Cecily Myart-Cruz

Cecily Myart-Cruz PRESIDENT Cecily Myart-Cruz is a teacher, activist and the United Teachers Los Angeles President. The first woman of color in the union’s 50-year history – having previously served as NEA Vice President for six years. Cecily has taught for 26 years, at both elementary and middle school levels, most recently at Angeles Mesa Elementary. As a UTLA Area leader, she has worked with schools, parents, students and the community to oust 23 “bully principals”. Cecily has collaborated with school communities in initiating the year-long boycott of district periodic assessments in protest of excessive testing of our students. She is no stranger in taking direct action, whether it is fighting against co-locations, demanding Ethnic Studies for our students, declaring the end the criminalization of youth, local and statewide lobbying efforts and much more. Cecily has worked with school-site leaders to build protests, community walks, and community forums that prevented school giveaways and included key stakeholder voices. As the UTLA NEA Vice President, she has engaged members, worked with community partners to bring resources to schools, like Honey Shine Inc. bringing a mentoring and self-esteem program for young girls of color. She has helped shape Racial Justice within the work of the Union through critical dialogue, workshops, forums and conferences -all the while making sure student voices are front and center. Lastly, Cecily has continued to build strength and power for UTLA through a strong relationship with local, statewide and national leaders, within both affiliates. Cecily Myart-Cruz is the Chair of the CTA Civil Rights Committee, Chair of the NEA Black Caucus and member of Black Lives Matter Los Angeles.