BURLINGAME – On May 9, the California Teachers Association along with educators throughout the state will celebrate California Day of the Teacher with calls for Congress and President Bush to “Erase, Rewrite, and Reauthorize” the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), currently and erroneously called No Child Left Behind. Educators will hold six news conferences across the state Wednesday to point out severe flaws in the current law and call for specific changes that will help improve student learning.
Day of the Teacher was established 25 years ago by the California Legislature in recognition of the important contribution made to society by teachers. This year’s theme is “Celebrating the Artistry of Teaching,” and educators plan to use the day to point out how the current No Child Left Behind law is hindering the art of teaching and learning.
“No Child Left Behind has destroyed the joy of teaching and learning in our schools. Its one-size-fits-all approach is hurting California students and it’s time for Congress to make some significant changes to this law,” said CTA President Barbara E. Kerr. “Our 340,000 members are looking for the support our schools and students deserve.”
Below is a partial list of Day of the Teacher events centering around the call for changes to No Child Left Behind and the reauthorization of ESEA.
All events take place on Wednesday, May 9:
Compton/Los Angeles
CTA President Barbara E. Kerr will hold a news conference with National Education Association Executive Committee member Michael Marks and Compton Education Association President Marie Truby. The news conference will immediately precede a reception honoring Compton teachers.
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Location: Crystal Park Hotel, 123 E. Artesia Blvd, Compton
Contact: Frank Wells, (562) 708-5425
San Francisco
Mayor Gavin Newsom will join United Educators of San Francisco President Dennis Kelly, Oakland Education Association President Betty Olson-Jones, San Jose Teachers Association President Janice Allen, United Teachers of Richmond President Gail Mendes, and other Bay Area educators for a news conference.
Time: 11:15 a.m.
Location: Sanchez Elementary School, 325 Sanchez Street, San Francisco
Contact: Mike Myslinski, (408) 921-5769
San Diego
CTA Secretary-Treasurer-elect Daniel Vaughn will join San Diego Education Association President Camille Zombro and NEA Director Elizabeth Ahlgren for a news conference followed by SDEA Day of the Teacher Celebration and ESEA/NCLB postcard lobbying.
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: San Diego Handlery Hotel, 950 Hotel Circle in Mission Valley, San Diego
Contact: Frank Caso, (619) 683-3990
Santa Maria
CTA Vice President David Sanchez will hold a news conference with Nancy Iarossi, president of the Santa Maria Elementary Teachers Association and other CTA chapter presidents prior to ESEA postcard writing activities at Sanchez Elementary and Pioneer High School.
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Sanchez Elementary School, 804 W. Liberty Street, Santa Maria
Contact: Frank Wells, (562) 708-5425
Sacramento
Marcie Launey, president of the 3,000-member Sacramento City Teachers Association (SCTA), will host a news conference with San Juan Teachers Association President Steve Duditch; Barbara Brydon, president of the Folsom Cordova Education Association; David Berry, vice president of Grant Teachers Association; Janice Auld, a Rocklin educator who represents area teachers on the National Education Association Board of Directors; and other teacher leaders and school board members in the region.
Time: 4:00 p.m.
Location: SCTA offices, 5300 Elvas Ave., Sacramento, 95819
Contact: Mike Myslinski, (408) 921-5769
Bakersfield
CTA Secretary-Treasurer Dean Vogel will join local CTA chapter presidents for a news conference prior to a picnic honoring teachers in Yokuts Park. Local speakers will include Carol Reichert, president of the Bakersfield Elementary Teachers Association, and Bakersfield City School District school board member Rick Van Horne. Also speaking is Mitch Olson, president of the Kern High Faculty Association.
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Locationo: Bakersfield Elementary Teachers Association
837 H Street, Bakersfield, 93304
Contact: Mike Myslinski, (408) 921-5769
Stockton/Dublin
Teachers will participate in a Virtual Town Hall on No Child Left Behind with U.S. Congress Member Jerry McNerney.
Media may listen to the call at 1-866-447-5149 PIN 12843.
Teachers participating in the call may be interviewed at the locations below:
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: San Joaquin County Coordinating Council, 7330 North West Lane, Stockton
Valley Teacher Resource Center, 6743 Dublin Blvd, #28, Dublin