Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1278320
M Y D A U G H T E R R E C E N T L Y preregistered to vote in the November general election, when she will be 18. While I could swear I was reading We're Going on a Bear Hunt every night to her just yesterday, I'm feeling good about her ability to make informed choices on her ballot. is is because her teachers have done a great job over the years of opening her eyes and her mind, guiding her to seek out the truth, ques- tion the status quo, and understand our political systems and structures. e government and social studies educators in our story "Informing the Future" (page 48) demonstrate how they provide such civic guid- ance to students — particularly relevant during this election year. "My goal in the classroom is to teach students how to think, not what to think," says high school teacher Jayson Chang. Andrew Schrock wants his high schoolers "to go on to vote and be good members of their communities. I want them to understand there's a process to make change in their community." In the age of COVID, it's challenging for educators to teach such com- plex concepts — and even easier ones! — through a computer screen. A Class Act: You Our special Back to School section (starting on page 15) can help you navigate distance learning as well as a hybrid/blended classroom. We asked many of your CTA colleagues experienced in online education for their pro tips on teaching virtually, bonding with students you've only met digitally, recommended remote-learning apps and programs, and much more. CTA has also stepped into the breach with training webinars and videos in distance learning at all grade lev- els and in multiple subjects. See "Professional Practice at Your Fingertips" on page 39 for some of these — and keep checking cta.org/distancelearning for updates. More trainings are being developed right now, based on your feedback and needs. Feel free to send your ideas to editor@cta.org, or post them in our Facebook group "CTA Teaching, Learning and Life During COVID-19." We hope the information we offer on our website and in the Educator, and the community and networking opportunities we bring to members, are useful during a difficult time. In "Distance Thoughts" (page 18), Shannon Ladwig puts things in perspective, noting that every year educators are challenged with new schedules, new students, new programs — there's always some- thing. And remaining connected with students is critical. " While this challenge is like no other, the solution is the same, and we need to remember, we got this! So, connect with students and their families and get those Google Classrooms, Zoom meetings, and Remind Class Codes set up, because you are about to have the biggest impact on students this year, and they will remember you and this time forever." We know a global pandemic won't stop you from teaching students with heart and soul. ank you. Katharine Fong E D I T O R I N C H I E F editor@cta.org D U E T O T H E pandemic, all registered voters will receive a vote-by-mail ballot prior to the Nov. 3 general election. (In-person voting locations will still be available.) Your vote makes a difference! For deadlines and details, and CTA's ballot recommendations, see page 42 or go to cta.org/election-2020. Voting by Mail @teachcreatemotivate 6 cta.org E D I T O R ' S N O T E