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Temple Grandin’s Mind PAGE 15 Escape Rooms for Class PAGE 41 CTA/NEA Micro-Certifications PAGE 40
O C TO B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 1 V O LU M E 2 6 I S SU E 2
Building Heart and Hub Second-Year
The transformative power of community schools Scramble
PAGE 18 Educators, schools
cope with year two
of the pandemic
PAGE 28
New Special Ed Credentials Coming PAGE 45
2110 Educator cover v1.indd 1 10/8/21 5:54 PM
You Got This.
Your confidence
shines through.
So do these
CTA benefits.
CTA Introductory
Disability Insurance for
Brand New1 Educators and ESPs
Brand new1 educators and education support professionals who
join CTA for the first time between July 1, 2021 and June 30, 2022,
are automatically enrolled in 9 months of CTA Introductory Disability
coverage at no cost to you.
With benefits paid directly to you, this quality coverage protects up
to 75% of your regular daily contract salary if you’re unable to work
due to illness, injury, pregnancy or childbirth.
Learn more at CTAMemberBenefits.org/TheStandard
1 Brand New is defined as an educator or education support professional who has not previously worked in education in
the state of California and has never been a CTA member previously. Your first employment record in CTA’s membership
database must be no greater than 180 days prior to your CTA membership start date. Disability insurance eligibility
requirements Dear Colleague,
For more than apply. For complete
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to our
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Headquartered
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in Portland, there
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enough time istoalook after your own needs.
2110 Educator cover v1.indd 2 10/8/21 5:54 PM
nationally recognized provider of group Disability, Life,
October / November 2021
VO L U M E 26 ISSUE 2
#WeAreCTA
OUR VOICE, OUR UNION, OUR PROFESSION
WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW
MAGAZINE DIGITAL PROFESSIONAL MEMBER
DEVELOPMENT BENEFITS
SECOND-YEAR SCRAMBLE THE GREAT ESCAPE DIFFERENT KINDS OF MINDS INSURANCE JUST FOR YOU
Educators face challenges Virtual escape rooms are Temple Grandin, well-known CTA partner California Casu-
head-on in yet another engaging and instructive for scientist with autism, speaks alty has auto, home programs
unique school year. PAGE 28 students. Build your own! at CTA Fall Special Education designed for educators.
PAGE 41 Conference. PAGE 15 CTAMemberBenefits.org
POWER OF THE POSTCARD cta.org/conferences
Christine Karlberg’s hand- PHENOMENAL RESOURCE HOLIDAY SHOPPING, TRAVEL
written cards to students and The Exploratorium’s LGBTQ+ ISSUES CONFERENCE CTA Access to Savings offers
their families give positive STEAM offerings support Open to all members, Oct. discounts on dining, clothing,
reinforcement. PAGE 14 teachers statewide and 29-31 in Palm Springs. PAGE 9 entertainment and more.
entrance kids and adults cta.org/conferences CTAMemberBenefits.org
A DIGITAL PIVOT alike. PAGE 37
Antioch educators meet stu- exploratorium.edu ESP LEADERSHIP ACADEMY SORT YOUR FINANCES
dents where they are with a ESPs interested in learning All the info and tools you
new virtual academy. PAGE 42 WELLNESS LICENSE PLATE skills to lead their chapters need to get your financial life
Teacher Caroline Wise- must apply by Nov. 19. PAGE 12 in order. ctainvest.org/
TALKING ABOUT MONEY man advocates for student the‑academy
Tara Razi’s push to teach all- mental health — and needs GET MICRO-CERTIFIED!
important personal finance your support. PAGE 48 Improve your practice with Photo: Swirling fog exhibit at the
basics in high school. PAGE 49 BeingwellCA.org these short courses. PAGE 40 Exploratorium (see page 37).
© Exploratorium, exploratorium.edu
cta.org/ipd
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October / November 2021 CONTENTS
D E PA R T M E N T S
In the Know
8 Calendar
10 News & Notes
13 Quotes & Numbers
Spotlight
14 YOUR VOICE: Christine Karlberg
KEYNOTE: Temple Grandin
15
Advocacy
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Budget
33
cleanup bills impact education
READING: State launches new
34
literacy and biliteracy campaign
BARGAINING: Statewide roundup
35
Teaching & Learning
SCIENCE: The Exploratorium has
37
phenomenal K-12 resources
SKILLS: Polish your practice with
40
CTA/NEA micro-certifications
TECH TIPS: Virtual escape rooms
41
MEETING STUDENT NEEDS:
42
Antioch’s new virtual academy
SPECIAL ED: CTC announces
45
new credentials structure
TEACHING: 7 things to say to
46
create a supportive classroom
Building the HeaRt
and Hub CTA & You
Community schools involve strong partnerships among MENTAL HEALTH: Advocate for
48
students and families, educators and schools, and civic and school wellness centers
service organizations. Historic resources are set to further their PERSONAL FINANCE: Tara Razi’s
49
transformative power. PAGE 18
class covers essential life skills
TEACHERS OF THE YEAR: Some
51
districts honor all their educators
LIT FROM WITHIN: Works by our
52
members
Second-Year
Scramble
Cover: Illustration by Daniel Baxter.
Quarantines, staffing shortages
This page, above: Students at a book
and a surge in virtual students and backpack giveaway at 93rd Street
mark year two of the pandemic. Academy in Los Angeles. Left: Students in
PAGE 28 Capistrano Unified School District, at the
beginning of this school year.
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UP FRONT
L E T U S K N O W W H A T Y O U T H I N K . We accept signed email and letters; we excerpt user posts from CTA social media
platforms and cta.org/educator. Content subject to editing for clarity and space. Photos must have permissions. Opinions
expressed by writers are not necessarily those of CTA. Editor@cta.org; #WeAreCTA
Environmental Fail
School Furniture
an Equity Issue Editor’s note: The August/September issue was
packaged with CTA membership cards in plastic
I taught for 18 years before retiring in bags. We heard what members had to say.
