LANCASTER - California Teachers Association President Wayne Johnson will be the featured speaker at a celebration of "Day of the Teacher" on Wednesday, May 8 at the Lancaster Performing Arts Center. Johnson will be joined by Lancaster Mayor Frank Roberts and Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford as they highlight an evening of festivities honoring the dedicated men and women who teach our children.
The event, sponsored by local CTA chapters will begin with a social hour and music provided by the Marc Macisso Quartet from 4:00-5:15 p.m. Featured speakers will begin at 5:15. Hundreds of teachers are expected to attend.
Johnson, who is serving his second term as CTA President, plans to show his appreciation for the hard work of Antelope Valley area teachers, and to show his support for them as they struggle to achieve fair contracts with local districts. Many area teachers have been working without settled contracts since school began this year.
CTA and the Association of Mexican American Educators (AMAE) sponsored the bill first proclaiming Day of the Teacher. It was written by Sen. Joseph Montoya (D-El Monte) and adopted in 1982 as Senate Bill 1546. The California celebration was patterned after "El Dia del Maestro" celebrations in Mexico and other Latin American countries. In past years, events have ranged from small celebrations where teachers receive flowers or gifts to large events like Wednesday's rally.
What: Day of the Teacher Celebration and Rally
Who: CTA President Wayne Johnson, local mayors, hundreds of area teachers
When: Wednesday, May 8 at 5:15 p.m. (doors open for reception at 4:00 p.m.)
Where: Lancaster Performing Arts Center, 750 W. Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster