Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/939681
C H E C K O U T CaliforniaEducator.org for the news and information you need — especially during the magazine's "in-between" times — available 24/7 and optimized for all your devices. You'll find the Educator's stories, articles and past issues there as well. The Impact of One on Many I N T H E O L D D A Y S , s c h o o l n u r s e s w o u l d d i s p e n s e b a n d a g e s a n d i c e p a c k s , a n d h a n d l e t h e o c c a s i o n a l emergency. "Now," says F. Ndidi Griffin- Myers, director of the School of Nursing a t Fre sn o S t a t e Un iv e r si ty, " w e a re talking about feeding tubes, diabetes, epilepsy, students with heart problems, se vere food allergies, and acut e and chronic illnesses." Unfor tunat ely, as th e d emand s of the job have grown more complex, the number of school nurses has dwindled in California. Often nurses are responsi- ble for multiple schools and significantly more students with serious health issues. According to Kidsdata.org, in 2015 the ratio of students to the state's school nurses was a shameful 2,784:1. (In one county, the ratio was a shocking 8,920:1.) But as you' ll read in " Vital Roles" ( p a g e 2 6 ) , s c h o o l n u r s e s a r e a resourceful, resilient bunch who care g re atly f or th e i r y o u n g ch a rge s . We highlight a few who have found ways t o c o n t i n u e t o h e l p s t u d e n t s s t a y healthier — through prevention, edu- cation and community partnerships. Educators, of course, are always seek- ing ways to improve the lives — and minds — of students, and our cover story "Beyond Black History Month" (page 20) shows how several are integrating studies of various groups into ongoing, big-picture lessons of history and pres- ent-day society. Ethnic studies teacher D o m i n i q u e W i l l i a m s is one of them, making histor y more inclusive. " W hether students are from different cultures, countries, income levels, or are LGBT, they deserve to be validated and feel they belong in the learn- ing environment," she says. Educators are embracing opportu- nities to improve their own skills as well , whether through trainings and w ork sh ops or lon ger -t erm c ommit - ment to National Board Certification. "In Pursuit of Excellence" (page 42) describes the rigorous path to becoming a National Board Certified Teacher, and the huge impact NBCTs have on student learning. CTA's free Jump Start program offers members essential information and guidance about the process. is issue also looks at learning expe- riences for those still in the process of becoming an educator. " You Say You Want a Revolution?" (page 48) show- cases Student CTA's Welcome Summit last fall, where organizers eschewed tra- ditional conference structure in favor of an intensive role-playing scenario that demonstrated exactly why unions are necessary. In addition, participants dis- cussed disparities in student outcomes and how to address them, and built last- ing relationships with one another. R e l a t i o n s h i p s a re a t th e h e a r t of Student CTA and CTA. Members' con- n e c t i o n s w ith c o l l e a g u e s a n d th e i r locals drive the amazing work and spirit that CTA is known for. Our member engagement section "Winning Hearts and Minds" (page 52) illustrates just a few successful efforts by locals to fos- ter strong links with each other so that powerful collective action with students, community members and working peo- ple everywhere is possible. These links also make possible the self less work of members w ho ser ve on ch apt er b argainin g c ommitt e e s. "Unsung Heroes" (page 59) sings the praises of those who work hard to make a profound impact on the lives of col- leagues and their families. It's work that is never -ending, but done together as one. Katharine Fong E D I T O R I N C H I E F editor@cta.org Get the Educator Online! School nurse Linda Boyer-Chu screens a student's vision at George Washington High School in San Francisco. 7 F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 018 E D I T O R ' S N O T E