Biographical / Historical Notes
The California Retired Teachers Association (CRTA) was founded in Los Angeles in 1929 by a group of retired school teachers. Its first president was Laura Settle, who traveled throughout the state organizing local divisions. The San Diego-Imperial County Division was formed in 1933 with 67 members, and quickly grew to 500 members by 1958. According to its constitution, the objective of CRTA and its San Diego-Imperial chapter was “to promote the welfare and social relationships of its members, to work at all times to safeguard the public schoolteachers’ retirement salary, and promote the interests of public school teachers.” Members of the San Diego division met on a regular basis, during which they discussed recent legislature and drafted correspondence to state and federal officials in attempts to stop cuts to teachers’ retirement incomes. They attended CRTA Annual Conventions and were active in political activities for the purpose of safeguarding retired teachers’ salaries. The Association also helped to locate affordable housing and other services that would support retired teachers.
From the guide to the California Retired Teachers Association Records, 1941-1974, (San Diego History Center Document Collection)
