Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1291735
V E R Y T H I N G H A S C H A N G E D , except for you. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, protests for justice in the streets, and out- right catastrophe up and down the state, the beneficence of educators is an inspiring constant — a reassuring bea- con in this darkness, proclaiming that even when times are toughest, our teachers still believe in and are ready to fight for what matters. We are not lost, because our teachers are here. As Dolores Huerta told me earlier this year, "Teachers are the foundation of our democracy and the soul of our nation." It's this commitment that California educators made 157 years ago when CTA was founded, united by values that inspire our efforts today — whether it's working toward schools that value all students ("Being an Inclu- sive Educator," page 44) or fighting on Election Day for systemic change and true progress ("Mission Critical," page 20). Across the state, educators are stepping up for elected office ("In Unprecedented Times, Educators Look to Lead," page 26). "It is not enough to shake our fist; we must be willing to act," says San Francisco edu- cator VanCedric Williams. This legacy of activism and advocacy unifies all 310,000 CTA members and shows itself in their dedica- tion every day. My daughter became a middle schooler during the pandemic, and I've seen the efforts of her educators to engage and support, so that even though school is very different, my kid knows she has teachers who care. This caring is illustrated in Secretary of State Alex Padilla's experience as a child of immigrants ("It's Safe, Convenient and Secure," page 19). Padilla says he didn't learn about voting from his parents but rather his Amer- ican Government teacher, who registered him to vote when the San Fernando High School senior turned 18. "e support of an educator who teaches the importance of voting can have a huge impact on students getting registered and voting." It's this belief that better is possible that inspires this issue of California Educator, because in a time when nothing is normal, educators remind us to dream big and fight hard. As professor Chris Cruz-Boone says about leading during crisis: "is is the moment when I believe we can reimagine our schools as something better." is election, we're fighting for better, just like always. And I've never been a bigger believer in us. Julian Peeples G U E S T E D I T O R / S T A F F W R I T E R Destination: Better E 6 cta.org E D I T O R ' S N O T E