Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1437090
e Educator's masthead (page 6) always contains CTA's mission statement. When you read it, you understand that we see public education as a right for every child. We also believe that protecting the human dignity and civil rights of all children , youth and adults is necessary for us to secure a more just, equitable and democratic society. This work is not new to CTA. And while we've been reporting on social justice issues since our inception, in this issue we've decided to launch a new "Social Justice" section to highlight our members' work in reaching all students and promoting a more just world. Because educators work so closely with families and communi- ties, and because we are stronger together, our coverage embraces broader collaboration and partnership. O ur inau gural stor y i s " O rgani zin g for E quity in Oakland Schools" ( page 43), which highlights a community- organized effort to undo the impacts of decades of syst emic anti-Black raci sm in Oakland p u b l i c s c h o o l s . " T h i s i s a n e d u c a t o r - c o m m u n i ty Impact and Innovation partnership deliberately done through a racial justice lens," says Kampala Taiz-Rancifer, an Oakland Educa- tion Association member. Send your suggestions for our new section to editor@cta.org, with "Social Jus- tice" in the subject line. is issue is also our seventh annual Innovation Issue ("Dream Big," page 17). We've been delighted to put a spotlight on numerous members and their creative, inspiring work, much of which has lasting impact on students. Often, our innovators do this work against tre- mendous odds, with the only payoff a smile of gratitude, a lightbulb flash of understanding, or (as in the photo at left) a young person completely immersed and learning in the moment. And it's enough. Well, almost. Read "We Must Make Schools Human Again " (page 14) by Jennifer Yoo- Brannon, and it's clear that educators want and need much more — but changes that are syst emic, not superficial. " Yes, teacher appreciation gifts are nice," Yoo-Brannon says, " but I' ll take a good f low chart, a clearly articulated process, or a problem-solving proto- col over a branded water bottle any day." Educators behind the ethnic studies (ES) curriculum at Stockton Unified have been refining and clearly articu- lating a process for years ("Ethnic Studies Trailblazers," page 33). e result is a program that is a model for other districts, yet is totally organic and foundational to Stock- ton. "ES allows Stockton students to see themselves in the curriculum and to be proud of their history and cul- ture," says Ed Arimboanga Jr., a teacher overseeing the program. "It also inspires them to want to do something about the issues and challenges we face in Stockton." Teaching students to think globally and act locally is an amazing feat, one that you do as a matter of course, along with instilling the basics. The 2022 California Teachers of the Year (page 52) are yet more exemplars of extraordinary educators, ensuring our students are ready to participate and contribute to the greater world. We are amazed by all you do. Happy new year! Katharine Fong E D I T O R I N C H I E F editor@cta.org Carolina Cortes takes part in a special summer enrichment camp in Inglewood, organized by educator Aba Ngissah. Story on page 18. 7 D E C E M B E R 2 0 21 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2 E D I T O R ' S N O T E