2017. During all those years, my kids
had to sit in ancient plastic chairs that
couldn’t slide on the floor and had I was dismayed to find the Educator I find it ironic that CTA is undermin-
cracks in the seats that would pinch wrapped in plastic. As an educator ing one of the major tenets of my
their bottoms! The desks were old and and human on this planet, I am very educational practice, which is that
had been height-adjusted so many concerned about the pervasive use we must teach about and prevent
times the legs were no longer even. No of single-use plastics and consider the destruction of our planet through
desks were at the same height as other it my duty to educate my students excessive use of fossil fuels and
desks, so there was no flat surface for about its destructive effects on our plastics. Please, please, please stop
table groups to work on projects. environment. Please consider elimi- this packaging. It is so damaging to
Each year I would ask for chairs and nating plastic in future issues. the world around us.
desks, only to be told there was no
money for “furniture.” Even when the JULIET JAMSHEED MICHELLE LEVERSEE
rooms were renovated, the same terrible United Teachers of Richmond Campbell High School Teachers
chairs and desks were brought back. Association
The teacher’s desk was bad, but I
would just line the filthy drawers with
construction paper. I had to provide my
own desk chair, taking it home over the Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots for educators
summer so it didn’t disappear. California is aligned with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Through the years we got computer Prevention (CDC) in recommending booster shots for educators who
labs, rolling carts with iPads and received their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago.
laptops. Extra teachers were hired to Along with educators and other frontline workers, the CDC recom-
help second language learners and mends boosters for people 65 and older, residents of long-term care
struggling students. We were sent to facilities, and people ages 18-64 with underlying medical conditions.
lots of trainings; new curriculum was Get the booster at your local pharmacy or find a clinic and make an
purchased many times. But never was appointment at myturn.ca.gov. More information is at the California
any furniture purchased. Department of Public Health (cdph.ca.gov) and the CDC (cdc.gov).
My school has one of the lowest-
income populations in our district. I California: COVID-19 vaccine mandate for students
learned from other teachers in higher- On Oct. 1, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced plans to require the COVID-
income schools that they did not have 19 vaccine for students to attend in-person public and private schools,
a furniture problem. How can kids feel at the start of the term after the FDA fully approves the vaccine for
valued in shabby desks and chairs that their grade span (K-6 and 7-12). “Vaccinations are key for student and
pinch their behinds? Equity is still a big educator safety and keeping our schools open for in-person instruc-
problem in poor and nonwhite schools. tion,” said CTA President E. Toby Boyd in a statement supporting the
mandate. The California Department of Public Health will seek public
MARILYN BURKS comment before setting rules for exemptions. More on page 32.
CTA/NEA-Retired
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MISSION STATEMENT
The California Teachers Association exists to protect and promote the well-being of its members; to improve
the conditions of teaching and learning; to advance the cause of free, universal and quality public education
for all students; to ensure that the human dignity and civil rights of all children and youth are protected;
EDITOR IN CHIEF Katharine Fong and to secure a more just, equitable and democratic society.
STAFF WRITER Julian Peeples
EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Craig Hamilton
EDITORIAL INFORMATION
WEB ASSISTANT Gladdie Cabral
California Educator is published for the information and edification of CTA members.
CTA ELECTED OFFICERS The editorial philosophy is governed by the policies of CTA. Articles and advertising reflect
PRESIDENT E. Toby Boyd that philosophy. Letters to the editor may be sent to editor@cta.org.
VICE PRESIDENT David B. Goldberg
SECRETARY-TREASURER Leslie S. Littman Publication of advertising in the California Educator does not indicate
CTA approval of the product or of the companies that purchase advertising.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS For advertising rates and information, contact Carol Nettles,
Gregory T. Abt, Jesse Aguilar, Joe Bartell, Greg Bonaccorsi, Denise Bradford, Advertising Sales Representative, AdBoom Advertising, 404-347-1755
Christopher E. Bushée, Jerry Eaton, Robert Ellis, Margie Granado, Shelly Y. Gupton, carol@adboomadvertising.com
Mel House, Taunya M. Jaco, Erika Lynn Jones, Sergio Martinez, Angela K. Normand,
Mike Patterson, Roberto Rodriguez, Eva Ruiz, DeWayne Sheaffer, Telly S. Tse CTA/NEA membership dues for the fiscal year (Sept. 1, 2021, to Aug. 31, 2022) are $955, including
a $20 refundable contribution (see cta.org/contribution for details). $22.38 of CTA annual
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Joe Boyd dues is designated for CTA/ABC political activities to support state and local candidates
ASSOCIATE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Rebecca Zoglman and/or initiatives, and $15.00 of CTA annual dues is designated for independent expenditures,
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Jonathan Goldman totaling $37.38 not deductible for income tax purposes. Please consult your tax adviser.
ASSISTANT MANAGER Claudia Briggs
Subscription to the California Educator is $10 per year, available to persons
or institutions not eligible for CTA/NEA membership.
CONTRIBUTORS
Daniel Baxter, Lisa Gardiner, Stephen Harris, CALIFORNIA TEACHERS ASSOCIATION
Christine Karlberg, Gabriella Landeros, Terry Ng, Jay Ortiz, 1705 Murchison Dr., Burlingame, CA 94010-4583
Sherry Posnick-Goodwin, Ed Sibby, Frank Wells 650-697-1400; fax 650-552-5002; editor@cta.org, cta.org
California Educator Volume 26, Issue 2, October / November 2021 California Educator (ISSN 1091-6148) is published in August, October, December, February,
April and June by: California Teachers Association, 1705 Murchison Dr., Burlingame, CA 94010-4583. Periodicals Postage Paid at Burlingame, CA, and
additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send change of address to California Educator, P.O. Box 4178, Burlingame, CA 94011-4178.
