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Deborah L. Gore from Fontana participates in the Region 4 Leadership Conference's New Leader Academy. |
Nearly 400 members attended the 23rd annual Region 4 Leadership Conference May 2-4 in Long Beach. "Surviving Puzzling Times" was the theme.
In addition to full day tracks on bargaining in tough times, special education issues and health benefits, the conference included electives on topics like "Building Partnerships for Great Schools," "Time Management" and "Charter Schools."
The conference placed special emphasis on developing new leaders. Many participants were attending their first CTA event and had been encouraged by experienced leaders in their local chapters to attend. The weekend included a New Leader Academy and Women's Leadership Training for these first-timers.
The Women's Leadership Training focused on life skills such as stress reduction and becoming more assertive. Human Rights Cadre Trainers Pam Baugher, Maudie Gooden, Sharron Lewis-Campbell and Roslyn Jones encouraged the participants to become more involved in the association and to develop skills necessary to move into leadership roles.
The New Leader Academy focused on union advocacy and becoming better acquainted with CTA, NEA and the local affiliate structure. Participants viewed "Journey to Respect," a video history of CTA that offers a unique view of the organization and the changes it has undergone during its 140-year history.
Deborah L. Gore, a second-grade teacher from Fontana, was impressed by her first CTA conference. "I'd been involved in our chapter's Human Rights Committee, but I had not otherwise been really active in the union. I found the New Leader Academy really useful and am considering running to be an association rep when the position opens up next year."
CTA Board member Lloyd Porter was impressed with the turnout. "When I asked how many were attending their first conference, I was really encouraged by the large number of hands that shot up. I've sometimes wondered where new CTA leadership will come from, but when I saw the youthful enthusiastic faces and the diversity represented there, I knew that CTA will continue to be the powerful advocate for the education profession that it is now."
Frank Wells