Leadership that Listens, Acts, and Delivers
The belief that all students have the right to a high-quality public education regardless of where they live, what their family status is, or what they require to be successful is what led me to become an educator and what guides my decision to run for CTA NEA Director, District 12. Now, even more than when I became an educator 15 years ago, there is urgent need to unite and work to defend, strengthen, and ensure equitable public education for all students. As NEA Director, I will work to build strong partnerships across NEA to address critical issues, including the erosion of students’ civil rights, the more than 50-year failure to fully fund IDEA, fight ongoing efforts to privatize public education, and ensuring that educators’ compensation and working conditions support the delivery of equitable, high-quality education for every student. Additionally, it is time for our union to formally recognize and actively support members with disabilities as an underrepresented group and to advance disability justice within our education system. I will be representing you. I am committed to listening, learning, and relying on you to help inform the issues that most effect your work and your local communities. I will listen, act, and deliver for CTA.
Amplify CTA Member Voices by listening to CTA members and researching issues brought forward so I have the knowledge to effectively advocate for action and build strong alliances around shared education priorities.
Defend the Need for the Department of Education and its Intended Function by working aggressively to raise awareness about the erosion of students’ civil rights and the weakening implementation of IDEA that has already occurred due to a reduction at the Department of Education. I will work with the NEA Directors to determine actions we can take to restore this department so it may carry out the services as mandated by congress in 1978.
Achieve Full Funding for IDEA by introducing a fresh view and charting a path to building alliances across the NEA to get IDEA funded to at least the 40% promised 50 years ago.
Expand Member Engagement and Support by advocating for the development of venues for NEA members to have direct opportunities for input and support. A more engaged and deeply democratic union is a stronger union.
Lead Through Equity, Inclusion and Justice by working to ensure that “We the People” truly applies to our union. Disability must be recognized as an identity, and our union must model what true ADA compliance looks like. We must make inclusive practices a natural part of our union and fully embrace Disability Justice.
Fight for Living Wage and Affordable Universal Health Care by developing an organizing plan calling on federal and state governments to adequately fund public education to a level that provides professional living wages and affordable comprehensive health care for all educators. This must include consideration of the economic harm to women that occurs when taking leave during pregnancy, childbirth, and caregiving. Retaining educators requires economic and healthcare justice, not just temporary fixes. I will advocate for single-payer as a systemic solution.
Nanci Massone
STA secretary, CTA delegate
Throughout the last 5 years—and long before—I have seen Dr. Laurie Crawford demonstrate a deep and unwavering commitment to advocating for students and educators with special needs. She has been an active member of our local union bargaining team, where she worked diligently to ensure reasonable caseload limits for teachers and appropriate overage compensation when those limits are exceeded.
After being elected as our local’s State Council Delegate, Laurie immediately began authoring New Business Items (NBIs). In her second year, she reached out to the Communications Committee to successfully advocate for the recognition of Disability Pride Month in July. Her advocacy efforts were also highlighted in CTA Magazine, which featured an article recognizing her leadership and impact.
Laurie is approachable, grounded, and—most importantly—an exceptional listener who genuinely values the voices of others. For these reasons, I strongly believe Laurie Crawford is the ideal candidate for NEA Director for District 12.
Felicia Flores
SUSD Paraprofessional
I have had the privilege of working as Dr. Crawford’s paraprofessional for the past six years, and during that time I have witnessed firsthand her exceptional dedication to students, educators, and the field of Special Education. Her depth of knowledge and expertise consistently make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students she serves.
Dr. Crawford is an excellent advocate who works to ensure that every student has access to the opportunities and support they need to succeed. She not only understands the complexities of Special Education, but she also leads with compassion and a clear commitment to doing what is best for students.
If you are seeking a leader who is driven, thoughtful, and deeply committed to advocacy and service, Dr. Crawford is an outstanding choice. I strongly and wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Laurie Crawford for NEA Director for District 12.
Stacy Williams
Ed. Specialist mild/moderate, CTA delegate, NEA-RA delegate, CEEC member, IDEA Alliance member
I’m proud to support Dr. Laurie Crawford for NEA Director District 12 because she is the kind of leader our profession needs. Through our work together in the IDEA Alliance and the CTA Caucus for Educators of Exceptional Children, I’ve seen firsthand her passion, her brilliance, and her unwavering commitment to equity in education.
Dr. Crawford is a champion for students with disabilities and a fierce advocate for the teachers who serve them. She is especially devoted to elevating the experiences of educators who themselves have disabilities—an area where her leadership, empathy, and insight are unmatched. She makes every room more inclusive simply by being in it.
What I admire most is her ability to bring people together. She listens deeply, asks the right questions, and never loses sight of who we are fighting for: our students. Her leadership is grounded, honest, and driven by purpose.
NEA needs a compassionate, courageous, and knowledgeable leader—and Dr. Laurie Crawford embodies all of these qualities. It is a privilege to stand behind her.
Elizabeth Coffey
Retired Special Education Teacher
I have known Doctor Laurie Crawford for over fifteen years as a colleague, mentor and friend. She is known for her unwavering commitment to improving student outcomes, fostering community and demonstrating value as a team member and educator. She is bold, direct and will get the job done. I highly recommend Dr. Crawford to represent us in District 12.
Elizabeth Darling M. Ed
RSP Teacher, Jane Frederick HS; High School Director, Stockton Teachers Association Executive Board
I have had the pleasure of working with Dr. Laurie through our joint work on the STA Bargaining Team, and through several Special Education specific committees working directly with Administration of the Stockton Unified School District. Laurie and I are also co-chairs on STA’s Social Justice committee. Laurie’s extensive knowledge of Special Education and her unwavering support of Special Education students should be applauded. Laurie is a true champion of students and I wholeheartedly support her candidacy for NEA Director for District 12.
Radha Bala
Early Childhood special education teacher, CTA delegate
I have known Laurie for a few years now and I support her as our next District 12 NEA leader. Vote for Dr. Laurie Crawford. She is authentic, passionate and a great advocate.
