Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1360078
L I K E S O M A N Y of you, I've been shocked and sickened by the con- tinued rise in hateful, violent acts against Asian American and Pacic Islander (AAPI) communities in California and across the country. I've struggled to know the right thing to say to my Asian American teen daughters, who are just beginning to navigate the larger world. What we tell our children and what we do now are critical if we are to truly address this and broader issues of racial and social justice. After the tumultuous, horric events of the past year, there's no excuse for complacency and silence. In our story "Educators Rise to Support AAPI Community" (page 36), Student CTA member Amy Lo urges: " Join an anti-hat e organi zation , rea ch out to p e opl e w h o n e ed supp or t, donat e y our mon ey and tim e — do w hat e ver y ou can , but do something!" It's clear that taking action is essential. But it's also clear that the past year has taken a big toll, and dealing with our mental health is necessary as well. Educators, in particular, must put on a brave face for students and hide any inner turmoil. Our story "What About You?" (page 28) looks at the unique challenges you face and insights from your peers on how to keep sane and positive. Your optimism is on full display in "Filling Gaps and Healing Hearts" (page 22). As we enter year two of the pandemic, educators are tackling students' needs academically and emotionally to make sure they're seen, heard, and back on track to succeed. Look no further than the work of Maggie Peacock-Butler, CTA's 2021 Education Support Professional of the Year (page 47). With bits of wisdom like "If you say you can't, you have to follow up with that three-letter word: yet," the speech-language pathology assistant instills condence and encourages the best in her students. Elizabeth Choy also builds student condence — through puppetry ("Puppet Power," page 44). By making and operating puppets, young people can learn to better express themselves and convey their emo- tions. Jim Klipfel ("Teacher of the Year," page 48) helped students and staff grieve and move forward at his high school after fatal campus What We Tell Our Children If you see something, say something There is no room for bystanders in this fight. Speak out against racist acts when they happen, report anti-Asian hate incidents to local authorities, and file a report at StopAAPIHate.org. Jason Leung/Unsplash shootings in November 2019; the school closed again during the pandemic, and Klipfel once more rose to the challenge to help heal hearts and cultivate minds. Speaking of which, this year's theme for California Day of th e Teach er and CTA ESP Day is "Healing Hearts and Cultivating Minds." We can't think of a better description of what educators do, every day. Read about the poster by artist Audrey Chan on page 17. Yo u b r i n g o p t i m i s m a n d l i g h t t o o u r w o r l d . Happy spring! Katharine Fong E D I T O R I N C H I E F editor@cta.org 6 cta.org E D I T O R ' S N O T E