HISTORY
The "Association of Raza Educators (A.R.E.)" originally began as a response to Proposition 187 in September of 1996. A.R.E. was organized by individuals who had correctly read the growing anti-Raza atmosphere within the United States, and recognized the urgency for something "different" to be done.
These individuals - mostly middle and high school teachers - understood that the efforts led by most anti-187 activists were generally based on the idealistic assumption that the "voters" and "pro-187 politicians" could be won over by reason alone. We saw some activists go as far as to down-play the necessity for progressive community-based political consciousness. When discussions arose about how to best respond to the racist attacks confronting the Mexicano/Latino community, the importance of solid organization and the development of strong uncompromising strategies and tactics was never even seen as an option.
The original membership of A.R.E. also understood that the "traditional-progressive" educational organizations such as AMAE and CABE were limited within this same frame of existence. What was needed was a different type of organization. An organization composed of educators united to effectively defend the democratic rights of our community - educational, political, economic, and civil.
A.R.E. emphasizes community involvement in education and Critical Pedagogy as central to our work. A.R.E. upholds the important role of teachers in social struggles, especially in Latin America. We see ourselves as part of a struggle to build a better society that will benefit the great majority of all people.
Today we are recognized as the "Association of Raza Educators (A.R.E.) - Raza Educators for Critical Consciousness and Democratic Schooling."
We have active chapters in San Diego and in Los Angeles. If you would like more information or would like to join us please contact us!
“El maestro luchando, tambien esta enseñando!”
