Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1527898
Members of Franklin-McKinley Education Association canvass for pro-public education candidates and issues. Real Life, Real Actions J O S H O ' N E A L P U T S I T B L U N T L Y : "Everyone went off to college to be philosophers but when their water heater goes down, they're out of luck." e CTE teacher and member of Hemet Teachers Association is talking about the shrinking number of workers in the trades — workers who are essential to keep our homes, businesses and communities up and running. In "We Are CTE" (page 14), O'Neal and other career tech educators are doing their best to address the gap, teaching students the technical and occupa- tional knowledge that gives them a pathway to postsecondary education and careers. CTE not only leads to lucrative jobs, but teaches broader skills. "Whether it's a welding or ag tech class, these skills are transferable to other industries," says San Bernardino Teach- ers Association member Hector Magallanes, who leads a high school hydroponics program. "Exposure is crucial for these students, so they know it's possible." Students knowing what's possible — knowing their power — is part of the Community Schools' approach that emphasizes engagement and action with others, not only on campuses but in families and neighborhoods. "A Team Effort" (page 18) describes the inaugural session of the National Community Schools Learning Lab in Anaheim, a powerful segment of which showcased how educators center community-based learning. eir students understand the connection between academics and real life, and the important roles they play. Similarly, our story "We Are the Union" (page 35) looks at how CTA members must know their power — and own it. Committing to "the power of us" and not "othering" the union is critical if we are to win our collective goals. "When they say 'the union,' who is the union? I am the union," says Amy Kilburn, president of Association of Clovis Educators. "When they say 'the CTA' — who is CTA? I am CTA." Identifying with the union is becoming more apparent as We Can Make the Difference! From school board to President, every vote we cast makes an impact. Urge friends, family, colleagues and neighbors to elect lawmakers and pass initiatives that share union values and support public education. See our 2024 Election section starting on page 24 and visit cta.org/election for details and updates. more and more members join in 2024 Election actions, from running for school board (page 24) to canvassing (page 32). e common thread through these stories is that all of us — students, educators, unionists, allies — must learn and know what's possible, and act on our power. Who knows — we may never have to worry about broken water heaters again. 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