1 00:00:01,066 --> 00:00:03,600 Narrator: Coming up on Inside California Education: 2 00:00:03,600 --> 00:00:07,766 Something fishy is going on at schools throughout California. 3 00:00:07,766 --> 00:00:11,033 Discover how students are raising trout and salmon 4 00:00:11,033 --> 00:00:12,300 right in the classroom 5 00:00:12,300 --> 00:00:14,766 and returning them to rivers and streams, 6 00:00:14,766 --> 00:00:18,466 teaching these ‘small fry to appreciate nature. 7 00:00:18,466 --> 00:00:20,700 Hazel: Now they're gone, but they're going to have 8 00:00:20,700 --> 00:00:22,300 a happy life now in the river. 9 00:00:22,300 --> 00:00:25,366 Shannon: Those connections really helped kids, um, 10 00:00:25,366 --> 00:00:27,300 become more environmentally literate, 11 00:00:27,300 --> 00:00:31,733 but also more conscious citizens of what's around them. 12 00:00:31,733 --> 00:00:34,666 Narr: Join a class field trip to the newly built Food 13 00:00:34,666 --> 00:00:38,666 Literacy Center Cooking School and farm in Sacramento. 14 00:00:38,666 --> 00:00:41,533 It's a unique partnership between the school district 15 00:00:41,533 --> 00:00:44,400 and a non-profit that share the same goal: 16 00:00:44,400 --> 00:00:47,533 getting students to eat more fruits and vegetables. 17 00:00:47,533 --> 00:00:48,533 Jason: Good morning juniors! 18 00:00:48,533 --> 00:00:49,466 Students: Good morning. 19 00:00:49,466 --> 00:00:50,600 Jason: How are you feeling today? 20 00:00:50,600 --> 00:00:51,800 Narr: What's it take to become 21 00:00:51,800 --> 00:00:53,966 California's Teacher of the Year? 22 00:00:53,966 --> 00:00:56,766 This recent winner credits his own experience 23 00:00:56,766 --> 00:00:58,700 as the son of two educators 24 00:00:58,700 --> 00:01:02,933 who fought for bicultural education back in the 1960s. 25 00:01:02,933 --> 00:01:05,033 Providing social justice perspectives 26 00:01:05,033 --> 00:01:07,166 he brings into his own classroom. 27 00:01:07,166 --> 00:01:08,166 Jason: They say that teachers are kind 28 00:01:08,166 --> 00:01:09,833 of, uh, were gardeners. 29 00:01:09,833 --> 00:01:11,966 You know, we're always planting seeds 30 00:01:11,966 --> 00:01:14,700 and you never know when those seeds are going to sprout. 31 00:01:14,700 --> 00:01:16,233 Narr: Plus, this 12th grader 32 00:01:16,233 --> 00:01:18,833 isn't just speaking at a school board meeting; 33 00:01:18,833 --> 00:01:21,933 she's one of two student members of the board. 34 00:01:21,933 --> 00:01:24,766 See how San Diego is giving these students a chance 35 00:01:24,766 --> 00:01:27,966 to represent their constituents, their classmates, 36 00:01:27,966 --> 00:01:30,966 on questions and issues affecting their education. 37 00:01:30,966 --> 00:01:32,700 Lea: I get a very unique perspective. 38 00:01:32,700 --> 00:01:35,733 It's a student perspective, and being able to carry 39 00:01:35,733 --> 00:01:38,033 that on the board is very important. 40 00:01:38,033 --> 00:01:40,933 Narr: It's all coming up next on Inside California Education. 41 00:01:43,733 --> 00:01:45,900 Annc: Funding for Inside California Education 42 00:01:45,900 --> 00:01:47,900 is made possible by 43 00:01:47,900 --> 00:01:50,500 The California lottery has been reliably raising 44 00:01:50,500 --> 00:01:53,633 additional money for public education for decades. 45 00:01:53,633 --> 00:01:57,166 More than $41 billion since voters created the lottery 46 00:01:57,166 --> 00:01:58,466 in 1984. 47 00:01:58,466 --> 00:02:01,166 And thats the reason why California lottery exists. 48 00:02:01,166 --> 00:02:03,200 Its why we do what we do 49 00:02:03,200 --> 00:02:05,433 and work so hard to do it. 50 00:02:05,433 --> 00:02:12,466 Thank you, California - our schools appreciate your support. 51 00:02:12,466 --> 00:02:14,733 Annc: Imagine a credit union where school employees 52 00:02:14,733 --> 00:02:16,633 are treated like the heroes you are. 53 00:02:16,633 --> 00:02:18,633 At SchoolFirst Federal Credit Union, 54 00:02:18,633 --> 00:02:20,933 everything we do starts with helping school employees 55 00:02:20,933 --> 00:02:24,066 and their families live better today and plan for tomorrow. 56 00:02:24,066 --> 00:02:27,533 Learn more at schoolsfirstfcu.org. 57 00:02:27,533 --> 00:02:29,433 Annc: The Stuart Foundation: improving 58 00:02:29,433 --> 00:02:31,633 life outcomes for young people through education. 59 00:02:32,433 --> 00:02:36,333 ScholarShare 529: Californias state-sponsored, tax-advantaged 60 00:02:36,333 --> 00:02:38,666 529 college savings plan designed to help pay 61 00:02:38,666 --> 00:02:40,333 for the cost of higher education. 62 00:02:40,933 --> 00:02:44,100 Additional funding for Inside California Education is made 63 00:02:44,100 --> 00:02:49,266 possible by these organizations supporting public education. 64 00:02:49,733 --> 00:03:14,800 ♪♪♪ 65 00:03:14,800 --> 00:03:16,300 Narr: It is a miracle of nature. 66 00:03:16,300 --> 00:03:20,000 A lifecycle both primal and astonishing. 67 00:03:20,000 --> 00:03:23,933 The journey of the salmon from egg to fully grown, 68 00:03:23,933 --> 00:03:26,933 from the river to the sea and back again, 69 00:03:26,933 --> 00:03:30,333 sparks in us both wonder and reverence. 70 00:03:30,333 --> 00:03:32,200 Alia: Right now they are still fry. 71 00:03:33,233 --> 00:03:35,066 As they get bigger and bigger, 72 00:03:35,066 --> 00:03:39,200 theyre gonna keep getting so large, theyll be smolt 73 00:03:39,200 --> 00:03:40,666 Narr: That wonder and reverence 74 00:03:40,666 --> 00:03:44,266 is sparked early in classrooms like Alia Cravens, 75 00:03:44,266 --> 00:03:47,300 at Dows Prairie Elementary in McKinleyville 76 00:03:47,300 --> 00:03:49,833 on Californias north coast. 77 00:03:49,833 --> 00:03:51,733 For the past three and half months, 78 00:03:51,733 --> 00:03:56,833 Alia and her first graders have raised sixteen steelhead trout. 79 00:03:56,833 --> 00:03:59,933 Today marks the final day of weeks of feeding, 80 00:04:00,166 --> 00:04:03,133 filtering the water, and watching them evolve 81 00:04:03,133 --> 00:04:08,600 from egg to alevin to tiny fish called fry. 82 00:04:08,600 --> 00:04:13,233 Spencer: You need to feed ‘em a lot, give them fresh water... 83 00:04:14,233 --> 00:04:18,000 And you have to take good care of them. 84 00:04:18,000 --> 00:04:19,966 Narr: Besides the attention and care, 85 00:04:19,966 --> 00:04:23,566 the students have learned much about the salmon's life cycle. 86 00:04:23,566 --> 00:04:25,433 They've read and drawn and hung 87 00:04:25,433 --> 00:04:29,166 paper fish and molded clay habitats. 88 00:04:29,166 --> 00:04:32,333 But tomorrow morning is the big payoff: 89 00:04:32,333 --> 00:04:36,600 The fish will be released into the nearby Mad River. 90 00:04:36,600 --> 00:04:39,733 Charlie: It's gonna be sad, but I'm gonna be excited 91 00:04:39,733 --> 00:04:43,466 for them to be back into their normal habitat. 92 00:04:43,466 --> 00:04:45,033 Stella: I'm happy that 93 00:04:45,033 --> 00:04:48,966 they're going to live a happy life, probably, 94 00:04:48,966 --> 00:04:52,633 and I'm sad that we have to say goodbye. 95 00:04:52,866 --> 00:04:54,366 Alia: Its all about the connection for them 96 00:04:54,366 --> 00:04:59,733 making a connection to our wildlife, making a connection to 97 00:04:59,733 --> 00:05:03,166 their role in our environment and why thats important. 98 00:05:03,166 --> 00:05:04,733 What role they play. 99 00:05:04,733 --> 00:05:07,200 Narr: Making and strengthening that connection 100 00:05:07,200 --> 00:05:10,933 between students, nature and the environment, and promoting 101 00:05:10,933 --> 00:05:15,033 environmental stewardship early on, is a primary reason why 102 00:05:15,033 --> 00:05:19,366 dozens of schools and districts have programs like this one. 103 00:05:19,366 --> 00:05:23,300 It all started in British Columbia in the 1970s 104 00:05:23,500 --> 00:05:25,000 and migrated southward 105 00:05:25,000 --> 00:05:29,633 to Washington, Oregon, and California a decade later. 106 00:05:29,633 --> 00:05:32,966 Today, there are trout or salmon in the classroom 107 00:05:32,966 --> 00:05:37,800 and experiences statewide for students K through 12, 108 00:05:37,800 --> 00:05:41,466 with lesson plans and unique outdoor experiences 109 00:05:41,666 --> 00:05:43,766 customized for each grade. 110 00:05:47,733 --> 00:05:49,566 Narr: The programs all receive 111 00:05:49,566 --> 00:05:53,533 funding through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. 112 00:05:53,533 --> 00:05:56,633 Most have partnerships with county water agencies 113 00:05:56,833 --> 00:05:58,166 and fishing organizations. 114 00:05:58,166 --> 00:06:02,233 Here, the Humboldt County Office of Education 115 00:06:02,233 --> 00:06:05,900 works with the Blue Lake Rancheria of the Wiyot, 116 00:06:05,900 --> 00:06:09,466 Hupa, and Yurok tribes to bring the program 117 00:06:09,466 --> 00:06:12,466 to more than fifty classrooms throughout the district. 118 00:06:12,466 --> 00:06:14,633 Alia: I expect it's going to be pretty high energy. 119 00:06:14,633 --> 00:06:16,533 Should be a fun day. 120 00:06:16,533 --> 00:06:17,766 Narr: Next morning. 121 00:06:17,766 --> 00:06:21,000 Time for the steelhead to finally begin their journey home 122 00:06:21,000 --> 00:06:24,166 Theyre placed in a water-filled cooler. 123 00:06:24,166 --> 00:06:26,900 The first graders finish their trout drawings, 124 00:06:26,900 --> 00:06:30,700 then everyone boards the bus for the short trip 125 00:06:30,700 --> 00:06:34,400 to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife hatchery 126 00:06:34,400 --> 00:06:37,300 alongside the Mad River. 127 00:06:37,700 --> 00:06:48,566 ♪♪♪ 128 00:06:48,566 --> 00:06:51,433 Narr: Here to meet them, Shannon Morago, STEM 129 00:06:51,433 --> 00:06:54,533 specialist for the County Office of Education. 130 00:06:54,533 --> 00:06:59,200 Today's lesson, she says, completes the circle. 131 00:06:59,200 --> 00:07:00,433 Shannon: I think it's kind of cool 132 00:07:00,433 --> 00:07:01,833 that it-- and amazing for... for 133 00:07:01,833 --> 00:07:04,800 kids that it starts outside of the classroom. 