Badass Teachers Association (BATs) Caucus
It shall be the purpose of the caucus to:
- To carry out the Badass Teacher’s Mission through action-oriented work at CTA State Council.
- BATs Mission: to give voice to every teacher who refuses to be blamed for the failure of our society to erase poverty and inequality through education.
Contact:
Shelly Ehrke, Chairperson
shellsehrk@hotmail.com
CTA African American Caucus
The CTA African American Caucus believes in the need to uplift the worth and dignity of people of African Diaspora. We believe in and will advocate for right to freedom, equality of opportunity, participation in a free and independent teaching profession, and in the exercise of self-development and leadership.
Contact:
Veronica Talton, Chairperson
chair.afamc@gmail.com
CTA American Indian/Alaska Native Caucus
The purpose of the American Indian/Alaska Native Caucus is to provide steadfast advocacy for educational sovereignty, climate justice, and the integration of native ways of knowing. The caucus is committed to fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and amplifying the voices of our AI/AN members, students, and tribal groups to drive positive change within our communities and the broader society.
Contact:
Naqiba Gregory, Chairperson
naqgreg@gmail.com
Caucus for Educators of Exceptional Children (CEEC)
The purpose of the CTA-CEEC shall be to promote the CTA-CEEC and Special Education issues within CTA and throughout the state and communicate with CTA regarding the unique needs faced by Special Education.
Contact:
Meghann Hughes, Chairperson
MFH4946@gmail.com
CTA Democratic Caucus
Purpose of the Organization:
The purpose of the CTA Democratic Caucus is to encourage the fullest possible participation of all voters registered with the Democratic Party and to disseminate the Democratic Party message, platform and philosophy to the voting public and to public officials.
Contact:
Wade Kyle, Chairperson
Email: Wade.kyle@gmail.com
Ecology Justice Caucus
Purpose of the Organization:
The promotion of justice and the care for all life in California public schools and on the planet.
To harness such urgent climate action as a vehicle that inherently wins transformative public investments into our public education system at the level needed for our children, teachers, and the communities they serve to justly thrive.
To advocate for the CTA, its individual locals, and for its members to work towards a 100% clean energy future, a world where the effects of our current environmental crisis are not shouldered by our most vulnerable populations – a future that uplifts the worth and dignity of all people.
To take an active role in making policies and decisions that affect teachers and students.
To actively participate in all local, state, and national teachers unions, associations and support the goals, objectives, policies and programs of CTA affecting teachers and students.
To actively advocate for sustained policies and funding to support modern Green School Facilities for all California public schools.
Contact:
Rori Abernethy, Chairperson
roriemail@gmail.com
Jewish Affairs Caucus
Purpose of the Organization:
Advocate for Jewish Educators and Students: Ensure that Jewish voices and concerns are represented within CTA’s policies, initiatives, and advocacy efforts. Address issues of antisemitism, religious discrimination, hate, and bias in schools and workplaces and union settings. Support professional development and resources for educators to foster inclusive learning environments. Promote Education & Awareness on Jewish History and Culture: Encourage curriculum development and professional learning opportunities on Jewish history, identity, and the diversity of Jewish experiences. Collaborate with CTA and local districts to combat misinformation, stereotypes, and antisemitism in the classroom. Combat Antisemitism and Bias in Schools & Workplaces: Work with CTA leadership to develop policies and resolutions addressing antisemitism in California schools and educational institutions. Provide support and advocacy for Jewish educators and students facing discrimination, bias, or harassment. Collaborate with other CTA caucuses and organizations to advance intersectional solidarity against all forms of discrimination. Create a community of educators within CTA to support one another professionally and personally. Offer mentorship, networking, and leadership development opportunities for Jewish CTA members. Advocate for Jewish perspectives and concerns within CTA’s decision-making processes. Work to include Jewish voices in discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within education and union spaces.
Contact:
Chandra Sherr, Co-Chairperson
Larry Shoham, Co-Chairperson
ctajewish@gmail.com
CTA Jewish & Allied Educators 4 Palestine
The California Teachers Association Jewish and Allied Educators 4 Palestine (JAEP) Caucus envisions the collective liberation of the Palestinian people, and all oppressed people suffering under colonization and militarization. In the name of justice, academic freedom, and international solidarity, we strive to include Palestinian history and culture in our textbooks, our classroom lessons and professional development. As Jews and allies from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, we connect the dots between the defunding of public education and increased US militarization in the US, Palestine and beyond.
Contact:
Marcy Winograd, Chairperson
JAEPcaucus@protonmail.com
CTA Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer+ Caucus
Provides support for LGBTQ+ members of CTA, educate CTA members about issues of importance to LGBTQ+ CTA members, advocate for policies that support the CTA mission statements.
Contacts:
Scott Miller, Co-Chairperson
csmiller@pacbell.net
Laura Finco, Co-Chairperson
Lfinco@aol.com
CTA Queer Caucus
The purpose of this caucus shall be to build upon the foundation of our elders and ancestors to unite queer educators in authentic inclusive collaboration, empowering Black, Brown, and Indigenous identities within our community and being responsive towards the liberation and strengthening of our community.
Contact:
Skye Tooley, Core Leadership
mxskyetooley@gmail.com
CTA Republican Caucus
Purpose of Organization:
The purpose of this caucus shall be to promote CTA Republican Teachers involvement in the Republican Party and to promote public education in the Republican Party.
Contact:
Ron Edwards, Chairperson
turron86@charter.net
CTA El Sol Caucus
It shall be the purpose of the caucus to:
Promote public education, the recruitment and retention of Hispanic, Latina/o/x, Chicana/o/x Educators through the state of California.
Contact:
Mayra Alvarado, Chairperson
ctaelsolchair@gmail.com
CTA Asian & Pacific Islander Caucus
Purpose of Organization:
- To provide continuous channels through which concerns of the Asian and Pacific Islander educators will be guaranteed adequate representation within the structure of the California Teachers Association.
- To place Asian and Pacific Islander concerns before the officers and the members of the California Teachers Association in the form of inquiries, position papers, resolutions, and proposals.
- To identify and prepare potential leaders among Asian and the Pacific Islander educators.
- To provide an approving body for selection of all Asian and Pacific Islanders to the California Teachers Association professional staff for programs the directly affect the purposes and goals of the Caucus.
Contact:
Alma Galapon, Chairperson
Email: helloalmagalapon@gmail.com
Women’s Caucus
Purpose of Organization:
The CTA Women’s Caucus is established for the purposes of advocating gender equity with CTA and in our classrooms, schools, and worksites, defending human rights, intersectional feminism, and lobbying for legislative issues affecting our goals.
Contact:
Robyn Nixon, Chairperson
robynlnixon@gmail.com
Cindy Crawford, Vice-Chairperson
cindyluwho2@earthlink.net
