In the past year, Fontana Teachers Association went from merely listing a Human Rights contact to creating an Equity Team that meets monthly and has taken on several projects. They have designed and implemented projects to inform the membership about the meaning of human and civil rights, promoted human rights training and programs, and created a social justice book club that meets monthly.

In addition, the chapter convinced the Fontana Unified School District professional development department to fund more than 25 members’ CTA conference fees and expenses every year. Chapter members created and initiated plans that identify and encourage the use of teaching materials that reflect the value of diversity, with an online database of resources for teaching authentic history.

The chapter worked to reduce violence and promote peace by sponsoring a “Celebrating Diversity” art/writing contest for students throughout the district.

Equity Team members are an essential part of the committee working to establish the district’s first community school, building effective family, school and community partnerships. Members are also involved in the LCAP process, viewing it and community schools through a lens of equity for students.

Recently Fontana schools and educators were targeted by an organization that asked the school board to put a proposal for a forced outing policy onto a meeting agenda. “Our
members rallied the school board so that the proposal did not make the agenda,” said Angela Wysocki, an FTA member who nominated the chapter for the award. “They also showed up at the meeting so that we had a large contingent. I am very proud of the members of FTA.”

Watch Fontana Teachers Association’s short video here. Read about the other Human Rights Award winners here.