Message from the CTA President about the COVID-19 pandemic

It’s been 19 days since CTA recommended the closure of California schools and colleges because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, we’ve all been learning to shelter in place, protect ourselves and our families, and meet the needs of our students remotely. You have met these challenges head on, making sure that – especially during these unpredictable times – members can count on NEA, CTA and their local chapters to look out for their rights, as well as the rights and well-being of all students. 

Today, Governor Newsom announced the closure of schools for the remainder of the school year. (Read CTA’s press release here .) Now we must move forward knowing it is our new temporary reality. We’ve been partnering with the Governor, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond and our labor partners to address the many challenges we are facing. 

I want you to know that CTA is raising your voices and concerns with our lawmakers, advocating for the most vulnerable among us, and making sure the needs of educators and students remain the focus of leaders.

While our offices are closed, CTA staff is still working to support leaders and members, and the CTA Board of Directors is meeting weekly to help guide the organization. 

Here’s what’s new since our Tele-Town Hall meeting we had on March 19 (If you missed it, listen to recording of call):CTA Letter to State Senators (3.31.20)Legislators’ Letter to Gov. Newsom on Instruction and Meals (3.30.20)Additional Bargaining and Legal Advice and Sample MOUs (covering K-12, ESPs, Community Colleges, Special Ed, etc.) Login RequiredCoalition Framework for Labor-Management Collaboration (4.1.20)Additional COVID-19 Resources and FAQsCOVID-19 Facebook Group continues to grow (near 14,000 today). Don’t miss out!Recap of the happenings and media coverage so farWe want to highlight the great work that our members are doing during this crisis. Please encourage members to share photos and videos of them teaching from home.

Thank you for helping us lead this organization during this unpredictable time. As we face the road ahead, I can’t help but think about where we began. CTA was founded in 1863, the same year Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Since then, we’ve survived and thrived through a Civil War, World Wars, natural disasters, Supreme Court rulings, other pandemics, and even No Child Left Behind! We’ve got this! 

In solidarity, 

E. Toby Boyd
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