4 cta.org
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Standing
Together,
Standing
Strong
T
H E S C H O O L Y E A R is fully underway, and every While many rightfully called educators heroes during the
day I see evidence of your masterful work with stu- past year and a half, a small but vocal minority have tried to
dents despite ongoing challenges. I am so proud of demonize us for our efforts to keep students and each other
all of you. safe. These attacks have been amplified by the same media
As educators continue to bring their students back into the figures who question vaccines, masks and other measures
world of in-person instruction while minimizing risks associ- that have proved effective in stemming the COVID-19 tide.
ated with COVID-19, it’s important to acknowledge that the While polling shows the public still strongly stands behind
pandemic has had secondary effects upon our schools that educators and public schools, these ongoing attacks take a
are becoming more pronounced. Looming among these is a toll. In the recent failed gubernatorial recall, at least four
growing teacher shortage, as we have seen a record number of the major candidates opposing Governor Newsom sup-
of resignations and retirements related to the stress of teach- ported school vouchers, which would take funding away
ing during the pandemic. A June survey of NEA members from public education to send students to private schools.
showed that nearly a third planned to leave the profession Touted as “school choice,” school vouchers deflect resources
earlier than expected because of the pandemic. In addition, public schools need to ensure all California students get the
many districts are finding it extremely difficult to hire enough education they deserve. Instead of supporting public schools,
substitutes to meet a need exacerbated by COVID and a voucher schemes abandon them.
shrinking pool of available subs. The recall defeat doesn’t mean the voucher issue is dead.
One way to help turn that around is to continue to ensure That’s why it’s so important that we continue to stand
that our schools remain safe, and to increase educator and together and to stand strong. Educators speaking with one
public confidence in that fact. It’s vital that we maintain the voice are a force to be reckoned with. Just as we’ve stood
safety standards we have implemented during the pandemic together for a safe return to classrooms, we must stand for
and not enable outbreaks by lowering our guard. Vaccina- schools to have the resources they need, and beat back efforts
tions, with religious and medical exemptions, remain critical to privatize one of California’s oldest and most valuable
to stemming the tide. It’s unfortunate that scientifically and resources: our public schools. Our students continue to count
medically approved safety measures like vaccines and masks on us, and as CTA members have already demonstrated, we’re
have become a political football, instead of being universally up to the challenge.
recognized as the lifesaving measures they are. The data is
irrefutable. In fact, a recent CDC report shows that schools E. Toby Boyd
without mask mandates are 3.5 times as likely to experience C TA P R E S I D E N T
COVID outbreaks as those that have them. It’s also important @etobyboyd
to remember that implementation of the statewide vaccine
mandate is subject to local collective bargaining.
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EDITOR’S NOTE
The six pillars of community schools: strong, relevant curriculum; high-quality
teaching; inclusive leadership; positive behavior practices; family and community
partnerships; community support services. See page 22 for full description.
A Win-
Win-Win
C O M M U N I T Y S C H O O L S are trending
right now, what with state, federal
and NE A/CTA investment at previ-
ously unseen levels, bringing a high
level of attention.
It’s about time. The community school
model works — and has been working
for some years, especially in California.
Re n
As our cover story “Building the Heart
and Hub” (page 18) shows, community you continue to give your all to your stu- skill or set of skills, and can be done
schools have had remarkable outcomes dents in the face of ongoing challenges? individually at your own pace or as part
— raising enrollment, attendance and For many of you, schedules and class of a learning community.
graduation rates; increasing the number formats and structures change almost You can also join colleagues at spe-
of students who go on to college; and daily du e to C OVID-19 exposures, cialized conferences offered by CTA
decreasing the achievement gap, the quarantines, and unclear policies (or and others to hone your skills and get
dropout rate, and chronic absenteeism. policies that are not enforced), leading different perspectives on the profession.
By leveraging community resources so to confusion and frustration. “It isn’t the We list a few in the Calendar on page 9,
students are healthy, prepared for college back-to-school that some of us imag- including CTA’s New Educator Week-
and ready to succeed, community schools ined,” says Maripaz Berlin, president of end (presented virtually Dec. 10-12 and
address poverty and long-s tanding Oak Grove Educators Association. in person Feb. 25-27), for those in their
inequities (and let educators focus on Caring for yourself and taking control first three years in the profession. Check
teaching and learning). Just as important, of your professional path are ways to cope out more great opportunities coming up
they forge connections and partnerships during these difficult times — and you’re at cta.org/conferences.
among diverse stakeholders, from stu- not alone in this journey. Take a look Your work is vital. In our story on com-
dents and families to educators and at the resources, tools (collective and munity schools, CTA Vice President David
school administrators to local businesses individual), examples and insights from B. Goldberg says he became an educator
and civic and service organizations. Com- members and experts on ensuring your “to make a true difference in a powerful
munity schools strengthen and help lift well-being at cta.org/ways-to-wellness. way.” You make a difference in your stu-
up the communities around them. They’re And explore CTA’s professional devel- dents’ lives every single day. Thank you.
a win-win-win whose transformative opment offerings, such as CTA/NEA
powers CTA heartily supports. micro-certifications, free to members Katharine Fong
Heart certainly factors into your hercu- on a variety of high-i nterest topics — EDITOR IN CHIEF
lean efforts in year two of the pandemic, see “Polish Your Skills” ( page 40). editor@cta.org
as “Second-Year Scramble” (page 28) Micro-certifications demonstrate your
chronicles. How else to explain how competency and mastery in a specific
6 cta.org
2110 Educator draft v4.indd 6 10/11/21 3:27 PM
School of Education
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2110 Educator draft v4.indd 7 10/11/21 3:27 PM
In the Know
October / November 2021
CALENDAR
Mural at Unidad Park in Los Angeles, titled Filipino One of the videos available at
Americans: A Glorious History, A Golden Legacy. stopbullying.gov.
