SAN JOSÉ TEACHERS UNITED
SJTA CANDIDATES
MELISSA URBAIN
SJTA PRESIDENT CANDIDATE
I believe that 1,500 united educator voices advocating for salary, benefits, resources, and safety can drive meaningful change, and together we can build the schools of our hopes and dreams.
With my experience serving students at Lowell, Muir, and SJHS, along with my deep involvement in SJTA, I am ready to lead—vote Melissa Urbain, Ed.D., for SJTA President.
RYAN ALPERS
SJTA VICE-PRESIDENT CANDIDATE
The time is ours to change for the better. Change is part of life – growing up attending Simonds and Castillero, I’ve seen San José transform. My 15 year career as a high school English teacher at Lincoln and then Pioneer, while also simultaneously serving in many SJTA leadership positions, has taught me it’s time for us to choose SJTA’s future. Together, we are united for the change we desperately need: Increased salaries, improved benefits and safety, while also providing more staff resources at our school sites. Our time is now."
CECILIA CARRASCO
SJTA SECRETARY TREASURER CANDIDATE
As a Latina elementary leader and SJTA Equity and Inclusion Director, I believe strong unions are built on active members, and I bring a commitment to communication, transparency, and organizational integrity— along with business management experience—to keep us strong; vote Cecilia Carrasco for SJTA Secretary/Treasurer.
WHY ARE WE RUNNING?
We have the opportunity right now to build the schools of our hopes and dreams.
RAISE OUR SALARIES
SJUSD is a wealthier (basic aid) district but its teachers' salary falls in the bottom 25% compared to other Santa Clara County districts.
PROTECT OUR HEALTH BENEFITS
Our benefits need to be protected. SJUSD refused to pay the total $30 million of funds it had undercut in the course of seven years.
IMPROVE SITE RESOURCES & SAFETY
Many systems and resources for safe schools have been ignored. We need to revitalize and improve systems to establish safe and healthy teaching conditions.
ENDORSEMENTS
Endorsed by fellow teachers in our district, our work reflects a shared commitment to quality, collective actions, and meaningful impact in the classroom.
Elizabeth Bahn
Veronica Hennessey
Ana Silva
Elli Braun
LaDonna Martinez
Liz Neely
Johanna Appel
Ashley King
Marina Scobie
Genice Weathers
Paul Nyhof
Barbara Rejbrand
Sheila Billings
Karen Mathern
Stephanie Cain
Susan Seyan
Jennifer Schweitzer
Hannah MacKinnon
Alissa Powell
Angel Winn
Becky O'Connor
COUNTDOWN TO VOTING RESULTS
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TIMELINE OF EVENTS
Endorsed by fellow teachers in our district, our work reflects a shared commitment to quality, collective actions, and meaningful impact in the classroom.
March 22
Taco Truck Meet and Greet
April 1
Candidate Speeches at Rep Council
April 4
Donuts and Coffee
April 2 – 16
Electronic voting on personal email
April 17
Announcement of election results
YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
San José teachers are united and working together for better wages, benefits and resources at our school sites. Share your stories with us!