Across California, educators are rising to meet another call for public service by running for school board elections this November.

Seeking to contribute their school and education knowledge and experience to local school boards, these educators are committed to building schools where every student deserves to be an elected policy maker. As the November election approaches, we spotlight the many educators running for school board here at the Digital Home of California Educators.

Meet one of these education champions: Tara Jean is a high school English educator for the West Placer Teachers Association and a member of the NEA Board of Directors running for a seat on the Sacramento City Board of Education.

Why are you running for school board?

I want to do more for my children. In my classroom he has taught about 3,500 students in 17 years. We have reached out to local, state, and national leaders on what our schools need, and have worked with our colleagues to solve the problems we faced. education. Our current school board does not have a teacher, so we would like to use a teacher’s voice in that room!

What are the district’s top priorities?

Every student deserves a teacher. This means that attracting and retaining adults who work directly with students must be a priority. One of the most important roles of the school board is deciding where to spend the funds. I firmly believe that this year’s funds must be used for this year’s students. Education is always challenging, but I know that together we can develop the right solutions for our students. The students’ future is right now, so I always advocate cooperation in labor management.

Why did you decide it was time to serve your community as an elected official?

In February, after a day of virtual union meetings, I turned off Zoom. The last two years have taken a toll on us educators and have proven once again how important we are in the room when people make educational decisions. When I woke up the next morning, I knew it was time to run for school board.

What would you like to tell your fellow CTA members about running for elected office?

The moment I decided to run, I began to hear voices of doubt. I am so grateful that my union family is louder than their voices and have continually encouraged and championed me every step of this journey. can do this together!

Website: Tara4SacCity.org
Facebook: Tara Jean of Sack City, twitter: @cod 4 suck city