134 00:07:04,800 --> 00:07:06,666 The... the fish are collected here, 135 00:07:06,666 --> 00:07:09,000 the eggs are collected in the hatchery, 136 00:07:09,000 --> 00:07:10,866 and then they're raised by the kids 137 00:07:10,866 --> 00:07:12,333 and then brought back here. 138 00:07:12,333 --> 00:07:14,800 Alia: So, take a moment to say goodbye to your fish. 139 00:07:14,800 --> 00:07:16,100 Student: Goodbye. 140 00:07:16,100 --> 00:07:17,566 Alia: It is definitely bittersweet. 141 00:07:17,566 --> 00:07:20,366 I love that we've had this experience together. 142 00:07:20,366 --> 00:07:21,733 I'm glad that we could come to the river 143 00:07:21,733 --> 00:07:25,666 and release them and they get to be in their habitats. 144 00:07:25,666 --> 00:07:29,033 Our classroom will feel a little empty without them. 145 00:07:29,033 --> 00:07:30,300 Hazel: Now they're gone. 146 00:07:30,300 --> 00:07:33,433 But they're going to have a happy life now in the river. 147 00:07:33,433 --> 00:07:36,166 Shannon: And so, I think that those connections really help 148 00:07:36,166 --> 00:07:39,233 kids, um, become more environmentally literate, 149 00:07:39,233 --> 00:07:42,766 but also more conscious citizens of what's around them. 150 00:07:42,766 --> 00:07:44,466 And I think that the program 151 00:07:44,466 --> 00:07:50,833 ties that together really beautifully. 152 00:07:50,833 --> 00:07:53,166 There it goes! There is goes! 153 00:07:53,166 --> 00:07:55,833 Narr: These steelhead are an endangered species. 154 00:07:55,833 --> 00:07:59,366 But on this brilliant spring day, in this river, 155 00:07:59,366 --> 00:08:01,033 thanks to these kids, 156 00:08:01,033 --> 00:08:05,533 their modest population has grown by sixteen. 157 00:08:05,533 --> 00:08:08,633 Who knows how many will survive to adulthood-- 158 00:08:08,633 --> 00:08:12,500 to journey to the blue Pacific and back here to spawn. 159 00:08:12,500 --> 00:08:16,000 But whatever their destiny, their mere existence 160 00:08:16,266 --> 00:08:20,166 has educated and inspired a new generation. 161 00:08:20,166 --> 00:08:21,700 Alia: I think any time there's an opportunity 162 00:08:21,700 --> 00:08:22,933 for hands on learning 163 00:08:22,933 --> 00:08:26,333 where students can connect with nature, with wildlife, 164 00:08:26,333 --> 00:08:30,033 they can learn about it, and then take those lessons for 165 00:08:30,033 --> 00:08:33,900 caring for their environment, caring for wildlife... 166 00:08:33,900 --> 00:08:35,933 help them be stewards of the land. 167 00:08:35,933 --> 00:08:39,633 ♪♪♪ 168 00:08:40,266 --> 00:08:41,866 Narr: Depending on the school district, 169 00:08:41,866 --> 00:08:44,866 these aquatic education programs are called either 170 00:08:44,866 --> 00:08:48,033 Trout in the Classroom, Salmonids in the Classroom, 171 00:08:48,033 --> 00:08:49,866 or Steelhead in the Classroom. 172 00:08:49,866 --> 00:08:52,833 According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 173 00:08:52,833 --> 00:08:56,300 their Classroom Aquarium Education Program is available 174 00:08:56,300 --> 00:08:59,400 in virtually all of Californias 58 counties. 175 00:08:59,400 --> 00:09:01,266 It includes teaching materials, 176 00:09:01,266 --> 00:09:04,766 teacher training, even trout and salmon eggs delivered 177 00:09:04,766 --> 00:09:09,166 to more than two-thousand California classrooms each year! 178 00:09:09,900 --> 00:09:22,733 ♪♪♪ 179 00:09:22,733 --> 00:09:24,866 Amber: I think we have an attitude in this 180 00:09:24,866 --> 00:09:27,000 country that if we want kids 181 00:09:27,000 --> 00:09:29,233 to feel special, we'll give them a treat. 182 00:09:29,233 --> 00:09:31,066 Well, if you want kids to feel special 183 00:09:31,066 --> 00:09:33,600 and all they get is treats all the time, 184 00:09:33,600 --> 00:09:35,233 they're actually going to feel very special 185 00:09:35,233 --> 00:09:36,300 when you come and show up 186 00:09:36,300 --> 00:09:37,633 and give them a fruit or vegetable 187 00:09:37,633 --> 00:09:39,900 because you're adding something to their life 188 00:09:39,900 --> 00:09:41,766 that they don't often get. 189 00:09:41,766 --> 00:09:43,833 Narr: Amber Scott has been on a mission 190 00:09:43,833 --> 00:09:46,100 to get kids to eat their fruits and veggies 191 00:09:46,100 --> 00:09:48,066 for more than a dozen years. 192 00:09:48,066 --> 00:09:50,166 She's the founder of a non-profit called 193 00:09:50,166 --> 00:09:52,166 the Food Literacy Center. 194 00:09:52,166 --> 00:09:54,933 They run afterschool programs in several Sacramento 195 00:09:54,933 --> 00:09:59,333 schools showing, students how to prepare healthy meals. 196 00:09:59,333 --> 00:10:01,966 Amber: Kids want to eat fruits and vegetables. 197 00:10:01,966 --> 00:10:05,400 The kids actually tell us that they know we care about them 198 00:10:05,633 --> 00:10:07,966 because who shows up - what crazy people come in 199 00:10:07,966 --> 00:10:10,733 and say, yay, were here to eat broccoli! Uh, 200 00:10:10,733 --> 00:10:15,600 and because thats our message, it comes across as we care. 201 00:10:15,600 --> 00:10:17,233 Narr: Sacramento City Unified School 202 00:10:17,233 --> 00:10:20,133 District was so enthusiastic about this message 203 00:10:20,133 --> 00:10:21,766 that when an opportunity came up 204 00:10:21,766 --> 00:10:24,266 to turn vacant land into a farm, 205 00:10:24,266 --> 00:10:26,666 they turned to the Food Literacy center. 