As students across the state head back to school for a new year of learning, enrichment and fun, CTA is launching a series of ads spotlighting the transformative power of community schools and their potential to lift student voices and meet community needs.

With a historic $4.1 billion in funding, California and CTA are leading the way nationally in building community schools. From Montebello to Richmond, Natomas to Los Angeles and Anaheim to Oakland, educators are negotiating with their school districts to elevate student and community needs and share decision-making power. This exciting educational model gives students and parents a seat at the table when it comes to identifying and meeting community needs.

“Educators, parents and students are reimagining public education in their local communities through community schools, which are our most powerful example of building coalitions and putting democratic decision making, racial justice and the needs of our students at the center of our work,” said CTA President David B. Goldberg.

The ads launch Monday as 6 million California students are returning to school for the 2023-24 year – a time of excitement and limitless potential for the months ahead. Educators are similarly excited about the possibilities when school communities work together as partners to center students and overcome obstacles to student learning. Community schools help families get the resources and support they need to thrive, like healthcare and mental health and social services – everything from counseling to nutrition programs to tutoring, because supporting students outside of the classroom helps them succeed inside the classroom.

“This is why I got into this movement and became a teacher — to make a true difference in a powerful way,” Goldberg said. “Community schools are a chance to do this.”

The new ad campaign features students, parents and CTA leaders including Goldberg. Learn more about the transformative power of community schools and how educators across California are leading the charge in their school districts to collaborate and build together by visiting cta.org/communityschools. Check out the ads (Here, here, here & here in Spanish y aqui) and share them on your social networks to help us celebrate the new school year, spread the word about community schools and spotlight the historic opportunity to transform education and create generational change in neighborhoods throughout California. #CommunitySchools #WeAreCTA