Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/34960
LEFT: ITA member Aisha Blanchard- Young (standing) answers parents’ questions about the Inglewood dis- trict’s financial status and the possible state takeover at a town hall meeting. grateful for what we’ve been doing, although at some of the schools with the most layoffs some people have understand- ably just become numb. But many are still able to look be- yond the personal impact and help us fight for the resources these kids need.” On June 9, ITA held a parent mistic about her own chances of being rehired, she has con- tinued to help spearhead ITA’s efforts to educate both its membership and parents. “I’m fighting for the bigger picture of adequate school funding and keeping quality education in Inglewood,” she says. “Our members have been very town hall meeting to explain the financial crisis and the implica- tions of a state takeover. Earlier in the day, the district had held a similar meeting where offi- cials tried to blame the current crisis on teachers who had al- ready sacrificed greatly to help close the budget gap, and who ranked near the bottom of the county in compensation even before those concessions. Presenters at the ITA parent meeting emphasized the need to keep students in Inglewood schools and renewed their com- mitment to quality education. “I’m a product of Inglewood, I went to school in Inglewood, I be- lieve in Inglewood,” teacher Lisa Denmon-Mays told the parents. “My child goes to school here. Re- gardless of who ends up running Inglewood district, the teachers are going to work to ensure that every child succeeds.” FRANK WELLS American Public University You are1degree away from changing your world. Which 1 will it be? 79 affordable degrees of distinction – 100% online, including: M.Ed., Guidance & Counseling M.Ed., Teaching – Instructional Leadership M.Ed., Teaching – Special Education M.Ed., Teaching – Elementary Reading M.Ed., Teaching – English Language Learners Graduate level courses start monthly at only $325 per semester hour. Start learning more at studyatAPU.com/cal-ed APU was recognized in 2009 and 2010 for best practices in online education by the prestigious Sloan Consortium. Text “APU” to 44144 for more info. Message and data rates may apply. JUNE 2011 | www.cta.org 27 CTA photos by Frank Wells