Thanks to all those who took part in Campus Equity Week
Up and down the state CFT members were joined this week by students, elected officials, and supporters at events marking Campus Equity Week. Members attended fifteen events across the state, ranging from workshops to rallies to informational pickets. The week is an opportunity to draw attention to the disparate treatment of part-time faculty, who earn a fraction of the pay of tenured faculty, have little or no job security, and often go without healthcare. But it is also an opportunity to organize for change.
Following a year-long campaign by CFT, this year Governor Newsom and the Legislature approved $200 million in ongoing state funding for healthcare coverage for part-time faculty. Now we are calling on local college administrators to quickly negotiate to expand healthcare to these critical faculty who are essential to student success.
Ready to get involved? Check out our campaign web page.
Aspiration to Action was the theme of this year’s CFT classified conference
The annual CFT conference for paraprofessionals and classified employees took place last weekend in Los Angeles, where dozens of CFT classified leaders and activists gathered for a weekend of workshops, powerful speakers, and an opportunity to connect.
Thanks to all those who attended this year’s conference and especially to those who helped make the event such a success. Look for a full write up of the event in our Classified Insider publication, set to come out next week on both the CFT website and by email.
Pictured above, the Compton Community College Federation of Employees – Classified are recognized with the Aspiration to Action award. Check out more great photos on our Facebook photo album.
November election is an opportunity to vote our values
Once again the stakes are high in yet another pivotal election. We have the opportunity to vote for candidates who support our public schools and who will be there for working families. Thanks to all those who are working tirelessly volunteering for candidates and ballot measures that support our schools, including the cheery crew from Morgan Hill Federation of Teachers (pictured above). Your efforts to reach voters are crucial.
Make sure to vote on or before November 8. And before you do, take a look at the CFT Educators Choice Voter Guide. Ready to volunteer? Sign up for a shift with your local labor council.
Last chance for Public Service Loan Forgiveness – deadline is Monday
The deadline to start your application for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) relief is Monday, October 31. For more information, go to this helpful AFT PSLF web page. You can also go directly to the PSLF application page to begin the process.
CFT President Jeff Freitas on release of NAEP and California test scores
Following the release of the National Assessment of Educational Progress test scores and the California Smarter Balanced test scores this week, CFT President Jeff Freitas released the following statement:
“The results of these tests show the profound impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our students’ lives and the pressing need to continue investing in our schools with a laser-like focus to help our students recover and thrive.
“California has shown a steadfast commitment to supporting schools during the pandemic and throughout the recovery, focusing the state’s efforts on raising record funding for education, including over $23 billion in targeted investments to help students succeed.
“It is essential that we continue supporting our students in the months and years to come by maintaining our commitment to their recovery – including expanding investments in mental health support, addressing educator staffing shortages, and expanding additional learning opportunities.”