206 00:10:26,666 --> 00:10:30,200 And they asked if we'd be willing to run a farm. 207 00:10:30,200 --> 00:10:34,233 And I said, well, if we had a farm, uh, 208 00:10:34,233 --> 00:10:36,133 there would be vegetables being grown 209 00:10:36,133 --> 00:10:37,866 and we really want people to know 210 00:10:37,866 --> 00:10:39,366 what to do with those vegetables. 211 00:10:39,366 --> 00:10:42,200 So it really does need a cooking school on site. 212 00:10:42,200 --> 00:10:45,233 Fast forward many years, a lot of meetings 213 00:10:45,233 --> 00:10:46,566 and a lot of planning. 214 00:10:46,566 --> 00:10:50,666 Uh, this site is an example of government gone right. 215 00:10:50,666 --> 00:10:53,000 Narr: The one-acre farm is still taking shape, 216 00:10:53,000 --> 00:10:56,666 but once it's completed, it will double as a public park. 217 00:10:56,666 --> 00:10:59,266 There's another half acre community garden in front, 218 00:10:59,266 --> 00:11:02,933 and inside-- a brand new cooking school where students 219 00:11:02,933 --> 00:11:06,033 from Sacramento City Unified can come for field trips. 220 00:11:06,033 --> 00:11:07,566 Instructor: And that's all of your ingredients. 221 00:11:07,566 --> 00:11:09,666 And then you'll make it in the bowl too. 222 00:11:09,666 --> 00:11:12,733 Narr: On this day, students on a field trip from Ethel Baker 223 00:11:12,733 --> 00:11:16,200 Elementary School are learning how to make veggie tostadas 224 00:11:16,200 --> 00:11:18,733 served with fruit-flavored water 225 00:11:18,733 --> 00:11:22,866 Evelyn: Students here, they build not only cooking 226 00:11:22,866 --> 00:11:26,300 skills and nutrition knowledge, but also resiliency 227 00:11:26,300 --> 00:11:27,366 and confidence 228 00:11:27,366 --> 00:11:31,000 when it comes to being able to make a healthy meal 229 00:11:31,000 --> 00:11:31,733 on their own. 230 00:11:31,733 --> 00:11:34,266 When we give our students 231 00:11:34,266 --> 00:11:38,766 kids safe knives and graders and cutting mats-- 232 00:11:38,766 --> 00:11:40,833 for some of them this is the first time they've 233 00:11:40,833 --> 00:11:45,233 been able to use a knife and learn how to use it safely. 234 00:11:45,233 --> 00:11:48,200 Haidy: Uh, I was working on the... the... 235 00:11:48,200 --> 00:11:53,933 rice and, um, beans and the cheese. 236 00:11:53,933 --> 00:11:56,833 I enjoyed it cause 237 00:11:56,833 --> 00:12:00,266 the food was good and I like learning how to cook. 238 00:12:00,266 --> 00:12:02,566 Narr: The mission of the Food Literacy Center 239 00:12:02,566 --> 00:12:05,800 ties in directly to Sacramento City Unified's goal 240 00:12:06,066 --> 00:12:10,500 of improving nutrition for its 40,000 plus students. 241 00:12:10,500 --> 00:12:14,033 The district's new Central Kitchen opened in 2022, 242 00:12:14,033 --> 00:12:16,166 where meals are cooked from scratch 243 00:12:16,166 --> 00:12:19,166 and fruits and vegetables are sourced from local farms. 244 00:12:19,400 --> 00:12:21,633 Diana: And we had seen a lot of students 245 00:12:21,633 --> 00:12:22,433 just throwing away 246 00:12:22,433 --> 00:12:24,200 all the fresh fruits and vegetables 247 00:12:24,200 --> 00:12:26,666 that we had sourced locally from local farmers. 248 00:12:26,666 --> 00:12:29,500 Um, all the effort that we put into this produce, 249 00:12:29,500 --> 00:12:31,466 but then it would go in the trash. 250 00:12:31,466 --> 00:12:34,066 And so our goals are to align 251 00:12:34,066 --> 00:12:36,166 with the goals of Food Literacy Center 252 00:12:36,166 --> 00:12:39,233 to get the kids to eat their vegetables and fruits. 253 00:12:39,233 --> 00:12:42,000 Narr: Then, the district found something interesting. 254 00:12:42,000 --> 00:12:44,766 In the schools where students had been exposed 255 00:12:44,766 --> 00:12:47,266 to the Food Literacy Centers programs 256 00:12:47,266 --> 00:12:50,966 the students were more likely to pick healthy options. 257 00:12:50,966 --> 00:12:52,933 Diana: Those students come through the lunch line 258 00:12:52,933 --> 00:12:55,900 and they will try nearly anything that we serve. 259 00:12:55,900 --> 00:12:59,300 Um, even if they're not sure what it is, they will try it. 260 00:12:59,300 --> 00:13:01,466 And often they will like it. 261 00:13:01,466 --> 00:13:05,533 Amber: Sacramento is a thousand percent, one of the leaders 262 00:13:05,733 --> 00:13:08,833 probably in the nation of what theyre doing with school lunch. 263 00:13:08,833 --> 00:13:12,233 Uh, and part of that is because of our unique situation 264 00:13:12,233 --> 00:13:14,133 of being in Americas Farm to Fork Capital. 265 00:13:14,133 --> 00:13:15,533 And part of that is the leadership 266 00:13:15,533 --> 00:13:18,100 of the nutrition services program here. 267 00:13:18,100 --> 00:13:20,366 This model, to our knowledge, 268 00:13:20,366 --> 00:13:22,766 hasnt been done in other districts. 269 00:13:22,766 --> 00:13:24,866 And so, its our opportunity 270 00:13:24,866 --> 00:13:28,666 to gather the data and show that this really works. 