Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1512793
Superheroes Among Us Steven Quinlan, English teacher at John Finney High School in Vallejo, and his students recently partnered with Solano County Library Teen Librarian Star Eigenman to start a GSA book club. The Vallejo Education Association member reports that turnout for the inaugural event was high considering the continuation school's small size. The book for discussion: Dreadnought, by April Daniels, an action novel about a trans superhero. Educators: Mandated Reporters of Child Abuse U N D E R S T A T E L A W , educators (including classified staff ) are mandated reporters, meaning they have a legal obligation to report knowledge of or reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect. According to the California Department of Education (CDE) child abuse and/or child neglect can be any of the following: • A physical injury inflicted on a child by another person other than by accidental means. • The sexual abuse, assault or exploitation of a child. • The negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by a person responsible for the child's welfare under circumstances indicating harm or threatened harm to the child's health or welfare. • The willful harming or endangerment of the person or health of a child, any cruel or inhumane corporal punishment or any injury resulting in a traumatic condition. For CDE guidelines on how to identify potential signs of child abuse/neglect as well as how to make a report, go to cde.ca.gov/ls/ss/ap/childabusereportingguide.asp. and choir. But he has also taught mari- achi, classical guitar and more. He is in his 16th year at Palm Springs High School, where the total minority enrollment is 86% (71% Hispanic), and 100% of students received free/reduced lunch. P o w e l l i s h o p e f u l " R e d - h e a d e d St e p chi l d " w i l l brin g v i si bi lity to an often-unseen issue. "Many are simply unaware of th e realiti e s of th e chi l d a b u s e s t h a t a re h a p p e n i n g i n s o m e homes," he says. "By sharing my past, I believe I can help diminish this gap in understanding and empathy. "I am hoping educators will use my book to help students know that they h av e a v o i c e w h en it c om e s to th e ir safety, and to inspire our children to become more." Continued from Page 54 "The only thing we actually own is what's in our head — our success, our development. We have a choice and an opportunity and it's 100% on us." Eigenman leads class discussion. Steven Quinlan 55 D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 3 / J A N U A R Y 2 0 24 C