a panel of media professionals. The 2025 awardees: Best Investigative Reporting • Certificate of Merit — Jordan Georgeson, Gold Country Media Best News Story or Series • Swett Award — Justine McDaniel and María Luisa Paúl, Washington Post • Swett Award — Jennah Pendleton, The Sacramento Bee • Certificate of Merit — Sierra Lopez, Bay Area News Group • Certificate of Merit — Joshua Silla, San Gabriel Valley Tribune For the full list and links to the award-winning coverage, visit cta.org/awards. The Swett Awards were announced at June State Council. Panel at the CTA Special Education Conference in 2024. CTA Conference Grants — Apply Now! A P P L I C A T I O N S F O R CTA's Conference Incentive Grants for upcoming conferences are now open. The grants cover the cost of conference registration and travel and help members achieve professional development goals. Applications are open for the following CTA Conferences: 2026 Special Education Conference OCT. 2-4, 2026 Hyatt Regency OC, Garden Grove Application deadline: Aug. 17, 2026 2026 LGBTQ+ Issues Conference NOV. 6-8, 2026 Marriott SFO, Burlingame Application deadline: Aug.17, 2026 2026 New Educator Weekend — North NOV. 13-15, 2026 Marriott SFO, Burlingame Application deadline: Aug. 17, 2026 2027 New Educator Weekend — South FEB. 19-21, 2027 Hilton OC, Costa Mesa Application deadline: Nov. 9, 2026 For details and to apply, visit CTA.org/Grants. Disability Pride Month One in seven, or 14%, of California public school students currently receive disability services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), close to the 15% nationwide. July is Disability Pride Month and the 2026 theme is " The World Works Better With Us" (per The Arc's National Council of Self-Advocates) — meaning that when people with disabilities are included, respected and supported, communities function better for everyone across schools, workplaces and public life. The month coincides with the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act into law on July 26, 1990. July: 35 S U M M E R 2 0 26 I