271 00:13:28,666 --> 00:13:31,100 Narr: Sure, you could collect dataor 272 00:13:31,100 --> 00:13:34,000 you could just pull up a seat at one of the picnic tables here. 273 00:13:34,633 --> 00:13:37,933 Dig in, and join the students eating veggie tostadas, 274 00:13:37,933 --> 00:13:40,133 topped with tomato lime brown rice, 275 00:13:40,133 --> 00:13:43,866 cabbage jalapeno slaw, and pickled onions. 276 00:13:43,866 --> 00:13:48,400 Evelyn: I love this job because I see it work every week. 277 00:13:48,633 --> 00:13:51,900 I see kids try a new fruit or vegetable every week, 278 00:13:51,900 --> 00:13:57,133 and I see kids find joy in making a new recipe. 279 00:14:01,200 --> 00:14:04,500 Narr: Still ahead on Inside California Education: 280 00:14:04,500 --> 00:14:05,933 Meet two high schoolers 281 00:14:05,933 --> 00:14:09,233 who sit on the San Diego Unified Board of Education, 282 00:14:09,233 --> 00:14:11,366 where they provide input on the issues 283 00:14:11,366 --> 00:14:13,066 that affect their fellow students. 284 00:14:13,900 --> 00:14:16,933 But first, meet Californias Teacher of the Year, 285 00:14:16,933 --> 00:14:21,233 and discover how his own unique childhood led to his passion 286 00:14:21,233 --> 00:14:25,700 for inspiring students and promoting social justice. 287 00:14:25,700 --> 00:14:30,600 ♪♪♪ 288 00:14:30,600 --> 00:14:31,666 Jason: As an English teacher, 289 00:14:31,666 --> 00:14:34,700 I love this subject because we get to study life. 290 00:14:34,700 --> 00:14:38,100 And so my mantra for English is through reading, writing, 291 00:14:38,100 --> 00:14:41,200 thinking, and speaking we study texts to find out more 292 00:14:41,200 --> 00:14:42,633 about what it means to be human. 293 00:14:42,633 --> 00:14:43,733 Jason: Okay. Good morning, juniors. 294 00:14:43,733 --> 00:14:44,866 All: Good morning. 295 00:14:44,866 --> 00:14:45,833 Jason: How are you feeling today? 296 00:14:45,833 --> 00:14:47,066 Narr: Spend a little time in 297 00:14:47,066 --> 00:14:50,566 Jason Torres-Rangels AP English classroom, 298 00:14:50,566 --> 00:14:52,333 and you may notice several things. 299 00:14:52,333 --> 00:14:56,200 First is this teachers deep connection to his students. 300 00:14:56,200 --> 00:14:58,800 Jason: My students absolutely teach me every day. 301 00:14:58,800 --> 00:15:00,333 Um, and they always surprise me. 302 00:15:00,333 --> 00:15:02,600 High school students have so much wonder. 303 00:15:02,600 --> 00:15:04,533 Um, and theyre so curious. 304 00:15:04,533 --> 00:15:06,100 They have lots of questions. 305 00:15:06,100 --> 00:15:08,900 Theyre hilarious, theyre hysterical. 306 00:15:08,900 --> 00:15:13,633 Um, and they are just so fun to be around. 307 00:15:13,633 --> 00:15:14,666 Narr: That connection 308 00:15:14,666 --> 00:15:16,800 and affection for their students is shared 309 00:15:16,800 --> 00:15:19,933 by many thousands of California public school teachers. 310 00:15:19,933 --> 00:15:21,833 But Jasons exceptional commitment 311 00:15:21,833 --> 00:15:25,300 to creating a safe and nurturing space in his classroom 312 00:15:25,300 --> 00:15:26,500 may be one of the reasons 313 00:15:26,500 --> 00:15:30,200 why he was named Californias 2022 Teacher of the Year. 314 00:15:30,766 --> 00:15:33,633 Its an honor this educator at L.A.s Theodore Roosevelt 315 00:15:33,633 --> 00:15:37,100 High School is quick to share with others. 316 00:15:37,100 --> 00:15:38,800 Jason: I see it as a really great 317 00:15:38,800 --> 00:15:42,666 opportunity to shine a light on the profession, um, 318 00:15:42,666 --> 00:15:46,000 on the hard, hard work that all teachers put in, um, 319 00:15:46,000 --> 00:15:49,666 and that all educators put in -- counselors, librarians, 320 00:15:49,666 --> 00:15:51,533 custodial workers, administrators. 321 00:15:51,533 --> 00:15:54,666 It's truly a team effort. 322 00:15:54,666 --> 00:15:55,900 Narr: That “team effort ” 323 00:15:55,900 --> 00:15:59,766 was exemplified and, in a way, pioneered by Jasons parents. 324 00:15:59,766 --> 00:16:04,066 In the early 1980s, Domingo and Evelyn Torres-Rangel, began 325 00:16:04,066 --> 00:16:07,866 alternating the school years each spent in the classroom, 326 00:16:07,866 --> 00:16:11,066 becoming the first couple in the L.A. Unified School District 327 00:16:11,066 --> 00:16:14,366 to share one fulltime teaching position. 328 00:16:14,366 --> 00:16:18,233 Their goal -- create equal time to focus on their careers 329 00:16:18,233 --> 00:16:20,000 and their two sons. 330 00:16:20,000 --> 00:16:22,666 Today, these two retired math teachers 331 00:16:22,666 --> 00:16:25,033 couldn't be prouder of their son. 332 00:16:25,033 --> 00:16:28,033 Evelyn: He really tries to understand people. 333 00:16:28,400 --> 00:16:31,300 He just really understand the whole person. 334 00:16:31,300 --> 00:16:35,166 Domingo: He always has been blessed 335 00:16:35,166 --> 00:16:37,600 with that gift, this amazing ability 336 00:16:37,600 --> 00:16:41,466 to interact and communicate and connect with people. 337 00:16:41,466 --> 00:16:43,033 Ben: Everybody has their own style. 338 00:16:43,033 --> 00:16:45,166 There's no one way of being a great teacher. 