Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1525262
Gina Gray watches a student in one of CTA's new media spots, in which members talk about their passion for public education and union work. View the spots at cta.org/ourfight. An Act of Love Take This to the Ballot Box! W H E N Y O U F O L L O W CTA recommendations on candidates and important initiatives, you are voting to support California students, schools and colleges. On pages 29 and 30, you'll find our 2024 election recommendations — configured so you can easily cut or tear them out as a single page. Visit cta.org/election for the latest information and updates, a personalized ballot (at cta.yourvoter.guide), and be a part of our critical victories on Election Day. The CTA media spots that showcase six of our mem- ber educators are immensely moving. These teachers go about their workdays while describing their varied backgrounds and what motivates them. Ardent union- ists, they are fueled by our union values of equity and social justice. Many of them teach in high-needs schools and become emotional talking about the students and communities they serve. "Teaching is an act of love," says high school history teacher Cesar Juarez in our story that highlights these educators along with other members ("Unionists and Educators," page 13). "It's difficult work but we do it because we love serving our families and communities." is issue features many of our members who work from the heart to provide young people with the tools and skills to thrive, and who possess an unbreakable desire to bring light and love to the world. In "Making is the Best Year Ever," page 19, the 2024 California Teachers of the Year give tips on starting the year right, from building relationships with students (Casey Cuny memorizes his 180 students' names by the second day!) and setting up classroom structures where all students contribute their voice, to making self-care nonnegotiable. Many member leaders work hard to improve teaching and learn- ing conditions for educators as well as students, taking advantage of union resources. In "CTA Organizing Grants in Action" (page 38), local presidents and their executive boards use union grants to give them valuable time to connect with and listen to members, solidify short- and longer-term organizing plans, and strengthen their chapters. e CTA Board of Directors, of course, represents you. Directors strive to address your needs and further CTA's mission (see the top of page 4). In our union, every member has a voice — from your local bargaining campaigns and solving issues at your school site all the way up to our collective advocacy in the state Capitol. Learn more about how you power our union's work and meet our elected officers and directors in "Together, We Are Union Strong," page 46. Welcome back. 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