Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1259894
Missed the Last Issue? W E W E N T D I G I T A L for our April/May issue because the pandemic made timely deliv- ery of a print magazine problematic. Stories described how educators quickly pivoted to distance learning and stayed connected to their students. We also reported on immi- grant students' trauma from escalating government crackdowns that negatively affect their emotions, academic performance and behavior — a situation exacerbated by COVID-19. The issue can be viewed as a PDF at cta.org/educator (scroll down toward the bottom to the link "View Past Issues"); stories have also been individually posted. Cheers and Gratitude I K E H E R P E E R S , my high school senior has had a tough spring and is sad about ending the year remotely. But her teachers, counselors and other staff have tried hard to send off the Class of 2020 on a bright note: lip-syncing in a funny music video, holding a virtual assembly to say goodbye, and urging the whole city to throw open windows and stand on front steps at the same time to cheer graduates. Many more of you have lifted spirits by delivering gifts, setting up yard signs, and honking in celebratory caravans to mark the milestone. I know I speak for all parents — all people, really — in expressing profound gratitude for the love you show our kids and the immense amount of work you put in to nurture and educate them, during this crisis and every day. Just a fraction of that work is reflected in our issue. In "Tales From the Trenches" (page 20), several educators describe what it's really like teaching during a pandemic. A counselor, school psychologist, school nurse and speech-language pathologist — essential to every school — tell how COVID-19 has changed what they do in "A New World for Student Support Services" (page 25). Work previously handled in one-on-one, face-to-face settings is now done online. "Not being able to offer a student a tissue when they are in tears is heartbreaking," says counselor Glenda Ortez-Galán. Equally heartbreaking is the stark reality that some communi- ties of color are disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus. "Reaching, Teaching All Students" (page 32) looks at how several members are helping students of color and low-income students remain connected to learning, in addition to pitching in to provide families necessities such as food and clothing. Middle school educator Rawan Fakhoury, San Bernardino Teachers Association, delivers gifts to one of the nine graduating high school seniors she "adopted." Educators are also demanding that state and federal lawmak- ers give them and students adequate resources and protections during the pandemic. CTA chapters have headed to the bargain- ing table to ensure health and safety for all, and to get the time, training and tools members need for both distance and COVID- era classroom learning; read more about this in "Bargaining During COVID-19" (page 36). But back to you. From social media, news stories, your writ- ings and direct comments, we know how exhausted and anxious you are. Our story "Renewal" (page 54) offers ways you can use the summer break to dive deeper into restorative practices and get reenergized, rejuvenated and ready for the new year. We hope it's helpful. Your renewal is indispensable to the larger revival of our public life, and your work affirms our values as an equitable, democratic society. We are eternally grateful for what you do. Katharine Fong E D I T O R I N C H I E F editor@cta.org L 5 J U N E / J U L Y 2 0 2 0 E D I T O R ' S N O T E