339 00:16:45,166 --> 00:16:45,933 But I think it starts 340 00:16:46,200 --> 00:16:49,066 with just caring about students and prioritizing 341 00:16:49,066 --> 00:16:52,500 relationships and creating a welcoming classroom community. 342 00:16:52,500 --> 00:16:55,166 And that's something he really excels in. 343 00:16:55,166 --> 00:16:58,666 Jason: I think I approach every day with a sense of joy, 344 00:16:58,666 --> 00:17:00,333 um, a sense of humor. 345 00:17:00,333 --> 00:17:02,866 Some folks think that students kind of have this 346 00:17:02,866 --> 00:17:04,900 limited perspective sometimes, 347 00:17:04,900 --> 00:17:07,166 but they're incredibly plugged in. 348 00:17:07,166 --> 00:17:09,466 Um, they're incredibly aware of what's going on 349 00:17:09,466 --> 00:17:12,266 and they'll bring in things and educate me. 350 00:17:12,266 --> 00:17:13,766 Narr: That shared learning, 351 00:17:13,766 --> 00:17:16,233 that mutual respect is one reason 352 00:17:16,233 --> 00:17:19,766 why Nanette, a senior in Jason's class, nominated him 353 00:17:19,766 --> 00:17:21,733 for the Teacher of the Year award. 354 00:17:21,733 --> 00:17:22,800 Nanette: Since like my junior year, 355 00:17:22,800 --> 00:17:24,400 I've seen a whole different perspective 356 00:17:24,400 --> 00:17:27,466 of how school really is and how, um, 357 00:17:27,466 --> 00:17:29,266 a teacher can really impact your life. 358 00:17:29,266 --> 00:17:31,166 Carolina: I was really proud of my teacher, um... 359 00:17:31,166 --> 00:17:33,233 I think it was very well deserved. 360 00:17:33,233 --> 00:17:35,633 Mr. Torres is a great teacher, 361 00:17:35,633 --> 00:17:39,166 in my opinion, and obviously others. 362 00:17:39,166 --> 00:17:41,000 Narr: Torres-Rangel teaches at a school 363 00:17:41,000 --> 00:17:44,033 that has a long history of social activism. 364 00:17:44,033 --> 00:17:47,866 In 1968, Theodore Roosevelt High in the Boyle Heights area 365 00:17:47,866 --> 00:17:50,300 was one of five East L.A. schools 366 00:17:50,300 --> 00:17:53,333 where students and some teachers boycotted classes 367 00:17:53,333 --> 00:17:55,366 demanding bicultural education, 368 00:17:55,366 --> 00:17:57,633 that Spanish be allowed to be spoken, 369 00:17:57,633 --> 00:18:01,800 and calling for more Latino teachers and administrators. 370 00:18:01,800 --> 00:18:02,866 Jason: Uh, who wants to go next? 371 00:18:02,866 --> 00:18:04,866 Narr: That commitment to social justice 372 00:18:04,866 --> 00:18:08,733 remains an essential element in Jason's daily lesson plans. 373 00:18:08,733 --> 00:18:11,400 In this exercise, they're discussing the practice 374 00:18:11,400 --> 00:18:14,966 and societal impact of child labor throughout history. 375 00:18:14,966 --> 00:18:17,200 Jason: I definitely approach education and teaching 376 00:18:17,200 --> 00:18:19,800 from a social justice perspective. 377 00:18:19,800 --> 00:18:22,433 Um, from a sense of, 378 00:18:22,433 --> 00:18:25,800 you know, asking deep questions about the world. 379 00:18:25,800 --> 00:18:26,633 Who are we? 380 00:18:26,633 --> 00:18:28,266 What does it mean to be here? 381 00:18:28,266 --> 00:18:31,000 Um, what are the kind of ingredients of our society? 382 00:18:31,000 --> 00:18:32,166 What do those mean to us? 383 00:18:32,166 --> 00:18:33,433 And, you know, 384 00:18:33,433 --> 00:18:36,666 what are aspects that we might improve or change? 385 00:18:36,666 --> 00:18:39,366 They say that teachers are kind of, uh, were gardeners, 386 00:18:39,366 --> 00:18:41,100 you know, were always planting seeds. 387 00:18:41,100 --> 00:18:43,366 And you never know when those seeds are gonna sprout. 388 00:18:43,366 --> 00:18:46,500 But when... when those seeds sprout, um, 389 00:18:46,500 --> 00:18:48,733 its always... its always really special. 390 00:18:48,733 --> 00:18:49,866 Ben: One teacher can make 391 00:18:49,866 --> 00:18:52,166 all the difference in a student's life. 392 00:18:52,166 --> 00:18:53,133 The one teacher 393 00:18:53,333 --> 00:18:56,200 who actually takes the time to get to know a student, 394 00:18:56,200 --> 00:18:57,566 who shows that they really believe 395 00:18:57,566 --> 00:18:58,800 in that student, 396 00:18:58,800 --> 00:19:00,300 who works with that student 397 00:19:00,300 --> 00:19:02,200 and doesn't give up on that student. 398 00:19:02,200 --> 00:19:03,733 That can really change a student's 399 00:19:03,733 --> 00:19:05,666 trajectory for the rest of their life. 400 00:19:05,666 --> 00:19:08,033 Jason is definitely that kind of teacher. 401 00:19:08,033 --> 00:19:09,233 Narr: For this statewide 402 00:19:09,233 --> 00:19:11,000 Teacher of the Year, the hope is that 403 00:19:11,000 --> 00:19:13,433 each and every student leaves his classroom 404 00:19:13,433 --> 00:19:17,566 with a renewed voice, a sense of their importance in the world, 405 00:19:17,566 --> 00:19:20,333 and an understanding of the role they play in making 406 00:19:20,333 --> 00:19:23,333 their community and the world better. 407 00:19:23,333 --> 00:19:25,200 Jason: And that really they can do whatever they want, 408 00:19:25,200 --> 00:19:26,900 um, that you know, whatever their... 