BEAT THE BULLIES
B U L LY I N G — in and out of school and
online — is an ongoing problem. Use October,
National Bullying Prevention Month, to talk
to students about what it is and why it is not
acceptable behavior. This includes encourag-
ing a culture of kindness and tolerance, and
Marking a Movement developing an action plan for students and
adults to stop bullying and advocate for the
T H I S Y E A R marks “50 Years Since the First Young Filipino People’s bullied. Find resources at stopbullying.gov
Far West Convention,” and that’s the 2021 theme of Filipino Amer‑ and pacer.org/bullying.
ican History Month in October. The convention, held in Seattle in
1971, is hailed as the beginning of the Filipino American Movement.
Over time, the Far West Conventions became an organizing space
for community and youth activists that helped bring issues like
Filipino farmworkers’ rights and opposition to martial law to the
forefront. Many consider the conventions to be the impetus of Fili-
pino American studies. FIND A CURE
Use the month to teach students about California’s large
B R E A S T C A N C E R is still the most common
Fil-Am communities (the Filipino population in the United States
cancer diagnosed among U.S. women and
was 4.2 million, with 30 percent in California, according to a
is the second leading cause of death among
2019 Pew Report) and the culture they celebrate. Find more at
women after lung cancer. One in eight Amer-
fanhs-national.org.
ican women will develop invasive breast
cancer over the course of her lifetime. Bring
awareness to the disease, help find a cure,
VETERANS DAY, and ensure preventive health care access for
NOV. 11 all by donating and raising money through
walks, runs and other events. Many organiza-
T E A C H S T U D E N T S about this
tions, such as Susan G. Komen and National
holiday, which pays tribute to
Breast Cancer, host activities in October,
military veterans who have
Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
served in the U.S. Armed
Forces. Thank veterans and
their families for their resilience and sacrifice.
8 cta.org
2110 Educator draft v4.indd 8 10/11/21 3:27 PMDon’t Miss These! CTA conferences working in either general education
this fall are geared for specific audi- or special education, workshops
ences, but all members are welcome. focus on core topics including
Learn, engage and network with your instruction, identification, IEPs and
peers. Virtual conferences are free to members. University behavior. Special keynote speaker: Temple Grandin, Ph.D.,
credits and professional growth hours are available at no on “Developing Talents — Utilizing the Skills of Different
cost. More info and registration at cta.org/conferences. Kinds of Minds.” Grandin is one of the most accomplished
and well-known adults with autism in the world.
LGBTQ+ Issues Conference , Oct. 29–31, Margaritaville
Resort Palm Springs. “Beyond the Binary: Identity and New Educator Weekend (Home Edition!) , Dec. 10–12, virtual.
Imagining Possibilities.” The 13th annual gathering is open to For educators in their first three years in the profession,
all CTA members and provides a venue to discuss a variety this conference has everything you need to be successful,
of issues affecting educators, students and the community. including sessions about classroom management, creating
Core focus areas: supporting and centering the most mar- engaging classrooms, lesson plans and ideas, connecting
ginalized; healing, resilience and joy; and queer futures. with your union, student loan forgiveness information,
member benefits, and project grants. (A twin conference,
Fall Special Education Conference (Home Edition!) , New Educator Weekend North, is planned to be held in
Nov. 5–7, virtual. Theme: “IDEA.” Created for educators person Feb. 25–27, 2022.)
California STEAM Symposium Voluntary dues contribution American Education Week
OCT. 21–23 CONFERENCE NOV. 1 OPT-OUT DEADLINE NOV. 15–19 EVENT
Virtual. CDE Foundation presents the Voluntary annual contributions by American Education Week is celebrated
ninth annual symposium supporting members support CTA Founda- the week prior to Thanksgiving week
high-quality STEAM instruction. Edu- tion’s grants/scholarships and CTA’s and includes special days to honor par-
cators will find multiple opportunities advocacy efforts. New members are ents, education support professionals
to align and integrate STEAM into their automatically enrolled in the default and substitute educators.
curriculum, connect with colleagues contribution of $10 for the CTA Foun- nea.org/aew
and community partners, interact with dation and $10 for advocacy. Members
live speakers, and collaborate with the may change their allocation or opt out. CTA Scholarships
STEAM community. CTA members get New members have 30 days from the JAN. 28 APPLICATION DEADLINE
an exclusive discount to attend. Reg- date of enrollment; previously enrolled The CTA Scholarship Program offers
ister with the code JOINME21 for your members have a window from Aug. 1 to scholarships up to $3,000 to CTA
discount. steamcalifornia.org Nov. 1. cta.org/contribution members; up to $5,000 to dependent
children of active members; and up
Fall CUE Conference Green California to $5,000 to Student CTA members.
OCT. 23–24 CONFERENCE Schools Summit Applications will be available online in
Virtual. “Reimagining Education — NOV. 4 CONFERENCE mid-October.
Driving Innovation.” The educational Pasadena/virtual. The annual confer- cta.org/scholarships
technology conference by CUE ence, presented by Green Technology,
(Computer-Using Educators) offers a provides an opportunity for school Martin Luther King Jr.
multitude of sessions with keynotes stakeholders to share best practices Scholarships
from world-renowned educators. and encounter new technologies. FEB. 11 APPLICATION DEADLINE
cue.org/fall This year’s event comes at a time Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Schol-
with a focus on COVID-19 safety and arships up to $6,000 are available to
indoor air quality, and a mandate to CTA members, their dependents and
incorporate environmental principles Student CTA members who are persons
RA Reminder The in classroom instruction. It combines of color and are pursuing a teaching-
declaration of candidacy form an in-person program (with keynote related career. Applications will be
for state delegates to the 2022 speakers, education sessions, and a available online in mid-October.
