CTA recognizes human rights activists

Six teachers, a chapter and a CTA service center council were recognized at the Human Rights Conference for their work on behalf of diversity and human rights. This year's CTA Human Rights Award recipients include:

CTA Member Human Rights Award - Elaine Merriweather, the vice-chair of the Golden Gate Service Center Council and a member of United Educators of San Francisco, was honored for efforts to increase minority participation in the association and to enhance respect for minorities in the community. In collaboration with the Anti-Defamation League, Merriweather has written grants to cover the cost of providing workshops to help foster an appreciation for diversity among parents. As chair of the UESF Ethnic Leadership Awareness Committee (ELAC) for three years, her duties included recruiting minority teachers. She has also served as a cadre trainer for CTA.

CTA Chapter Human Rights Award - The Fremont Unified District Teachers Association (FUDTA) was honored for working tirelessly to protect the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students and teachers. FUDTA has always taken a proactive approach toward protecting the rights of gender minorities in its schools. Since the 1970s, the chapter's contract has included an equal rights clause for gay and lesbian teachers. Seven years ago, FUDTA teamed up with PFLAG and the Lavender Ladies to pressure the district board of education to support an Alameda County Board of Education motion in favor of protecting the rights of gender minorities. FUDTA also offers workshops to the community and to members on such issues as harassment and mental illness. Peggy Rahman, chair of the FUDTA Human Rights Committee, accepted the award.

CTA Service Center Council Human Rights Award - The Alcosta Service Center was honored for its effort to recognize and address the needs of gender minorities, ethnic minorities, women and the physically challenged. It has participated in various rallies and marches promoting public education, and awards scholarships to minority members on an annual basis. Each year Alcosta also hosts an International Human Rights Day Reception and Forum. The service center has also established its own Human Rights Award, which is presented at the annual WHO Awards Luncheon. Service Center Council chair Mark Sternberger accepted the award.

The Lois Tinson Human Rights Award - Sheila Turner-Quintana was honored for her strong leadership and commitment to the students of Oakland and the teachers represented by the Oakland Education Association. She has served as a role model by promoting leadership potential and becoming an outspoken advocate of educational equality. The second African American president of OEA, she has served three terms. In this capacity, she was instrumental in working with California State University-Hayward's internship program that graduated 66 African American teachers, all of whom have started their teaching careers in the Oakland Unified School District. In addition, she was involved in developing and implementing the Best Professional practices Program that provides African American teachers with additional training and leadership opportunities.

The Lois Tinson Human Rights Award - Annie Solomon was honored for her tireless efforts to provide training in the areas of Human Rights and Women's Issues. As the first African American president of the Morongo Teachers Association, she opened the first office for the chapter. She also serves as vice chair of the CTA African American Caucus and, as fundraising chair, she has raised a great deal of money for the Lois Tinson Scholarship Fund and many other caucus activities.

American Indian/Alaska Native Award - Jim Clark, CTA's deputy executive director, was honored for his diligent efforts to promote multicultural diversity among staff, leadership and the general membership of CTA. Clark is a former teacher, a former CTA Board member and the founder of CTA's American Indian/Alaska Native Caucus. The caucus has grown from six members to more than 200. Still a member, Clark continues to support the activities of the caucus.

The Cesar Chavez Si Se Puede Award - Teresa Delamater, a member of the McFarland Teachers Association, is a native Californian who worked in the fields to pay for her education while going to CSU-Bakersfield. Like Cesar Chavez, she has dedicated her life to supporting immigrant issues and working to improve the lives of migrant students and their families. She has successfully initiated many bilingual programs and found funding from many sources, including more than $70,000 in grant money which directly benefits the lives of Hispanic children in her district. On Chavez's birthday, she provides materials and helps educate district staff about his life and his nonviolent philosophy. She has also used her expertise to help ensure that district programs are aligned with state education codes for English language learners.

The Cesar Chavez Si Se Puede Award - Kris Van Treese, a member of the Napa Valley Educators Association, was honored for more than 30 years of work within the Spanish-speaking community. As a teen, she was attracted to the Spanish language and culture as an escape from a painful childhood. Now, as a dance teacher at Napa High School, she has created a safe haven for Hispanic students. From a small program for Anglo students with just one teacher 10 years ago, the dance program today has grown to an impressive 406 students with an overwhelming majority of Hispanic girls and boys. Maria Lopez-Cisneros accepted the award for Van Treese.