AVTA Affiliation

The Antelope Valley Teachers' Association is a proud local chapter of the California Teachers' Association (CTA) and the National Education Association (NEA).

There will be an emergency meeting held on Tuesday, February 16 at 3:30 to set up for the March 4th rally. 

MARCH 4, 2010

Stand Up for Schools

Last year, $17 billion was cut from school and colleges.  Entire art, music, and PE programs were eliminated.  More than 16,000 educators were laid off.  AND, large California corporations enjoyed tax breaks.

This year, in the wake of all of these cuts, our students and schools are being threatened again.  WE CAN'T LET THAT HAPPEN!

We need your help in this urgent effort to speak out about the painful effects cuts are having on our students, schools, and communities.  On March 4, 2010, "Start the Day for Students" and be a part of the campaign to fight for the resources our students deserve.  We must reform the state's tax structure and repeal the tax breaks handed out to large corporations.  It's time everyone paid their fair share.

We all know that education is essential to building a better California.  Working together, we can make sure our students get the resources they need to succeed.

Join the isurgent action for our students and our future, start today by making plans for March 4 and joining the conversation at www.standupforschools.org 

The next Rep Council Meeting is Tuesday, March 2.

The AVTA Representative Council typically meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 3:30 P.M. at the AVTA office on Lancaster Blvd. Please consider joining the council for these important meetings.

"What Do Teachers Make?"

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.  One man, a CEO, decided to explain "the problem" with education.  He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?"  He reminded the other dinner guests what "they" say about teachers:  "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach."  To emphasize his point, he said to another guest, "You're a teacher, Ned.  Be honest.  What do you make?"

Ned, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? “ He paused for a second, and then began...   

“Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental.” 

"You want to know what I make." He paused again and looked at each and every person at the table. ''I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them apologize and mean it. “ 

“I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions. I teach them to write and then I make them write.  Keyboarding isn't everything.” 

“I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math. They use their God-given brain, not the man-made calculator.”   

“I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity. I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe.”   

“I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America.”

 “I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life." He paused one last time, and then continued.

"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention, because they are ignorant. Do you want to know what I make?”

“I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.”

“What do you make, Mr. CEO?"  The CEO's jaw dropped, and he went silent.

(picture 2:)