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Winners include (front row, from left) Paulette Marshall, Kathy Yen, Laura Preble, Martha Lee Hanks and Modesto Teachers Association President Megan Gowans with CTA Secretary-Treasurer Dean E. Vogel. Also, (back row, from left) Fernando Ledezma and Andy Griggs with CTA Vice President David A. Sanchez, CTA President Barbara E. Kerr and Gladys Williams from Modesto.
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Six teachers and a CTA chapter were recognized at the CTA Equity and Human Rights Conference for their work on behalf of diversity and human rights.
The CTA Member Human Rights Award went to Andy Griggs, a member of United Teachers Los Angeles. Griggs, who serves as co-chair of the CTA Peace and Justice Caucus, is a constant advocate for the rights of all, initiating and participating in coalitions that strengthen the connection between educational and community issues. Griggs has been instrumental in bringing prominent speakers to caucus meetings at CTA's State Council, including Dolores Huerta, Tom Hayden and a variety of other human rights activists.
The Lois Tinson Human Rights Award went to Martha Lee Hanks, a member of the Ravenswood Teachers Association. A longtime advocate of human and civil rights, she has worked long and hard over the years to preserve the African American culture, along with the traditions and values of the community. She has taught 34 years in the district where she went to school, and has served as RTA president for eight years.
The Nancy Bailey Leadership in Gay/Lesbian Issues Human Rights Award went to Laura Preble, a member of the Grossmont Education Association. As the Gay/Straight Alliance advisor for West Hills High School in the Grossmont Union High School District, she has taken a leadership role on her campus and in the larger community in promoting equality and civil rights for all lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students and raising awareness of their isues in an area known for its conservatism. She has also consulted with other area high schools wishing to start GSA chapters at their own schools, and has partnered with area organizations like Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, the YMCA Family Health Center, East County churches and the national GSA network to bring education, awareness and fellowship to teens who experience prejudice on a daily basis.
The Cesar Chavez Si Se Puede Human Rights Award went to Fernando Ledezma, a member of UTLA. As a bilingual teacher for the past 18 years, he has organized training sessions and helped develop policy in implementing curricular programs at school and district levels. He has served as chair of UTLA's Bilingual Committee and has received UTLA's Friend of Bilingual Education and its Cesar Chavez Award for his efforts to promote bilingual education. During the campaign against Proposition 187, he organized, campaigned and marched in defense of the rights of immigrant students and parents.
The Pacific Asian American Human Rights Award went to Kathy Yen, a member of United Educators of San Francisco, a former member of the NEA Board of Directors and a founding member of the CTA Pacific Asian American Caucus. Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in women's issues and making sure the voices of Asians and Pacific Islanders are heard in the political arena.
The American Indian/Alaska Native Human Rights Award went to Paulette Marshall, a member of the Sacramento City Teachers Association. As a resource teacher, she has trained new teachers to be aware of the American Indian Education Program and edited a bimonthly newsletter for schools containing activities, legends and news. A gifted storyteller, she sets up her teepee with buffalo robes at school sites and invites classes inside to learn Native American folklore. She also develops culturally relevant curriculum on specific tribes to complement the reading curriculum.
The CTA Human Rights Award for an Organization went to the Modesto Teachers Association. The chapter recently won its fight against the school board, which wanted to use STAR test scores to determine which students would be permitted to take advanced placement and college preparatory classes that students need in order to gain entrance to four-year universities. The Superior Court's ruling preventing the school district from implementing the policy set a precedent not only in Modesto, but statewide and nationwide. MTA has taken human rights activities to a new level. After establishing its first human rights committee, the chapter went to work for a safe schools policy that would protect gay and lesbian students and other minority students. The chapter has held workshops for at-risk students and worked hard to eliminate hate and harassment not just in schools, but also in the community.