NEA Representative Assembly in Leadership Awards reception) and cta.org/scholarships
Dallas, Texas, will appear in the a virtual program (with prerecorded
December/January Educator. sessions and showcase videos).
green-technology.org/schools2021
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2110 Educator draft v4.indd 9 10/11/21 3:27 PMIn the Know NEWS & NOTES
Well NEA’s Read Across America site (nea.org/readacrossamerica) is a trove of
Read
recommended books, authors and teaching resources that promote diversity
and inclusion for students at all levels. You can follow its monthly calendar of
recommended reads or simply browse through the many offerings. Among them:
We Belong by Cookie Hiponia How It All Blew Up by Arvin Ahmadi. Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem
Everman. In this novel written in free A tale of coming out/coming of age/ by Amanda Gorman, illustrated by
verse, half-Filipino, half-white Stella coming home. Faced with a failed Loren Long. In this lyrical picture
and her younger sister Luna get a relationship, bullies, and being book by the famed inauguration
bedtime story of a Tagalog myth outed as gay to his conservative poet, a young Black girl leads others
and their mother Elsie’s immigration Muslim parents, 18-year-old Iranian on a musical journey, and they learn
to the United States from the American Amir Azadi blows off his that they have the power to change
Philippines. Middle grade level. high school graduation and runs the world, their communities and
away to Rome. Young adult level. themselves. Elementary grade level.
Nuestra América: 30 Inspiring Latinas/Latinos Who
Have Shaped the United States by Sabrina Vourvoulias,
illustrated by Gloria Félix. An anthology of brief
biographies of notable Latino women and men who have
made their mark in entertainment, sports, education,
politics, advocacy, music, science and social justice.
Middle grade level; also available in Spanish.
facebook.com/wearecta youtube.com/californiateachers WeAreCTA
@WeAreCTA @WeAreCTA
For our full social media directory, see cta.org/social. #OurVoiceOurUnion #WeAreCTA
10 cta.org
2110 Educator draft v4.indd 10 10/11/21 3:27 PMComputer Science
Education Week,
Dec. 6–12
#CSEdWeek is an annual call to
November: action to inspire K-12 students to
learn computer science, advocate
Native American Heritage Month for equity in CS education, and
celebrate the contributions of
students, teachers and partners
to the field. This year, look for
E N G A G E S T U D E N T S in Native American heritage with
#CSforSocialJustice, focusing
historical novels.
on how computer science can
Lands of Our Ancestors, a three-book series by Gary
serve as a catalyst for social
Robinson, is designed for fourth grade readers and
justice work needed to bring
follows three generations of a Chumash Indian family as
rigorous CS and STEAM courses
they face challenges in major eras of California history:
to underrepresented students.
the Spanish mission era, the Mexican rancho period, the
During the week, your class can
Gold Rush, and early statehood. Vetted by the California
join in Hour of Code, one-hour
Indian History Curriculum Coalition (CIHCC), the books
tutorials for all grade levels, at
and accompanying teacher guides meet state history–
hourofcode.com/us/learn.
social studies standards and provide an alternative for
Learn more at csedweek.org.
teaching fourth grade state history.
Older students can read An Indigenous Peoples’ History
of the United States for Young People by Roxanne Dunbar-
Ortiz, adapted by Jean Mendoza and Debbie Reese (young adult level). The
colonization and settlement of Indigenous lands at the expense of Indigenous
people is seen through a narrative centered on the story, experiences and
perspectives of Indigenous peoples.
Find more curriculum and classroom resources at CIHCC (visit csus.edu and
search for CIHCC).
Degrees of Success
D U R I N G H I G H E R E D U C A T I O N M O N T H in October, celebrate the dedicated
faculty and staff who help students follow their dream through higher education.
Almost two-thirds of all jobs today require postsecondary education and
training, meaning higher ed is essential for the majority of our students! Go to
nea.org/nhem for events, resources and ways to take action.
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2110 Educator draft v4.indd 11 10/11/21 3:27 PMIn the Know NEWS & NOTES
Everything
ESP
ESP Leadership SESSION 1:
Academy Burlingame
JAN. 28–30, 2022
Nominations Open: STRENGTHENING OUR
S C H O O L S means strengthening
2022 CTA the voice of everyone who works SESSION 2:
ESP of the Year within the school system. CTA Los Angeles
provides an annual training MARCH 25–27, 2022
E V E R Y Y E A R , CTA exclusively for education
recognizes an education 2021 CTA ESP support professional members
support professional of the Year Maggie interested in becoming effective leaders in their local chapters.
whose activities reflect Peacock-Butler Your participation will better prepare you to help your local
the contributions of ESPs organization deal with known issues today and the unknown
to public education as the Paula J. Monroe CTA tomorrow. Application deadline: Nov. 19.
ESP of the Year. The honoree is acknowledged For more information, contact George Young at
at the March State Council meeting and is Cali- gyoung@cta.org.
fornia’s nominee for NEA ESP of the Year.
Nominations are now open for the 2022 ESP
of the Year. Any CTA member may nominate an
ESP member. The deadline is Dec. 17, 2021. Get Save the Date: National ESP Day on Nov. 17
more information and download the nomination NEA recognizes ESP Day on Nov. 17, during American Educa-
form at cta.org/espoftheyear. tion Week. (CTA’s annual ESP Day is May 17, 2022.) Watch for
an NEA/CTA special event in November, and thank our ESPs
— every day — for their enduring contributions to our students
and schools.
CTA Conference Grants
Incentive grants can help you attend one of CTA’s • I ssues Conference, Jan. 21–23, 2022, Las Vegas.
scheduled in-person conferences in 2022. Applications are Application cut-off: Nov. 8 at midnight.
easy and quick; you only need to fill out one application •G ood Teaching Conference North, Jan. 28–30, 2022,
to be considered for grants to all the conferences below. Burlingame. Application cut-off: Nov. 8 at midnight.
Grants cover registration and transportation and are •E quity and Human Rights Conference, March 4–6,
available to new members, persons of color, members 2022, location TBD. Application cut-off: Jan. 3 at
of small chapters, and special underrepresented groups midnight.
