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.
- 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 African American Caucus believes in uplifting the worth and dignity of all people within the African diaspora. Caucus members will take an active role in making policies and decisions that affect African American educators and students.
The African American Caucus will conduct business across all four regions with emphases upon supporting the goals & interests of African American educators, students, and community members. We will form alliances with aspiring African American educators and amplify NEA’s 3-1 G Bylaw within California.
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 causes of educators of exceptional children within CTA and throughout the state, and to communicate with CTA and increase the understanding pf CTA regarding the unique needs and problems faced by educators of exceptional children.
- Serve as a clearinghouse for concerns and problems faced by educators in meeting the needs of exceptional children.
- Organize committees within the Caucus to study methods that educators may use to help solve some of their problems and concerns.
- Introduce appropriate New Business Items to CTA State Council Special Education Committee and/or other appropriate CTA committees for support of CTA-CEEC positions and/or requests for action.
Contact:
Meghann Hughes, Chairperson
MFH4946@gmail.com
CTA Democratic Caucus
Purpose of the Organization:
- To recruit all Democratic Party members as Democratic Caucus members.
- To promote, advise, educate, and enhance the visibility of the CTA/NEA programs and policies within the structure of the Democratic Party.
- To promote and facilitate the involvement of CTA/NEA members within the structure of the Democratic Party.
- To provide alliance between Democratic leaders and CTA/NEA.
- To provide support of CTA recommended Democratic candidates.
- To foster good fellowship among members and advocate excellence in the education of students in the United States and its territories.
Contact:
Wade Kyle, Chairperson
Email: Wade.kyle@gmail.com
CTA Environmental Justice Caucus
The mission of the Environmental Caucus shall be to advocate for the CTA, it’s 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 valuable populations – a future that uplifts the worth and dignity of all people.
Contact:
Rori Abernethy, Co-Chairperson
roriemailunion@gmail.com
Mark Norberg, Co-Chairperson
flint72001@yahoo.com
Jewish Affairs Caucus
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 opportunities 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. Antisemitism and Bias in Schools & Workplaces: Work with CTA leadership to develop policies and resolutions addressing antisemitism in California schools and 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
csherr@gmail.com
Larry Shoham, Co-Chairperson
larryshoham@gmail.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
ctalgbtqcaucus@gmail.com
Eleanor Evans, Co-Chairperson
ctalgbtqcaucus@gmail.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:
To promote CTA Republican teachers’ involvement in the Republican Party. To promote public education in the Republican Party.
Contact:
Ron Edwards, Chairperson
turron86@charter.net
STEAM Caucus
The mission of the STEAM Caucus shall be in essence a platform for educators to collectively advocate for and advance STEAM education in California.
Contact:
Rori Abernethy, Chairperson
roriemailunion@gmail.com
CTA El Sol Caucus
It shall be the purpose of the caucus to:
- Promote Public Education.
- Promote the recruitment and retention of Hispanic, Latina/o/x, Chicana/o/x Educators through the State of California.
- Keep CTA aware of its commitment to QTBIPOC (Queer, Transgender, Black, Indigenous, People of Color) groups, Hispanic, Latina/o/x, Chicana/o/x people in particular.
- Continue to promote the needs of Hispanic, Latina/o/x, Chicana/o/x people in 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
Zumba® Fitness Caucus
The purpose of the Zumba® Fitness Caucus:
- To increase and promote health and wellness awareness.
- To develop a community network for wellness promotion in our communities.
- To offer CTA State Council members a way to participate in a de-stress workout that combines all elements of fitness including cardio, muscle conditioning, balance, and flexibility, boosted energy, and a serious dose of positive energy.
Contact:
Maritza Avila, Chairperson
msmaritzaavila@gmail.com
