Teacher Plans Leave to Serve as Lobbyist
A middle school teacher has announced plans to take a leave of absence to begin lobbying for the California Federation of Teachers.
Mike Weimer, 56, has taught math and science at Isbell Middle School in Santa Paula since 1968. He served as president of the Santa Paula Federation of Teachers for eight years and as vice president of the California Federation of Teachers for six years.
Weimer said he will focus on responding to Gov. Gray Davis’ education legislation, including bills dealing with graduation exit exams, reading, accountability and peer review.
He also plans to be an advocate for more professional development and class-size reduction.
“I teach 20 to 25 students, and class size does make a difference in how the topic is addressed, the depth of discussion with my students and my ability to help the students more,” Weimer said.
An Oklahoma native, Weimer holds a bachelor’s degree from McPherson College in Kansas and a master’s degree in education from Stanford University. He served in the Peace Corps in the Philippines from 1965-67 before pursuing his teaching career in Santa Paula.
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