Teachers Never Stop Caring
According to figures from the California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA), retired teachers statewide donated nearly 2 million hours of volunteer service in the past year, valued at $60.9 million.
If you can read this article, maybe you should thank a teacher. The week of November 1 – 7, 2020, is California Retired Teachers Week, and we all owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to those teachers who not only taught us but shaped us in our youth.
Even after leaving their classroom, teachers continue to have a positive impact on their communities. According to figures from the California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA), retired teachers statewide donated nearly 2 million hours of volunteer service in the past year, valued at $60.9 million. In addition to their donated time, retired teachers are part of the swell of economic benefits California receives from public pensioners as they spend their pension benefit checks.
Here in the Hemet San Jacinto valley, members of CalRTA Division 33 (Hemet/San Jacinto and surrounding communities) have actively volunteered over 5,000 hours over the past year and participated in a number of volunteer activities ranging from food drives to support our local Community Pantry, donations of school supplies and clothing to Valley Restart Shelter and HUSD “District Closet” and participation in NAMI Walks to benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Division 33 has also provided $250 AVID and library grants to community schools and $100 teacher grants in multiple random drawings throughout the school year. In addition, six yearly $1000 scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors at high schools in both the Hemet and San Jacinto unified school districts.
After years, sometimes decades, in the classroom giving back to their students, California’s retired teachers continue to give back through their pocketbooks and their passion for volunteerism. “Our early leaders showed us what dedication, compassion and determination can accomplish,” noted Dr. James Mahoney, CalRTA State President. “Today we’re trying to live up to their example as we continue our fight for retirement security while also giving back to our local communities and protecting public education.”
Sue Breyer, Vice President, CalRTA Division 33
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