Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/969549
Champions for Change CTA's 2018 Human Rights Award Winners Many CTA members work tirelessly inside and outside the classroom to champion those without voice, whether individual students or marginalized communities. Each year, CTA's Human Rights Awards recognize several of these educators. The 2018 winners, announced at CTA's Equity and Human Rights conference in early March, possess a commitment to social justice that is fierce — and inspiring. "We honor these educators' work and ded- ication," said CTA President Eric Heins. " Their passion and sense of justice is extraordinary. They make a difference in so many lives." Top row, from left: Cecily Myart-Cruz, Lucia Lemieux, Julie Zeman Brady, Melanie Bean, David Fisher, Ann Betz, Estella Owoimaha-Church. Seated, from left: Mary Levi, CTA Vice President Theresa Montaño, President Eric Heins, Secretary-Treasurer David Goldberg, Elizabeth Villanueva. Photo credit: Ingie Williams Sacramento City Teachers Association CTA Chapter Human Rights Award " We need to continue to advocate for those kids, teachers, parents that don't have a voice." A T A T I M E when undocumented stu- dents feel more uncertain and unsafe than ever before, SCTA took steps to ensure that students have resources and information to protect themselves from removal and deportation. SCTA worked with the local school district to create a Safe Haven District. In response to hate speech and incidents against undocumented students, SCTA created policy for how to interact with ICE agents, developed a teacher resource and tool kit, and a website to educate students, families, school staff and the community about the issues. In addition, SCTA offered weekend legal training for members and is currently working on district-wide training for all staff and parents in the community. SCTA President David Fisher and human rights chair Melanie Bean accepted the award. See them talk about SCTA's work at tinyurl.com/dfisher-mbean. 61 A P R I L / M AY 2 018 C