California Federation of Teachers
For Immediate Release
Contact: Matthew Hardy, 510-703-5291

SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Federation of Teachers (CFT) saw significant progress toward a safe return to classroom instruction in the K-12 vaccine plan Governor Newsom released today. CFT President Jeff Freitas issued the following statement on behalf of the 120,000 educators and classified professionals who they represent:

“We thank Governor Newsom for following through on his commitment to vaccinate school employees in California. Along with implementing the multi-layered strategies put forward by the California Department of Public Health, including asymptomatic testing, adequate PPE, and physical distancing, this vaccine plan will help us quickly and safely return to in-person instruction throughout the state of California.

“We appreciate that the Governor’s vaccine plan will be directed to counties and school communities weighted by equity, including the proportion of students from low-income families, English learners and homeless youth.

“We are also appreciative that Governor Newsom is committing a minimum of 10% of vaccines in the state to childcare and educational workers. With vaccine supplies set to ramp up in the days ahead, we are hopeful that the majority of education and childcare workers can be vaccinated within weeks.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Governor and legislative leaders to build on this significant progress.”

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The California Federation of Teachers represents 120,000 teachers, faculty, and school employees in public and private schools and colleges, from early childhood through higher education. It is the statewide affiliate of the AFT. More information at www.cft.org.