Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1505501
B A T H R O O M S A R E A B I G D E A L at Hoover High School in San Diego. Last year, there were only two-to- three working bathrooms per gender for 2,100+ students. The issue surfaced as Hoover, a community school, surveyed stakeholders — including students, school staff, parents and community members — to determine their needs. (Bathrooms were students' top issue; more working bathrooms help ensure their health, comfort and ability to focus on academics and other activities). e surveys and focus groups also identified assets that can be used to address the needs. Our story "The Right Stuff" (page 32) shows how these efforts, and solutions being developed, are just one way Hoover is making its community school work. While each community school has different needs and assets, shared decision-making among stakeholders is the common denominator — and imperative to the pro- cess. As the number of community schools grows across the state, CTA locals are seeking to codify the shared governance model with school districts, to make sure everyone has an equal voice. Taking time to build trust among stakeholders is also crucial. "We've learned that listening is critical in build- ing trust," said Anaheim Secondary Teachers Association (ASTA) President Grant Schuster at July's NEA Represen- tative Assembly ("Talking Community Schools," page 40). ASTA has been key in shaping its district's commu- nity schools. "We know that progress only travels at the speed of trust." Time to Build Trust Trust among educators features strongly in our Back to School sec- tion. You can have confidence in fellow educators' from-the-trenches tips on teaching, self-care and must-have classroom supplies ("Life Hacks for the New School Year," page 16); advice on connecting with students and overcoming challenges throughout the year ("Words From the Wise," page 20); and helping your students both laugh and learn ("10 Awesome Tips," page 24). Successful chapter organizing and bargaining rely on trust; see multiple examples in the Advocacy section, page 41. Of course, your unwavering belief in students' potential builds trusting relationships with them — especially needed during the uncertainties of college application season, as Michael Steele's high school seniors know ("Tun- nel Vision," page 50). Other stories in this issue showcase members' ingenuity in design- ing their classroom ("A Space at Sparks Passion," page 51), helping students take flight — literally ("Sky's the Limit," page 53), and creating works that you and students can enjoy ("Lit From Within," page 56). Welcome back. Katharine Fong E D I T O R I N C H I E F editor@cta.org 2023–24 Membership Manual Y O U R G U I D E T O Y O U R U N I O N is inside this magazine. It has everything you need to know about CTA's collective work for students, educators and public education, plus the many resources and essential services available to you as a member. Save this for reference throughout the year. STRONG! UNION Meet Your Leaders 2 History of Advocacy 6 Scholarships & Grants 9 Member Benefits 12 Together, we are Manual Membership And we are Organizing For Power Supporting Your Growth Advocating for All Students Funding For Innovation Connecting Your World Saving You Money C O M M U N I T Y S C H O O L S 6 cta.org E D I T O R ' S N O T E