Mia Bray
CCSS 2026 ELECTION
At-Large Candidate
Mia Bray
Bio
As a High School U.S. History and Government/Economics teacher and Activities Director at Galt High School, I am passionate about social justice, educational equity, and uplifting untold stories in history. Having taught in both large Bay Area schools and for the past five years in the Central Valley, while residing in Sacramento, I bring a broad perspective on the varying needs of California educators. My involvement with CCSS has provided me with transformative professional development and networking opportunities. As social studies education continuously evolves in our state, I want to ensure every teacher has access to these same empowering resources. I have seen firsthand the power of the annual conference in my own career and am dedicated to helping it grow and expand. Representing the Central Valley, I am eager to give a strong voice to a region defined by a mix of large suburban schools and small rural districts. Our schools serve remarkably diverse student populations with unique departmental needs. On the Board, I will work to advocate for balanced resources, foster meaningful community partnerships, and support high-quality professional learning that reflects the realities of classrooms across all our communities.
Position Statement
I am running for the California Council for the Social Studies Board of Directors because I believe teachers doing this work every day should have a strong voice in shaping the future of social studies education. As an eight-year history teacher, Activities Director at Galt High, Co-Chair of the CCSS Government Relations and Partnerships Development Committee, member of the Governing Committee, and longtime CCSS member, I bring both classroom experience and a strong commitment to our organization. My priorities are supporting teachers, strengthening civic education, expanding access to resources, and protecting the integrity of social studies education. At a time when teaching history can feel increasingly politicized, CCSS should provide resources grounded in scholarship, evidence, accuracy, and intellectual honesty. Our role is not to tell students what to think, but to teach them how to examine evidence, evaluate sources, recognize bias, consider multiple perspectives, and reach informed conclusions. I have taught across Northern California, and seen how access to resources and professional learning can vary dramatically. I want CCSS to expand opportunities for educators in smaller and under-resourced schools through partnerships, resource sharing, and accessible professional development. CCSS has made me a better teacher. I would be honored to serve on the Board and help ensure it remains a trusted, balanced, and teacher-centered voice for social studies education.
What strengths will I bring to the CCSS Board of Directors?
As Co-Chair of the Government Relations and Partnerships Development Committee and a longtime CCSS member, I bring a blend of hands-on leadership, legal insight, and frontline classroom experience to the Board of Directors. For the past eight years, I have taught U.S. History, Government, and Ethnic Studies at a small rural high school. Holding a UC Davis teaching credential and a background in law, I approach our board's work with a strong analytical eye for governance, policy, and advocacy. Teaching in a resource-limited rural district required me to be proactive, including helping write and pilot our school’s Ethnic Studies curriculum from scratch. This background gives me direct insight into the everyday realities facing social studies educators across California, particularly those in small or under-resourced communities. On the Board, I can contribute strong skills in legislative advocacy, partnership development, policy analysis, and practical curriculum design. At the same time, I hope to grow in the areas of non-profit financial management and large-scale fundraising. I would welcome mentorship from fellow board members on budget oversight and expanding philanthropic support so we can better direct resources to rural, underfunded schools across our state.