California Teachers Association Endorses Dean

[unfrigginreal]

LOS ANGELES--Impressed by his strong commitment to public education and teachers, the top governing body of the 335,000-member California Teachers Association voted overwhelmingly today to endorse Howard Dean in the March presidential primary election.

"This primary election is too important to ignore," said CTA President Barbara E. Kerr. "Our voices must be heard in this critical race. Howard Dean has a long history of supporting public schools and children, and he understands the dangers we face from the federal government's growing influence over our classrooms and how we teach."

The vote was taken by the CTA State Council of Education, comprised of nearly 800 democratically elected teacher representatives from across the state, at the Council's regular quarterly meeting in Los Angeles. Dean addressed the CTA Council on June 1 and received an enthusiastic response.

Kerr noted that Dean shares California teachers' concerns about President Bush's so-called No Child Left Behind Act and the unfunded mandates it imposes on public schools across the nation. He opposes the law's rigid and unrealistic penalties, and will work with teachers to overturn its reliance on standardized tests. He also supports full funding of the federal government's commitment to special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and believes all children have a right to health care.


http://www.blogforamerica.com/

[Vikingking66]

1. kick ass

More California support, more labor for Dean!

[mzmolly]

2. Yeahhhh...!

Wooo Hooo! This is a bigun.

[Pavlovs DiOgie]

3. Darn, you beat me to it

I was just about to post this. This is great news for Dean, and for teachers everywhere.

Kerr noted that Dean shares California teachers' concerns about President Bush's so-called No Child Left Behind Act and the unfunded mandates it imposes on public schools across the nation. He opposes the law's rigid and unrealistic penalties, and will work with teachers to overturn its reliance on standardized tests. He also supports full funding of the federal government's commitment to special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and believes all children have a right to health care.

As governor of Vermont, Dean showed his leadership and created a program that provided health care for every child under the age of 18. He wants to launch a similar program nationally.

"Dean understands the challenges teachers are facing in schools," Kerr said. "He believes that education excellence starts with teachers and he shares our priorities."

[RevolutionStartsNow]

4. Good timing

My daughter is giving a speech at school tomorrow about her participation in the local Dean campaign, including meeting the Governor, writing letters, etc. She is going to include this announcement, and good for her teachers!

Great endorsement for Dean!

[CMT]

5. This could lead to a full national NEA endorsement

The NEA (National Education Assn) was the big union that Jimmy Carter had way back in 1976 and it is a significant endorsement because teachers, by and large, are active and do vote. The California Education Assn is the largest and will carry alot of weight.

[Le Taz Hot]

6. Wow!!!!

This is HUGE! Alright CTA!

Taz<---(Former member of CTA)

[LWolf]

7. This has been a big topic of discussion on

state and national progressive ed lists I participate in. The actual teacher's take (I'm a CA teacher):

Like Dean criticizing NCLB. But recognize that it's easy to send it back to the states, where CA has been working with a high stakes testing disaster for almost a decade. Cautious.

Interest in a few other pro-ed candidates, including Edwards and DK; after being shafted in the area of high-stakes testing by our democratic secretary of ed, some are looking beyond the dems for a candidate strong on ed issues.

Haven't heard any individuals endorsing anyone yet.

[HFishbine]

8. "Haven't heard any individuals endorsing anyone yet."

Plenty. Last week Joe Wilson endorsed Kerry.

[RevolutionStartsNow]

9. Um, I think LWolf was referring to individuals in education (nt)