409 00:19:26,900 --> 00:19:29,833 their dreams are, whatever their passions are, 410 00:19:29,833 --> 00:19:33,566 they can forge that career, um, that academic path. 411 00:19:33,566 --> 00:19:36,666 Um, its... it's there for them. 412 00:19:40,666 --> 00:19:49,733 ♪♪♪ 413 00:19:49,733 --> 00:19:51,400 Lea: Going to school every single day, 414 00:19:51,400 --> 00:19:54,700 I'm able to speak directly with students as a student 415 00:19:54,700 --> 00:19:58,400 and providing that more comforting lens than a student 416 00:19:58,400 --> 00:20:00,400 may have a dialog with an adult. 417 00:20:00,400 --> 00:20:02,433 Um, I get a very unique perspective. 418 00:20:02,433 --> 00:20:05,733 It's a student perspective, and being able to carry 419 00:20:05,733 --> 00:20:07,666 that on the board is very important. 420 00:20:07,666 --> 00:20:10,500 Narr: Lea is a student board member on the San Diego 421 00:20:10,500 --> 00:20:12,500 Unified Board of Education. 422 00:20:12,500 --> 00:20:15,466 Like the five adults on the board, she's responsible 423 00:20:15,466 --> 00:20:19,333 for making sure her constituents views are heard, except 424 00:20:19,333 --> 00:20:22,433 her constituents are fellow high schoolers. 425 00:20:22,433 --> 00:20:23,600 Lea: In my current term, 426 00:20:23,600 --> 00:20:26,933 some of my focuses include restorative justice, 427 00:20:26,933 --> 00:20:29,966 campus police reforms, gun violence prevention, 428 00:20:29,966 --> 00:20:33,600 and, of course, community and student empowerment. 429 00:20:33,600 --> 00:20:37,333 Narr: San Diego Unified created the position in 2019, 430 00:20:37,333 --> 00:20:40,033 adding a second student three years later. 431 00:20:40,033 --> 00:20:43,033 Lea and fellow student board member, Matthew, say 432 00:20:43,033 --> 00:20:46,066 they bring an important perspective to the board. 433 00:20:46,066 --> 00:20:48,833 Matthew: Students will be the leaders of the future, 434 00:20:48,833 --> 00:20:51,000 but we can also be the leaders of today, 435 00:20:51,000 --> 00:20:53,200 given the right resources and abilities. 436 00:20:53,200 --> 00:20:55,166 We have the knowledge and ability to do so. 437 00:20:55,166 --> 00:20:57,300 And I think San Diego unified has just done that-- 438 00:20:57,300 --> 00:21:01,200 fostered our potential and turned us into the great leaders 439 00:21:01,200 --> 00:21:02,433 that we are today. 440 00:21:02,433 --> 00:21:03,900 Dr. Lamont: Those closest to the problem 441 00:21:03,900 --> 00:21:06,233 should be closest to the solution. 442 00:21:06,233 --> 00:21:08,000 Narr: Superintendent Lamont Jackson 443 00:21:08,000 --> 00:21:09,600 is a San Diego native 444 00:21:09,600 --> 00:21:11,633 raised in these schools. 445 00:21:11,633 --> 00:21:14,133 He says students are facing a different world 446 00:21:14,133 --> 00:21:15,733 than he did growing up. 447 00:21:15,733 --> 00:21:17,466 Dr. Lamont: I think all of us as adults 448 00:21:17,466 --> 00:21:19,200 have an experience of ‘then. 449 00:21:19,733 --> 00:21:22,833 But our students are living in the ‘now. 450 00:21:22,833 --> 00:21:24,733 And the world is changing, 451 00:21:24,733 --> 00:21:27,500 and they are closest to those changes, 452 00:21:27,500 --> 00:21:29,733 and theyre closest to the impact. 453 00:21:29,733 --> 00:21:32,566 And so what it means is they bring, uh, 454 00:21:32,566 --> 00:21:35,433 a different perspective and... 455 00:21:35,433 --> 00:21:37,000 we need to listen to that. 456 00:21:37,000 --> 00:21:39,900 Matthew: We have a very strong student-centered culture 457 00:21:39,900 --> 00:21:42,966 with certain members of staff, and that's wonderful. 458 00:21:42,966 --> 00:21:44,200 Um, you know, certain members of staff 459 00:21:44,200 --> 00:21:45,700 like the Superintendent, dont see students 460 00:21:45,700 --> 00:21:48,300 as the-- just the end users or just that group 461 00:21:48,300 --> 00:21:49,566 that we listen to every now and then, 462 00:21:49,566 --> 00:21:54,066 but as partners, collaborators, and leaders of today. 463 00:21:54,066 --> 00:21:57,633 I think thats definitely part of making me feel heard, 464 00:21:57,633 --> 00:22:00,466 but I think there are definitely roadblocks. 465 00:22:00,466 --> 00:22:04,200 Narr: Roadblocks like not having an equal vote. 466 00:22:04,200 --> 00:22:07,766 Student votes are preferential, meaning their vote is recorded 467 00:22:07,766 --> 00:22:08,900 in the official minutes, 468 00:22:08,900 --> 00:22:11,800 but it's not counted in the final tally. 469 00:22:11,800 --> 00:22:14,600 Richard: I think that's something that needs to change. 470 00:22:14,600 --> 00:22:16,833 Changing it is complicated. 471 00:22:16,833 --> 00:22:18,266 Narr: Board member Richard Barrera 472 00:22:18,266 --> 00:22:22,133 says he envisions a future where student votes do count, 473 00:22:22,133 --> 00:22:25,100 especially as more adults recognize the value 474 00:22:25,100 --> 00:22:27,366 that students bring to the table. 475 00:22:27,366 --> 00:22:30,866 Richard: What's happening is the decisions that school boards 476 00:22:30,866 --> 00:22:36,533 make that affect students more than any other subgroup. 