Topic: Education Issues
Dr. Villaver: From the Philippines to Teaching Success in California
Dr. Marlon Villaver’s story is a testament to perseverance, passion, and the transformative power of education. From humble beginnings in the Philippines to becoming a renowned special education teacher in the United States, his journey has inspired countless educators and students worldwide.
Transformative Leadership in Special Education: Advancing Inclusion and Equity
ABSTRACT
This study explores the pivotal role of leadership in shaping the education of students with special needs in the 21st century. Through an extensive review of existing literature, it examines key leadership models, including transformational leadership, distributed leadership, principal leadership, and policy leadership. The findings underscore the critical impact of effective leadership in fostering inclusive practices, enhancing collaboration among stakeholders, improving school effectiveness, and driving systemic change within special education.
Five critical bills on the Governor’s desk
Please urge Governor Newsom to sign them
***September 30, 2024 Update – Governor Newsom has signed AB 2245 and vetoed AB 2088, AB 2277, AB 2586, and SB 1182**
Five critical pieces of legislation are on the Governor’s desk. Please take a moment to sign the letters below, urging him to sign these important bills.
Embracing Climate Change in Math Education: Transforming Teaching and Learning
Jefferson Union High School District
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, affecting every aspect of our lives and the planet. Educating the younger generation about climate change is crucial for fostering informed and responsible citizens who can contribute to sustainable solutions. Integrating climate change awareness into various subjects, including mathematics, can revolutionize both teaching and learning.
The Effect of Rubrics On Students’ Mathematics Performance
Jefferson Union High School District
Introduction
Changing the Narrative: Embracing Math as a Friend, Not a Foe
Jefferson Union High School District
Abstract
The Art of Being a Teacher
Jefferson Union High School District
Coming from a family of teachers, Lecar Marie Maghanoy witnessed how her mother, grandfather, aunt, and uncle could touch their students’ lives. Often referred to as second parents, teachers are undeniably influential in a student’s life. Their lessons inside and outside of the classroom help shape students’ attitudes, mindsets, and outlooks on life.
This inspired her to pursue the same noble profession. Driven by her passion for educating the younger generation about science and helping shape a better world, she is determined to forge her path as a teacher.
Empowering Special Education: Leveraging Technology for Inclusive Learning
Jefferson Union High School District
In my endeavor to enhance learning experiences and introduce new concepts to students with unique learning needs, I have implemented a variety of strategies. However, I must admit that I am still grappling with a comprehensive understanding of how my diverse needs students truly learn.
Co-Teaching: A New Approach for Learning
Jefferson Union High School District
Introduction
Co-teaching is a form of teaching which involves the
collaboration of two or more teachers to teach a diverse group of
students. Its importance in education is that it makes learning
more inclusive and effective for every student, regardless of
their ability or background.
We are united for education and justice
Back-to-School tour and opinion poll provide strong foundation for strategic planning
By Jeffery M. Freitas, CFT President
Another school year has started. As an educator, August and September have traditionally been the time when I set New Year’s resolutions for the coming academic year. It starts me off on a positive note to identify my goals, my priorities, and the areas in which I want to learn and grow.
I think about our work at CFT in much the same way, and just like when I was teaching, beginning a new school year as an organization is not just the work of one person. Setting goals for the CFT is not just the work of leaders or the Executive Council. Rather it demands real-time feedback from our membership so that we, as a statewide union, can respond to the issues members identify as top priorities. To do that important work, we have undertaken a number of projects to listen to members and respond to what we have heard.
In our voices: The state of our schools, workers, and students
Educators report staff shortages, mental health issues are ubiquitous
Yajaira J. Cuapio has been a social worker in the San Francisco Unified School District for eight years. With the pandemic, she says the last couple of years have been challenging.
“Students have been isolated for so long that it’s having an impact on their social skills. They’re arguing and fighting, and it leads to unsafe interactions,” she said. “Then academically there have been disruptions. For one thing, a positive COVID case would cause students to have to quarantine for 10 days, and if they’re out that long, truancy is established.”
How does a district build a village for teachers and staff?
Innovative, affordable, and comfortable housing in Daly City welcomes new and veteran employees
The Jefferson Union High School District knew it had a problem holding onto staff. The district was losing about 25% of its certificated and classified employees yearly, and a survey showed that many were leaving the Daly City school district because of the high cost of housing.
Faculty push for the face-to-face classes that students want
In-person college classes improve learning, build campus community, and lifelong connections
Joshua McCann much prefers going to campus for his San Diego Community College District classes. Now in his second year and intending to transfer to a UC and major in political science, McCann says connections on Zoom or in your Canvas inbox can’t compare to being with a person in real life.
McCann goes to campus for three out of his four classes. The other night after his philosophy class, he stayed for office hours with the teacher, and ended up having a two-hour conversation about the class with some of the other students.
Urge governor to increase workload cap for part-time faculty
Ask Governor Newsom to sign CFT-sponsored bill to raise the cap to 85%!
UPDATE: We are disappointed to report Governor Newsom vetoed AB 1856 on September 25, citing cost concerns. Find his veto message here. This action is now closed.
Please take a moment to urge Governor Newsom to sign AB 1856, which will increase the workload cap available to part-time faculty from 67% up to 85% of a full-time faculty workload in California’s community colleges.
What does Biden’s cancellation of student debt mean?
Understand the changes; pandemic pause for repayment pushed back four months
The AFT and CFT applauded President Biden’s plan announce August 24 to cancel up to $20,000 in student debt for some borrowers and extend the pandemic pause on loan repayment.
AFT President Randi Weingarten in a press release said, “Today, millions of Americans can breathe easier knowing that some of the crushing burden of student loan debt has been lifted. Make no mistake—this is a transformative action that will change countless lives.”
Doing the work we love in the most difficult of circumstances
California is breaking down the walls other states are building
By Jeffery M. Freitas, CFT President
As educators and classified professionals, we often mark beginnings and ends with school years rather than calendar years. Each May, students leave for the summer or graduate and venture off to another stage in their lives. As these chapters open and close, it’s hard not to think about similar times in our own lives, when we moved on from a particularly beloved school or classroom, and from the school staff that made our experience so exceptional.
Part-timers and allies lobby legislators for healthcare, pay parity
PHOTO GALLERY
Students and full-time faculty join forces with part-time faculty
From the Bay Area to San Diego, and from the Central Valley to the Mojave Desert, part-time community college faculty, along with full-time faculty and student allies, gathered at Sacramento’s famed Sutter Club on Monday morning, May 1, to go forth and make California legislators aware of the critical need for part-time faculty healthcare and pay parity.
Part-Time Faculty Conference empowers through learning
PHOTO GALLERY
Workshops focus on bargaining, lobbying, organizing, diversity, communications
When it comes to union work, power and knowledge work hand in hand. Union is not simply about expressing demands, speaking truth to power, and being resolute in the face of adversity. It’s about making connections, sharing truths, building solidarity, empowering, and speaking to be heard.
Developing the knowledge to do these things and putting the power of that knowledge to use was core to the workshops at the CFT Part-Time Faculty Conference held May 1-2 in Sacramento.
Trades workers, custodians ready for increasingly dangerous workplaces
PHOTO GALLERY
CFT conference tackles tough issues of coronavirus, toxic chemicals, climate change, active shooters
Dozens of classified members from locals up and down California recently met at Compton College for the first Custodial and Skilled Trades Conference hosted by the CFT Council of Classified Employees.
“We have talked about this for years, and put it off for two years because of COVID, but here we are,” said a buoyant CCE President Carl Williams.