Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1541528
E V E R Y D A Y, it seems, there's some new outrage to get — well, outraged about: kids going hungry while billion- aires get more tax breaks, families torn apart through detention and deportation, the list goes on. Then there are staggering travesties that have per- sisted for decades, which never lose their ability to shock: the chronic disinvestment in public education, for one, which our union continues to fight, and which is behind our support for the permanent extension of Prop- osition 55 ("Organizing to Win Critical Funding Fight for Public Schools," page 20) and the #WeCan'tWait campaign ( wecantwait.info). Tied to this is the ever-growing teacher wage gap, an astonishing ref lection of disrespect for educators, public education and our future as a democratic and equitable society. In "Organizing Is Key to Closing Pay Gap" (page 11), a new report finds that stagnant weekly wages of public school teachers over the past three decades have fallen even further behind those of college graduates in other careers. e report author notes that along with increased funding "public-sector collective bargaining should be upheld and expanded, given the role of unions in advocating for improved job quality and better pay." Another travesty: How Congress can pass the Individ- uals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1976 and commit to paying 40% of the costs — yet to this day has never covered more than 17% ("IDEA: Fund It Fully!," page 38, where you can also take action to fix this). Yet despite the obstacles and challenges, educators persevere. What you do so well in the face of grim CTA members at the #NoKings march and rally in LA in October. When the Good Outshines the Bad realities is what you consistently show your students and communities. You show hope. You model resilience. You believe in a brighter future and work relentlessly for it. Together in our union, you speak out against injustice ("#NoKings in America," page 28). You create life-affirming, resolute artwork to convey critical messages that inspire and motivate others ("e Art of Organizing," page 30). You take courageous stands against authoritarianism — and win ("Prop. 50: Getting Out the Vote for Democracy," page 18). Through our union, you are pushing for fair pay and improved teaching and learning conditions ("Bargaining Roundup," page 47). You are using Community Schools to build systems and structures where students thrive and excel ("Our Union's Fight for Community Schools," page 35, and "Pittsburg: Community Schools for the Win," page 37). As these stories document, fighting collectively with student, family and community allies results in unified, amplified voices; strong and expanded partnerships; victories; and change. This list — a good list — will go on into 2026 and the future, and hopefully help obliterate the bad stuff. Hats off to you. Katharine Fong E D I T O R I N C H I E F editor@cta.org Post This On the inside back cover of this issue is a mini-poster that you can tear out and put up in your classroom, office or anywhere you want to make clear is a safe space for all. 6 cta.org E D I T O R ' S N O T E