(for the Equity and Human Rights Conference). For more •G ood Teaching Conference South, March 18–20, 2022,
information and to apply, visit cta.org/grants. Garden Grove. Application cut-off: Jan. 3 at midnight.
12 cta.org
2110 Educator draft v4.indd 12 10/11/21 3:27 PMI
Compiled by Julian Peeples Quotes & Numbers
17
Days the start of the new
school year was postponed
“The surest path to safe and full in-person
instruction throughout the school year
is a strong emphasis on these reliable
prevention measures: vaccines, masks,
30%
Percentage of California
students who said in March
that someone close to them
by Lake Tahoe Unified testing, tracing and ventilation.” had died from COVID-19,
School District after the
—LINDA DARLING-HAMMOND, State Board of Education president, according to ACLU of
massive Caldor Fire forced
in an EdSource column about how California is leading the way Southern California.
mandatory evacuations
nationally on safe school reopening.
in South Lake Tahoe.
“A suspension is quick “A college is not a bunch
and dirty. It doesn’t deal of buildings. A college is
64%
with whether the student students working with faculty
is having problems at to learn things. I can’t think
home or mental health of a better place (for the
issues. Kids are complex, Percentage of California children
federal relief money) than in
and we should grant ages 12-17 who have received the pockets of the underpaid
them the same grace as at least one dose of a COVID-19 people who were actually
vaccine, as of Oct. 11. More than
we grant adults.” 56 percent are fully vaccinated. allowing colleges to continue
—CHARLES SCHALLHORN, during the pandemic.”
social studies and psychology
—CCA President ERIC KALJUMÄGI
teacher at Mountain House High
on the push to pay community college
School and member of Lammersville
adjunct faculty for uncompensated work
Teachers Association.
they did to transition from in-person to
virtual instruction.
65,000 “Educators remain committed to working > 5,000
Fake applications filed
at California community
together to ensure our local schools are Estimated number of
community schools
colleges by scammers using the safest places in the community.” nationwide, according to
online bots in attempts to —NEA President BECKY PRINGLE, emphasizing that safe the National Center for
score student aid and federal in-person instruction relies on a layered approach, starting with Community Schools.
pandemic relief money. vaccines for all who are eligible, regular testing, and masks.
“Community schools serve as hubs for vital resources and connect students and families to services
that can help them thrive. Importantly, community schools expand learning and enrichment
opportunities for both students and parents alike, and promote family and community engagement
in education, which ultimately can bolster students’ success.” —MIGUEL CARDONA, U.S. secretary of education.
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2110 Educator draft v4.indd 13 10/11/21 3:27 PMSpotlight YOUR VOICE
A sample note
to students.
Positivity Posts
The lasting impact of humble postcards
Christine Karlberg with Cornelius in her classroom.
By Christine Karlberg
A N A D M I N I S T R A T O R C A L L E D me a of praise and positive reinforcement. and the messages flow easily onto the
Luddite once in a staff meeting. Well, to Schools in large districts often have cardstock. It can be harder to find that
be clear, she used that term for all of us postcards available to teachers for this message for some students, but it is
experienced teachers who regularly chose purpose. At my stand-alone public char- always there: an infectious grin and sense
not to jump on the newest iteration of ter school, we originally did not. I was of humor, submitting an assignment that
the bright and shiny technological band- gearing up to write a DonorsChoose grant was challenging, serving as a role model
wagon. We were the ones who did not to try to acquire the postage paid cards, for others, volunteering to be the facili-
immediately embrace the 3D goggles con- but decided to ask an administrator (yes, tator for the lab group, being the student
traption for cellphones or develop escape the same one who called me a Luddite) if who was brave enough to raise a hand
room lockbox activities or there were funds available when others wouldn’t... The smallest of
integrate the app du jour. “Even in these digital to start such a program things that recognize and individualize
Nothing like a global days of instant for our campus. I was sur- a student makes them realize they are
pandemic to throw us all email gratification, prised and pleased to find seen and valued. I have found that their
into the deep end of the there is just that there were, and our affect and effort in my class improve as
technological pool. Now something special school administration has a result, and this can spread to those
we can all Google Suite, financially supported this around them.
about receiving a
Screencastify, and Zoom program for several years Almost without fail a few days after
proficiently with our tech-
handwritten card in now. (If you decide to the postcard is mailed , I receive a
savvy peers. our mailbox.” try initiating this type of lengthy email from the parent or stu-
While I did learn and “positivity post” program dent thanking me for taking the time
utilize these technologies, I also held at your school, I am confident that grant to send the card. Even in these digital
tight to the tried-and-true activities funding can help get you started.) days of instant email gratification, there
with proven efficacy over two decades of I have a personal goal to send out at is just something special about receiv-
teaching. My students and I drew together least two cards per week, and I main- ing a handwritten card in our mailbox.
on whiteboards and in journals, we built tained that during distance learning last Whether it goes on the refrigerator or in
models out of trash and recyclables, and year. I thanked the students who were in a scrapbook, or maybe it is even read and
we discussed and connected our content class on time with their cameras on and tossed, the message and gratitude remain
to natural phenomena. positively participating. I gushed to the there for the remainder of that school
I also continued using my most analog kids who would break the interminable year and beyond, and the benefits of that
of tools — the humble postcard. Yes, I am silence and bravely share their ideas with are truly bright and shiny.
referring to (gasp!) snail mail. For years, the group. I shared with parents how their
I have been sending a handwritten post- child had connected to something that I Christine Karlberg teaches
card to the homes of my students and hadn’t even considered and taught me anatomy and zoology, and is a member
their families when they do something something new that day. of Orange County School of the Arts
that catches my attention and is worthy Those are the easiest cards to write Teachers Association.
