Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1533049
T H E R E I S A L O T of good , important information in this issue of the Educator, from the Red Cards that state your consti- tutional rights regardless of immigration status (page 3; they can be ordered at no cost) to invaluable professional development opportunities coming up (page 8, in our Calendar section). Now it's easy for some of that intel to be amplified. Check out the inside back cover, which is a mini-poster with the message "All Students Are Safe in is Space." e page is perforated so you can tear it out and post it in your classroom or school hallway. Going forward, each issue of the Educator will contain a perforated inside back cover with meaningful messaging or essential facts and findings on specific topics. We hope this is useful to you. Also within these pages is an annual favorite: CTA's Human Rights Award winners ("Social Justice Champions," page 37). Every year, our union recognizes members whose social justice work has had big impacts on their students and communities. Read about UTLA's Ron Gochez, who delivers a culturally relevant curriculum that uplifts the histories, identities and contributions of Indigenous, Latina/o/x and Chicana/o/x communities. Learn how Greg Lawson, North Cow Creek Educators Assn., has been creating awareness and educating people on human rights and social justice in a very conservative part of the state for 20 years. Donna Fernandez, a Pomo from Elem Indian Colony and Santa Rosa Teachers Assn. member, is committed to equitable educational opportunities for Native youth, teaching math while contributing to representation in STEM fields. Lee Wygand, Riverside County Office Teachers Assn., is a fierce champion, both within their own local and statewide, for students with hearing loss and diverse needs. In all, we celebrate nine remarkable award winners. See the inside back cover for a mini-poster you can tear out and post in your classroom or school hallway. Our union boasts a great many champions, of course. Some figure prominently in battles with their districts, such as during contract negotiations and in hot-button discussions about closing schools. In our story "Orga- nizing to Fight School Closures" (page 26), Oakland Education Assn.'s Chris Jackson says OEA is highly skep- tical of the district's ongoing budget deficit – stated as a reason to shutter neighborhood schools. "My [text]books are older than my students, but the district says it spends millions on books every year," he notes. Scores of you have stepped up to help colleagues in need after the LA wildfires. "When Disaster Strikes, Our Union Is Here" (page 32) describes Carolyn Grumm, Arcadia Teachers Assn., who as a volunteer with a local search and rescue team found herself in the thick of res- cue efforts in the Eaton fire. "I hope [my students] feel part of what I did," she says. "It's good for them to know what volunteerism is and the importance of giving back to your community." We're in awe of your generosity, fighting spirit and dedication to your students and communities. Keep an eye on the back page, and let us know what you think. Katharine Fong E D I T O R I N C H I E F editor@cta.org Watch Your Back (Page) ALL STUDENTS ARE SAFE SAFE IN THIS SPACE cta.org/homeishere 6 cta.org E D I T O R ' S N O T E