California Educator

October / November 2017

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STEPHANIE GUINN Modesto Teachers Association I tell my students often that they are the very best part of the job, that my time with them is the best time. If the kids feel that, then hopefully they share that senti- ment with parents and community. Also, spend your time surrounded by teachers you respect, people who are not draining on your mood and attitude. Be a team player at your site, but also speak up when you disagree with something or have a ques- tion. Inflexibility and rigidity don't get you anywhere. Get involved with your union. Participate in political events as often as you can. If you do it once, you'll find it empowering and will be more inclined to do it again! Remember, when they go low, you go high. Be Aware, Get Involved How to resist the movement to defund and devalue public schools and educators? Here are a few suggestions from CTA members. JIM GOBLE Pittsburg Education Association Stay aware and keep yourself informed. Be an advocate for what you believe to be right. Support equity in education. If you think your students aren't getting what they need to be successful, go to bat for them. Get them the technology and other resources they need to be successful. Get the word out there on social media that you support education. You'd be surprised by the number of people who are actually on your side. " Participate in political events as often as you can. If you do it once, you'll find it empowering and will be more inclined to do it again!" — STEPHANIE GUINN 5. Create a public school defense team in your neighborhood. Establish several means of communication — email, phone, and a closed group online — and provide updates on local school issues. If your district comes under attack, alert the entire network! When the time comes, this group can spread the word about pro-public education candidates at every level of government. 6. Once you've established your public school defense team, work together to host a community teach-in on the dan- gers of turning over public school dollars to private schools. 7. Participate in the next walk-in event sponsored by the Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools (reclaimourschools.org). At these positive events around the coun- try, community members gather at local schools and enter the building with stu- dents in a show of support. If one isn't planned in your area, organize it! 8. Invite an educator who is not a member to join CTA/ NEA. Activist voices are stronger together, and your association is advocating for students and educators at the local, state and federal levels. 9. Contribute to the CTA/ABC Committee (CTA's political action committee) or the NEA Fund for Children and Public Edu- cation (NEA's PAC) to support leaders who champion public schools and fight for all students. Source: Amanda Litvinov, NEA Today. Reprinted with permission. 45 O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 017

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