Love for SPED campaign touches hearts in San Francisco
A shout out to the members of United Educators of San Francisco, who this month took part in a campaign in support of special education in the San Francisco Unified School District. The campaign, which culminated in a Valentine’s Day-themed speak out at the Board of Education this past Tuesday, included dozens of educators, parents, and students recording videos and writing notes expressing their heartfelt gratitude for the special education program, urging the district to show their commitment to SPED by coming ready to negotiate contract reopeners later this month.
Of particular concern to UESF members and families served by special education are high staff turnover, high caseloads, and treatment of workers in the program. In challenging the district, they focused on how the success of their students is intricately tied to the well-being and support provided by special educators, nurses, and social workers.
For more on the campaign, check out UESF’s Instagram page.
Look for more updates soon on special education, as the CFT EC-TK/12 Council hosts its fourth annual SPED summit next week.
CFT members in action as March 5 election approaches
As the election looms, CFT members throughout the state are taking part in neighborhood walks and phone banks in support of pro-public education candidates and measures. That includes the Petaluma Federation of Teachers, AFT Local 1881, who are supporting two parcel taxes in their community – Measures B and E.
PFT members are hustling this month because the parcel taxes will bring critical resources into their schools to fund teacher salaries and science and writing programs. And with 40% of teachers leaving the district the last three years, the measures are needed now more than ever.
Before you vote, make sure to review the CFT Educators Choice Voter Guide, and also take a look at the new CFT Senate Candidate Fact Sheet now online. Please note that CFT has an “open endorsement” in the US Senate race, and we encourage you to vote for the candidate of your choice. And remember, when casting your vote you will need to vote twice in the Senate election, once to fill the remaining term for Senator Feinstein, and once for the primary election for the upcoming term.
CFT Celebrates Black History Month
In honor of Black History Month, check out this video about the extraordinary life and work of Layle Lane. Lane was a teacher in New York City and a member of what is now known as UFT. She ran for political office twice in the 1940's and was active in education reform.
Lane was the first black female AFT Vice President and headed up the human rights committee pushing for the AFT to integrate all locals, which happened in the mid-1950s. Want to learn more about Layle Lane? Check out this in-depth article that was featured in the American Teacher in 2000.
AFT Higher Education Issues Conference comes to UCLA this weekend
This weekend AFT will host its annual Higher Education Issues Conference at UCLA. Officially titled, “The 2024 Freedom to Learn AFT Higher Education Professional Issues Conference,” the gathering will bring together AFT Higher Ed union activists from across the country.
Several CFT statewide and local leaders and activists will lead panels and workshops throughout the 3-day conference. Follow along with AFT on their Instagram and Twitter feeds for updates throughout the weekend.