14 cta.org
2110 Educator draft v4.indd 14 10/11/21 3:27 PMRosalie Winard
S
Hear Temple Grandin speak on
“Developing Talents — Utilizing the
Skills of Different Kinds of Minds”
at the 2021 Fall Special Education
Conference (Home Edition!). The
virtual event, Nov. 5-7, is for CTA
members working in general or spe-
cial education. Sessions are focused
on core special education topics
including instruction, identification,
IEPs and behavior. The conference
is free. University credit and profes-
sional growth hours are available.
Register at cta.org/conferences.
You’ve talked about four different types
of thinking: visual thinking/object
visualizer; pattern thinking/spatial
visualizer; verbal thinking/language
Beautiful Minds
translator; auditory thinking. How does
that play out in the classroom?
Educators need to understand how stu-
dents think and teach to that. I’m a visual
Temple Grandin on developing the talents thinker — I think in pictures. Visual think-
ers are poor at algebra. Pattern thinkers
of those who think differently are good at math and music, and poor in
reading. Verbal thinkers think in words,
T E M P L E G R A N D I N , Ph.D., is a professor of animal science at Colorado State
they’re good at history, they’re poor in
drawing. Auditory thinkers can be dyslexic
University and one of the best-known adults with autism. She has long been an
students, their visual perception is frag-
outspoken proponent of autism rights and the need to recognize different kinds
mented, they learn through their ears.
of thinkers, including people with autism, dyslexia and ADHD, and the ways Education has been taken over by ver-
they learn and can contribute. A prolific author and speaker, she has expressed bal thinkers. Other kinds of thinkers are
concern over labeling people who think differently: “Rigid academic and social sensory based, not word based, and more
expectations could wind up stifling a mind that, while it might struggle to con- needs to be done to develop these think-
jugate a verb, could one day take us to distant stars.” ers. For example, algebra is a requirement
Dr. Grandin is the keynote speaker at CTA’s 2021 Fall Special Education Con- to graduate from high school. I flunked
ference (Home Edition!), Nov. 5-7 (see box). In advance, she answered a few out of algebra, and many other kids who
pressing questions. are visual thinkers flunk out too. Why can’t
geometry be required instead?
You’re an advocate of hands-on classes for students with autism such as You say there can be mixtures
art, woodworking, auto shop, theater. How can educators whose schools of these types of thinkers. How do you
do not offer these classes help students develop similar skills? teach to that?
I’m an advocate for every kid to take these kinds of classes, especially kids People who think differently always have
with ADHD, who are dyslexic and autistic. Taking kids outside and exposing a dominant type of thinking. Kids who
them to practical, real things helps. Gardening. Feeding animals on a farm get the special education label tend to
and observing animal behavior. Looking at plant buds and constellations. be more extreme — their skills are more
I was exposed to cattle as a teenager, which led to my career. uneven. Again, it’s a matter of exposure.
People who think differently learn differently. How can students know if For visual thinkers, have them try drawing
they like working with tools if they’ve never used them? There are kids grow- and art, mechanical things. Give
ing up today who have never used a ruler. I’m concerned students are getting pattern thinkers Science and Nature
totally removed from learning the practical. magazines, computer coding. Show
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2110 Educator draft v4.indd 15 10/11/21 3:27 PMSpotlight
kids all kinds of books, textbooks. You’ve listed common denominators
Common I’m worried that our educational of success for unique minds [see
denominators of system is screening out too many box]. How can we best support
success for kids with labels — autism, dyslexia, students who may not have had
ADHD, Asperger’s. exposure to some of these factors?
unique minds In addition to schools keeping classes
What specific tips can you that foster creativity and problem
• Grew up with lots of books give for working with minds solving, we need to involve the com-
and learning that are different? munity. A retired mechanic can show
• Early exposure to career interests, • Never overload working memory. kids how to fix things. Someone else
with hands-on projects • Avoid long strings of verbal can start a theater club, another can
• Learned to work hard instruction — give them teach kids sewing or cooking.
at an early age a printed checklist, outline steps We have a shortage of people
• Not overspecialized — of a procedure. in technical and skilled trades —
for example, did not just use • Provide choices of hands-on welding, industrial building, metal
math narrowly, but broadened it activities. fabrication, more. We’re having to
• Mentors to help start career path
• Stretch them slightly out of their import things because we don’t have
comfort zones. people who can make them. We have
• Career entry with internships • L imit idle screen time. to develop and utilize the skills of dif-
• Learned to drive ferent kinds of minds.
Source: Temple Grandin
Learn more about Dr. Grandin at templegrandin.com.
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16 Bank of America Corporation cta.org 3647389 CC051021 MB1021-AD-CAEDU
2110 Educator draft v4.indd 16 10/11/21 3:27 PMFinal Trim Size: 8” x 5”
8.25” x 5.25” Bleed
7” x 4.687 Live Area
Colors 4/0
CMYK
C
M
Y
K
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2110 Educator draft v4.indd 17 10/11/21 3:27 PMFeature
Building the Heart and Hub
United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA). “They can’t focus on aca-
“ W E ’ R E R E I M A G I N I N G S C H O O L S , ” says educator Ingrid
Villeda. “It’s so much more than what happens demics if they’re hungry or sad or tired.”
in class.” With massive investments by the state and fed-
As the community school coordinator at 93rd eral government, community schools are getting
Street Academy in South Central Los Angeles, historic resources at a time when students and
Villeda works with students and families to sup- families need the support most. The community
port and connect them with the resources they schools model is aimed at disrupting poverty
need to learn and thrive. During the pandemic, and addressing long-standing inequities, high-
her work has included delivering groceries to 250 lighting areas of need, and leveraging community
school families every two weeks, the creation of resources so students are healthy, prepared for
a “giving room” with clothing, shoes and other college and ready to succeed. A community
items for students and families in need, and an school is both a place and a set of partnerships
after-school virtual enrichment program focusing between the school and other community
on dance, art and sports. Ingrid Villeda resources with an integrated focus on academ-
“The community schools program is meant to ics, health and social services, leadership, and
support everything the students do,” says Villeda, a member of community engagement, leading to improved student learning,
18 cta.org
2110 Educator draft v4.indd 18 10/11/21 3:27 PMHistoric resources for the transformative power
of community schools Story by Julian Peeples Illustration by Daniel Baxter
stronger families and healthier communities. — to make a true difference in a powerful way,” Goldberg says.
