CFT United: Classified Day of Action, March Summit Highlights, AI & Literacy, and much more

Article April 16, 2024 Written by: EMILY WILSON

Carl Williams want to know: Are you with us?
The Classified Day of Action is on May 21 at the state capitol

Carl Williams’ mother used to tell him, “Don’t tell me you love me — show me you love me.”

That’s what Williams, President of the Council of Classified Employees, hopes people will do on May 21, the Day of Action to support of all classified professional on the steps of the capital.

Article April 16, 2024

Embracing the Educational Paradigm Shift: Navigating AI and Literacy in the Classroom
UpFront

WRITTEN BY: JEFF FREITAS, CFT PRESIDENT

In an age seemingly plucked from the realms of science fiction, where artificial intelligence (AI) systems reminiscent of Hal from “2001: A Space Odyssey” and Data from “Star Trek” once existed solely in the realm of imagination, we find ourselves grappling with pressing educational concerns. Chief among these are the intersection of AI and literacy, two pillars reshaping the landscape of learning.

Article April 16, 2024

Taking the Reins on Retirement
Patti Serafin started from scratch when creating a new retiree chapter

Dennis Kelly, President of the Council of Retired Members, thinks retirees, often with a wealth of information and usually some extra time, are the ideal people to get involved with union activities.

That’s why Kelly would like to see locals help start retiree chapters. After decades with United Educators of San Francisco, Local 61, Kelly is now involved with Local 61- R.

Article April 16, 2024

The CFT March Summit Play by Play

Fittingly We Stand Together was the theme of the CFT March Summit, which took place from March 14–16 at the Sheraton Grand hotel in Sacramento. In a variety of panels, workshops, and conversations throughout the three-day event, the common theme of how we have so much more power as a group than as individuals resonated.

Article April 16, 2024 Written by: EMILY WILSON

Katie Valenzuela reveals critical tie between schools and environmental justice
The Sacramento Councilmember spoke to CFT members at the March Summit

When Sacramento City Councilmember Katie Valenzuela was in elementary school in Oildale she tried out for soccer. When she ran, her lungs would feel tight, her chest would hurt, and she would feel that she might pass out. She thought that was normal.

“We didn’t know this wasn’t something that happened to all people when they run a mile at their elementary schools,” she said. “We thought we all have to stop afterwards and sit down and put your heads between our knees and wait until we can catch our breath.”

Article April 16, 2024 Written by: GEOFF JOHNSON

Climate Justice

Heart and Perseverance Revive the California March in March
Students and Faculty bring climate justice, affordable housing and accessibility into focus

On a day with weather bright enough to match their spirits, a throng of over 500 students, faculty, and education advocates marched to the west lawn of the state capitol on March 7 in support of community college students, workers, and climate justice. Bringing back the annual March in March, it was the largest such action in the Capitol by student and community college activists in over a decade.

Article April 16, 2024

Not a dry eye at Mary Bergan’s memorial dinner
Tears, laughter and a feeling unity was felt throughout the event

Juan Ramirez, CFT Executive Vice President, acted as master of ceremonies for the Memorial Dinner for Mary Bergan, on the second evening of the CFT March Summit. Ramirez asked the attendees to think of the event not as a sad occasion, but rather a chance to honor all the good things Bergan did.

And there were lots to celebrate. Bergan, who passed away at 82 years old in Wisconsin November 30, 2023, was part of the CFT for more than three decades, and her love of the union shaped her life as well as the CFT.

Article April 16, 2024

Fourth Annual Special Ed Summit Leaves Attendees with Hope and Strategy

WRITTEN BY: EMILY WILSON

When Steve McDougall became the president of the Early Childhood/TK-12 Council, he sent out a survey to the local leaders asking them what trouble areas they saw that needed addressing.

“Special education always percolates to the top because it’s an underfunded mandate since 1975,” he said.

Article April 16, 2024 Written by: EMILY WILSON

Unified and Ready to Hit the Ground Running, CCA Faculty Join CFT
California College of the Arts Faculty focuses on benefits and pay

Christina La Sala, an installation artist who teaches in the Individualized Studies Program at California College of the Arts, said she and her colleagues love the school, teaching and the students. But (sadly, not shocking for educators), they struggle to get by on their salaries.

Article April 18, 2024 Written by: INGRID GUNNELL, CFT Political Organizer

March 5th Primaries Show Success and a Path Forward
CFT had a successful March 5th Primary Election

The March Primary and November General Elections are extra important this year, as many statewide legislators have termed out and we are electing a new group that may be in office for 12 years.

A super majority of our endorsed legislative candidates made it through to the general election in November, many of whom came first in their race.

CFT members from across the state participated in interviews to recommend candidates for endorsement, and then worked to get those candidates into the November general election.