Across California, educators are rising to answer another call to public service – by running for election to school boards this November.

Seeking to bring their knowledge and experience about schools and education to school boards in their home communities, these educators are stepping up to build the schools all students deserve as elected policymakers. We’ll be spotlighting a number of educators running for school board here at the digital home of California Educator as the November Election approaches.

Meet one of these education champions: Carlos Cerdan, an instructional coach and member of United Teachers Los Angeles, who is running for the Montebello Unified School Board.

Why are you running for school board?

As a classroom teacher with over 21 years of experience, I learned that there are many factors that affect students not just in the classroom but outside of the classroom as well. My goal is to improve the learning and living conditions of our students and their families, provide them with the tools necessary for their success and be a leader for change.

As someone with grassroots organizing experience, I have worked with families, local activists and community groups to protect public education and to stop privatization in the inner city. I’m proud of those accomplishments.

What are your top priorities for the school district?

• Increase campus safety
• Ensure students are college and career ready
• Create smaller class sizes and fully funded classrooms
• Support expanding Community Schools and Improve technology access
• Modernize and improve campus facilities

Why did you decide that now is the time to serve your community on the school board?

I believe that now is the time to serve our community on the school board because the learning gap post-COVID has only gotten worse for a great number of students. Students are struggling to catch up academically and the social and emotional well-being of children need to be front and center to help our students get back on the right track in order to succeed academically. As educators, we need to empower our students and give them the tools necessary to improve student learning in order to have students be college and career ready.

What would you like to say to your fellow CTA members about running for elected office?

Educators see the effects of decisions that many times don’t reach the classroom. Now, more than ever, we really need to put our student’s needs first and invest in our public schools. As a teacher at heart, I aim to provide a voice for our students, and the hard-working teachers and staff that day in and day out make a difference to improve the lives students of all ages. I urge more CTA members to get active in their communities and be changemakers. Our students need advocates. Get involved!

Website: carlos4musd.com

Facebook: Carlos Cerdan for MUSD School Board

Instagram: Carlos Cerdan 4 MUSD