David A. Sanchez, president of the 340,000-member California Teachers Association, issued this statement tonight on what the election of Senator Barack Obama as president will mean for bringing positive change to our public schools and students:
"This historic election of Barack Obama as president of the United States is a victory for all of our public school students as well. He has the vision and compassion to lead real change across this great nation. Change in our healthcare, in our classrooms, and in our future. Senator Obama's vision of change in America includes investing more in our schools -- which is an investment in a brighter future for our country. He believes, as all educators do, that real change only comes with real resources. That's a message we also hope will inspire the California Legislature as it copes this month with yet another state budget deficit crisis.
"We look forward to working with Senator Obama to erase, rewrite and reauthorize the federal No Child Left Behind law to transform its one-size-fits-all punitive approach to education into one that supports and respects all students. He understands that this severely underfunded federal mandate drains many of our school districts of scarce state funds as they cope with its unfair focus on testing and bureaucracy. Teachers in California and across the country look forward to working closely with his administration to provide a quality education for all students.
"Senator Obama's vision will help more students reach their full potential. His commitment to education will renew the joy of teaching and learning in our schools. His compassion reminds me of another community organizer who made history, Cesar Chavez, and of what Cesar would say over and over when there was work to do in our communities. 'Sí se puede!' he would say. 'It can be done!'"