Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1480924
A S A P A R E N T of teens, I struggle with how involved I should be in their school and social lives. While I don't want to hover or smother, I do want to protect them from harm. A major harm currently setting off alarm bells with parents, communities and health officials nationwide is fentanyl poisoning. "An Invisible reat," page 24, describes a Rocklin youth's death from a fake pain pill bought through his social media network, and the anguished parents — and educators — he left behind. Since that article was writ- ten, multiple overdoses and at least one fatality occurred from fentanyl poisoning among high school students in Los Angeles. Counties across the state report increasing numbers of cases among young people. How can we fight this epidemic? What should parents and educators watch for? As our story says, coming together to educate and raise awareness are key — now. On a different level — no less urgent — is educators' effort to teach students to use their digital powers with care. Social media and the internet are indisputably part of kids' worlds, and what they say and share in an instant can convey truth and kindness — or not. In "Digi- tal Citizenship," page 18, educators show students the importance of online empathy and accuracy, and encourage them to use their skills to make positive impacts. Making positive impacts is what's behind many of the educators running for elected positions across the state. In "Educators Run for School Board," page 36 and part of our Election 2022 section, CTA members speak about why they want to serve from the dais. "Educa- tors should be the ones to make decisions about public education," says CTA Board member Taunya Jaco, running for Oak Grove Unified School Board. "We cannot afford to wait. Our students and educators deserve our best now." Act Together, Act Now Taking action now is a running theme throughout this issue, seen again in "Surf City Solidarity," page 27. Santa Cruz County, despite its proximity to Silicon Valley, has a history of underpaying its educators — resulting in staff shortages that harm students. But recently local chap- ters have joined forces to push for improved teaching and learning conditions. "[My district was] saving for the rainy day, and we needed them to understand the storm was here," says Kim Dudley, Mountain Teachers Association president. "Unequivocally, teachers and staff were going to leave." e chapters' success will no doubt inspire others to immediate action. Speaking of acting now, applications for the CTA Human Rights Awards and several educational scholar- ships for CTA members and their dependents are open, with deadlines looming (page 52). And save your spot now at the multiple conferences and trainings slated this fall and winter (pages 9 and 51). Finally, vote now, on Nov. 8. Our voice, individually and collectively, is our vote. 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