Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/2864
chel Tompkins, president of the Rural School and Community Trust, addressed the issues raised by Lancaster and Gos- sett, outlining some of the characteristics that can make success in rural school systems more difficult to achieve. Chief among them are economic and cultural diversity; declining en- rollments; and a high variation of educational achievement among adult populations in such communities. “The purpose of the Rural School and Community Trust is to foster basic organizing among all constituencies in rural communities, helping them to build the kinds of relationships that can lead to the improvement of public education,” said Tompkins. “People coming together to work for the common good is CTA President David A. Sanchez congratulates CTA ESP Person of the Year Mike Shanteler from Redlands Unified School District. what we’re all about.” President Sanchez also em- phasized characteristics of ru- ral education in California that can contribute to the challeng- es of teaching and learning in such communities. “California is among 12 states that have the most diverse rural student pop- ulations, but more significant- ly, California has some of the poorest rural districts in the country,” he said. The Rural Issues Conference offered 40 different workshops and training sessions, while the ESP Conference featured 12 — including creating safe school environments; working with children living in poverty; ESP membership promotion and community outreach; under- standing Program Improve- ment; and the bargaining and financial implications of de- clining enrollment. All were specifically tailored to teachers and ESP members who work in rural schools. Assistance with the collective 1/4 page ad bargaining process is especially significant to CTA member Mike Shanteler, foreman in the Air, Heating and Refrigeration Department at the Redlands Unified School District, and recipient of CTA’s 2009 Education Support Professional Person of the Year Award, presented during ceremonies at the ESP Conference. “Being connected to CTA LT050209 has really empowered our members at the bargaining ta- ble,” said Shanteler, “and we have been able to forge a very positive working relationship 26 California Educator | february 2009 with the teachers association in Redlands, so that our board and administration aren’t able to divide and conquer when it comes to working with us.” In his remarks to ESP Conference participants while presenting Shanteler’s award, Sanchez said, “Mike has worked with the school district on Indoor Air Quality issues, using his knowledge and ongoing training to make sure the students and employees of Redlands schools breathe healthy air. There is no doubt that his efforts have led to reduced illness and increased energy efficiency.” Sanchez also cited Shanteler’s exemplary work in the association, including his service as vice president of the Redlands ESP Association and his organization of an annual golf tournament that raises an average of $5,000 each year to provide scholarships to the children of RESPA members. bill Guy 09-ST-103 Long Term Care California 3.6x4.75” PDFx1a (For February 2009) CTA photo by Scott Buschman