David B. Goldberg, President of the California Teachers Association (CTA), recently issued a strong political statement, urging members to "be in the streets" to "fight back against this fascist regime." The remarks, highlighted in a tweet by school choice advocate Corey A. DeAngelis, suggest a heightened level of activism within the union.
The tweet, which included an image of Goldberg wearing a shirt emblazoned with "Solidarity is the Lesson Plan" and "May Day" visible, implies the context of a labor-focused event. David Goldberg has a long history of union activism, previously serving as CTA vice president and secretary-treasurer, and was active in the 2019 United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) strike. He is known for advocating for public schools and social justice.
DeAngelis characterized a recent teachers union convention involving Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), as a "political rally." This framing underscores the ongoing debate about the political engagement of teachers' unions. Corey A. DeAngelis is a prominent figure in the school choice movement, often critical of teachers' unions and their influence on education policy.
The CTA, representing over 300,000 educators, has been actively involved in recent labor actions across California, with President Goldberg acknowledging coordinated efforts among local unions for better pay and resources. These actions, often leading to strikes, have drawn both support for teachers' demands and criticism regarding their impact on students and school finances. The union has also been vocal in state-level policy debates, including opposing Governor Newsom's proposal to restructure the California Department of Education.
