BURLINGAME - California Teachers Association President Wayne Johnson will speak in support of Orange County teachers fighting for fair contracts during one of many CTA events planned Wednesday for the state's 20th annual "Day of the Teacher."
"It is only fitting that we honor teachers on this day by also honoring their ongoing fight across California for respect at the bargaining table," Johnson said. "Classroom teachers are the key element in the education of our students and deserve tremendous credit for the amazing work they do every day."
Johnson said the day should also stress how teachers are fighting for a greater say in education decisions with CTA's Assembly Bill 2160. (The CTA Web site address for the bill is www.ab2160.org.)
CTA Secretary-Treasurer David A. Sanchez will join Johnson in a news conference backing three CTA chapters in Orange County currently in negotiations with local school districts. The news conference is at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Plaza Vista School, 670 Paseo Westpark, in Irvine.
CTA and the Association of Mexican American Educators sponsored the bill that proclaimed the state's first Day of the Teacher in 1982.
Among the many other Day of the Teacher events planned:
Merced: CTA Vice President Barbara E. Kerr is the keynote speaker at a special meeting of local teachers served by the CTA Merced-Mariposa Service Center Council at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Merced Elks Lodge, 1910 M Street.
Lancaster: CTA President Johnson is the featured speaker and will join local mayors for a rally honoring Antelope Valley-area teachers, many of whom have been working without settled labor contracts for several months. The event begins at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W. Lancaster Blvd.
North Hollywood: Deborah Harrison, a member of the CTA Board of Directors, will take part in events honoring teachers starting at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Burbank Elementary School, 12215 Albers St., North Hollywood. This is one of several "Day of the Teacher" events co-sponsored by CalTeach, the state's one-stop teacher recruitment center (www.calteach.com).
Palm Springs: Teachers raised $3,000 to donate to New York City educators affected by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Contact Allen Tarzwell at (760) 333-3899 for more information.