Leadership, Justice, and Confronting Educational Inequities
Maritza Ávila’s career reflects a steadfast commitment to educational excellence, advocacy, and leadership. Her multifaceted contributions at local, state, national, and international levels underscore her dedication to empowering educators and advancing educational equity globally.
Maritza Ávila has dedicated over 29 years to enriching education, drawing on military experience as well as her work with the US Navy Department of Defense. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated a passion for enhancing student learning and fostering academic growth across diverse settings. Her teaching competencies encompass a comprehensive range of skills – ensuring an enriching and supportive educational experience.
Maritza’s commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments is further exemplified through her recent role as an Ethnic Studies educator and coach, where she empowered teachers and students to critically engage with diverse perspectives and histories in her school district.
Ávila has played a pivotal role in educational advocacy at the local, state, national, and international levels. As a Site Representative for ten years, she advocated for the interests of educators within her local chapter, always ensuring their voices were heard and their needs were met. As a CTA State Council Delegate, she has represented educators on committees such as Language Acquisition, Adult Education, Alternative Education, Career & Technical Education, Teacher Evaluation & Academic Freedom, and Representation, ensuring educators’ voices are heard in policy-making processes. Her leadership extends globally as an Education International (World Congress) Delegate, where she has collaborated on global educational challenges and promoted international cooperation.
Within the California Teachers Association, Maritza has championed initiatives such as CTA Women’s Rights Committee and California Reads programs, advocating for literacy and women’s issues. She has been instrumental in the CTA Cesar Chavez/Dolores Huerta Awards and has received recognition with a 2021 CTA Human Rights Award for her advocacy efforts. Maritza also founded the CTA Zumba Caucus, integrating her passion for fitness with community engagement within the education sector.
At the national level, Maritza has served as Director for District 5 and Senior Director for the California Delegation within the National Education Association. Her contributions include participation in the NEA Board of Directors Leadership Development System Think Tank and as the current Vice Chair of the NEA Hispanic Caucus. She has actively engaged and been a member in committees such as the NEA Read Across America Committee and the Human Rights Awards Committee, advocating for inclusive educational environments and recognition of educators’ contributions.
Her academic achievements include a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching of English as a Second Language from the Inter-American University of Puerto Rico and a Master of Arts in American Studies from Pepperdine University.
Ávila resides in Port Hueneme with her daughter and remains actively involved in her community, promoting education, social justice, and wellness initiatives.
Contacting Maritza Ávila
California Teachers Association, P.O. Box 921
1705 Murchison Drive
Burlingame, CA 94011-0921
