BURLINGAME – The California Teachers Association recognizes the accomplishments and legacy of veteran educator and union advocate Joe Nuñez who has been the CTA Executive Director for the last six years. Nuñez is leaving the association following a vote by the Board of Directors to end his relationship with CTA. Prior to his tenure as Executive Director, Nuñez, who has more than 45 years of experience in California public education, was the CTA Governmental Relations Director in Sacramento, where he also served on the State Board of Education and topped Capitol Weekly’s Top 100 list. During his career with CTA, which began in 1995, Nuñez served as field staff, legislative advocate and regional manager. Prior to joining CTA, Nuñez taught at Ernest Righetti High School in Santa Maria for 20 years.

“It has been my pleasure to work with Joe. His passion and commitment for the work we do on behalf of California’s students and educators has led us to great victories that have improved the learning and working conditions in our schools and colleges,” said CTA President E. Toby Boyd.

“While Joe was at the helm, we passed an unprecedented tax increase for public education and the largest school funding initiatives in the country with Propositions 30 and 55. Joe’s guidance was instrumental in keeping CTA strong and vibrant as we stood against the corporate, anti-public education forces that had declared the demise of labor unions with the Janus Supreme Court decision. Similarly, he led statewide coalition efforts to defeat multiple attacks on our union rights and attempts to silence the voices of workers. He’s been a strong advocate in setting education policy in this state that focuses on students and the needs in our classrooms. His leadership and contributions over the last 25 years have left a lasting mark on this state and created a brighter future for millions of students.

“The Board of Directors will immediately begin the search for the next Executive Director who will lead the association’s staff and work with our leaders to continue to move our union forward.”