White House Author

Rafael Sanchez III is the second child of immigrants from Mexico. For as long as he can remember, Rafael has wanted to be a teacher. He comes from a family of educators and sees teaching as a way to give back to his community. Currently, he is a Degree Track Teacher’s Assistant at Bell High School in the Los Angeles Unified School District. He has worked for the school district for 10 years and earns $10.74 an hour. He is currently a student at California State University, Los Angeles, majoring in history for his secondary credential. The recession, furlough days and stagnant wages have interfered with his dream. It has been difficult to finish his studies. That is why Rafael joined with others in his union, Service Employees International Union Local 99, to fight for and win, a $15 minimum wage. Rafael was part of the bargaining team that negotiated this landmark contract agreement with the second largest school district in the nation.