Since each community school is centered around local needs “Community schools are a chance to do this.”
and priorities, no two look exactly alike. But they all share a
commitment to partnership and rethinking how best to provide The heart of the community
the resources students and families need. Danielle Rasshan had taught at Ganesha High School in Pomona
“Your school has needs. As a community school, you iden- for more than 20 years when the school was chosen to be part
tify and elevate those needs,” says Nick Chandler, community of the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) com-
school coordinator and United Educators of San Francisco munity schools pilot program in 2019. She was always “tied in”
(UESF) member. “It is our role to elevate and push until that to which students needed more support and often intervened
need is met.” as the last stop to help some students before they faced seri-
CTA Vice President David Goldberg says supporting the com- ous discipline. Rasshan says she noticed the community school
munity school movement is a priority for CTA, with significant difference immediately, especially when it came to connecting
implications for justice and democracy as schools and families students with resources and services.
examine whom schools serve and how decisions are made. The “Now everything is located at my school. I know who to reach
possibilities are exciting, he says. out to when I have a student who needs anything. I used
“This is why I got into this movement and became a teacher to have trouble getting in touch with families, but now
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2110 Educator draft v4.indd 19 10/11/21 3:27 PMFeature
Ingrid Villeda, forefront, with
colleagues helping distribute
food at 93rd Street Academy
in Los Angeles.
I can reach them through regular community uniting diverse and engaged stakeholders to
workshops,” says Rasshan, a member of Asso- strengthen the school community and support
ciated Pomona Teachers. “Community schools the whole child — meaning students are not
empower parents because their health and only supported in academics but also learning in
success create the best environment for their environments that make them feel safe, valued,
students to succeed.” engaged, challenged and healthy.
Rasshan says having these relationships At Buena Vista Horace Mann K-8 Commu-
meant that when the pandemic struck, a net- nity School (BVHM) in San Francisco, families
work already existed to reach out to school “This work means expressed a need for help with a safe and stable
community members to provide support. She so much to me, place to sleep at night. What followed was a delib-
says several food distributions were held at because you have to erate and coordinated effort to elevate the issue,
Ganesha High and its feeder schools (“We con- build love, passion leading to the creation of the Stay Over Program,
sider them part of our family, too”), while the and commitment a cross-sector collaboration that provides an
school quickly distributed necessary technology for your town overnight sleeping program for up to 20 BVHM
and addressed connectivity issues. Ganesha also and the people we families in the school’s gymnasium — the only
used COVID relief funds to hire more tutors serve. Community program of its kind nationwide.
when the pandemic forced in-person tutoring schools are a way to “We started with the need, we started with the
opportunities to go virtual. data, and then we moved forward with shared
cultivate that.”
“This work means so much to me, because leadership,” says Chandler. “We have successfully
—Danielle Rasshan,
you have to build love, passion and commitment Associated Pomona
hosted hundreds of families.”
for your town and the people we serve. Commu- Teachers In Los Angeles, 74th Street Academy commu-
nity schools are a way to cultivate that,” Rasshan nity school coordinator Nicole Douglass says
says. “I think we’re going to see some real effective change.” the school became a community hub during the pandemic,
A community school should be the heart of a community, with families turning to it for everything from groceries
20 cta.org
2110 Educator draft v4.indd 20 10/11/21 3:27 PMNick Chandler at Buena Vista Horace Mann K-8 Community School in San
Francisco. He helped the school open its gym to BVHM families who are
unhoused in 2018, a program that continues today.
“Your school has needs.
As a community school,
you identify and elevate
those needs. It is our role
to elevate and push until
that need is met.”
—Nick Chandler,
United Educators of
San Francisco
and school supplies to mental health ser- A movement born out of struggle
vices. Formerly a special education teacher While community schools as a concept have been
there, Douglass continues to serve the school around since the turn of the century (thanks to
community, forging connections and helping famed social worker Jane Addams and educator
families do more than just hold on. John Dewey), the movement to create these cen-
One Friday at 5 p.m., a phone call came ters of transformative change got a huge boost in
from a moth er w ho n e ed ed fo o d for th e 2019 when UTLA members included community
weekend , saying that being able to make schools in their demands during their historic
her family a traditional Nigerian meal would “We are committed strike. They won funding for 30 community
mean everything during difficult times. Since to improving schools and additional UTLA positions as part of
items from food banks don’t typically include the educational Los Angeles Unified’s Community Schools Initia-
the necessary ingredients for such a meal, experience of our tive. With California now investing more money
Douglass and her colleague pooled their young people. into the community schools movement than all
money, delivering $50 to the mother so she Community other states combined, Goldberg says, it’s import-
could cook the food that would bring smiles schools provide the ant to remember the sacrifice educators made to
to her family’s faces during difficult times. framework for how win this funding for students and families.
“There are a lot of stories like that for us, we do that.” “Part of the reason we can do this is because of
and it’s brought us closer to our families when the courageous efforts of our locals. It allows us
—Leslie Hu, United
we needed to be. If the pandemic didn’t hap- Educators of San Francisco to bring CTA support and infrastructure to these
pen, I don’t think we would’ve been able to struggles that have been so powerful and mean-
dig this deep,” says Douglass, a UTLA member. ingful,” Goldberg says. “What UTLA has done is
“We’ve been able to connect with our families and students the gold standard for community schools.”
on a deeper level, and it will be lifelong.” UTLA’s victory has blossomed into a $3 billion wind-
fall for community schools — one-time Proposition 98
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2110 Educator draft v4.indd 21 10/11/21 3:27 PMYou can also read