477 00:22:36,533 --> 00:22:38,666 Students are disenfranchised 478 00:22:38,666 --> 00:22:43,266 from having a real voice, uh, in those decisions. 479 00:22:43,266 --> 00:22:46,100 Narr: Lea is also advocating for student board members 480 00:22:46,100 --> 00:22:47,066 to be paid, 481 00:22:47,066 --> 00:22:47,966 which she says 482 00:22:48,166 --> 00:22:51,566 will open up opportunities for low income students. 483 00:22:51,566 --> 00:22:54,033 She traveled to the state capitol to testify 484 00:22:54,033 --> 00:22:55,233 in favor of a bill 485 00:22:55,233 --> 00:22:58,733 that would provide student board members with compensation. 486 00:22:58,733 --> 00:23:00,166 Despite these barriers, 487 00:23:00,166 --> 00:23:04,066 board members say the students are effecting change. 488 00:23:04,066 --> 00:23:06,966 Richard: When COVID hit... 489 00:23:06,966 --> 00:23:11,600 students, they immediately would talk about mental health 490 00:23:11,600 --> 00:23:13,100 as the number one issue. And I... 491 00:23:13,100 --> 00:23:16,233 and I think they were out in front in terms of their 492 00:23:16,233 --> 00:23:19,666 understanding of the importance of addressing mental health 493 00:23:19,666 --> 00:23:21,033 out in front of adults. 494 00:23:21,033 --> 00:23:22,733 So, students have come forward and said, 495 00:23:22,733 --> 00:23:24,400 we want mental health education 496 00:23:24,400 --> 00:23:26,700 to be part of the core curriculum. 497 00:23:26,700 --> 00:23:30,000 So, students have had a voice in not only creating the policy, 498 00:23:30,000 --> 00:23:33,000 but then figuring out how to implement that policy. 499 00:23:33,200 --> 00:23:36,200 Dr. Lamont: This isn't about us giving them power. 500 00:23:36,200 --> 00:23:38,266 It's about honoring the power that they have. 501 00:23:38,266 --> 00:23:41,800 It's about honoring the gifts that our young people have. 502 00:23:42,000 --> 00:23:46,133 And if... if we really think about historically, 503 00:23:46,133 --> 00:23:48,000 young people have been 504 00:23:48,000 --> 00:23:51,766 at the peak of movements. 505 00:23:51,766 --> 00:23:54,900 Um, they've always had the power. 506 00:23:54,900 --> 00:23:57,033 Um, I think for us, it's... 507 00:23:57,033 --> 00:23:59,533 it's stop being stubborn and... 508 00:23:59,533 --> 00:24:02,700 and allow them to lead us. 509 00:24:02,700 --> 00:24:04,966 Narr: Students were instrumental in the decision 510 00:24:04,966 --> 00:24:08,133 to raise the Black Lives Matter flag over the San Diego 511 00:24:08,133 --> 00:24:11,666 Unified School District headquarters in 2023. 512 00:24:11,666 --> 00:24:14,533 The move came after the board passed a resolution 513 00:24:14,533 --> 00:24:17,033 in honor of Black History Month. 514 00:24:17,033 --> 00:24:18,400 Dr. Lamont: Historically, 515 00:24:18,400 --> 00:24:21,400 the voices of the most marginalized 516 00:24:21,400 --> 00:24:22,833 have not been heard. 517 00:24:22,833 --> 00:24:25,133 Students haven't been seen. 518 00:24:25,133 --> 00:24:27,066 And we want to create an environment 519 00:24:27,066 --> 00:24:29,000 where students really belong. 520 00:24:29,000 --> 00:24:31,333 Lea: Being able to have a voice in that, 521 00:24:31,333 --> 00:24:34,433 um, really empowers you to really focus 522 00:24:34,433 --> 00:24:38,533 and also enjoy your education and value it more. 523 00:24:38,533 --> 00:24:40,200 Matthew: It's been life changing for me, 524 00:24:40,200 --> 00:24:42,233 and it's been amazing to know that I bring change 525 00:24:42,233 --> 00:24:44,333 to the Board of Education as well. 526 00:24:44,333 --> 00:24:50,700 ♪♪♪ 527 00:24:50,700 --> 00:24:52,200 Thats it for this edition 528 00:24:52,200 --> 00:24:54,333 of Inside California Education. 529 00:24:54,333 --> 00:24:56,766 If you'd like more information about the program, 530 00:24:56,766 --> 00:25:00,333 log on to our website insidecaled.org. 531 00:25:00,333 --> 00:25:02,533 We have videos from all of our shows 532 00:25:02,533 --> 00:25:05,233 and you can connect with us on social media. 533 00:25:05,233 --> 00:25:06,466 Thanks for joining us. 534 00:25:06,466 --> 00:25:09,866 We'll see you next time on Inside California Education. 535 00:25:09,866 --> 00:25:12,900 Alia: Right now they are still fry. 536 00:25:12,900 --> 00:25:17,300 As they get bigger, theyre gonna keep getting so large... 537 00:25:17,300 --> 00:25:18,866 Instructor: And that's all of your ingredients. 538 00:25:18,866 --> 00:25:20,933 And then you'll make it in the bowl too. 539 00:25:20,933 --> 00:25:25,033 Amber: This site is an example of government gone right. 540 00:25:25,033 --> 00:25:26,666 Jason: Now weve done our brainstorming. 541 00:25:26,666 --> 00:25:29,500 Now your write an analytical paragraph. 542 00:25:29,500 --> 00:25:31,166 Matthew: It's been life changing for me, 543 00:25:31,166 --> 00:25:33,033 and it's been amazing to know that I bring change 544 00:25:33,033 --> 00:25:35,300 to the Board of Education as well. 545 00:25:37,333 --> 00:25:39,500 Annc: Funding for Inside California Education 546 00:25:39,500 --> 00:25:41,500 is made possible by 547 00:25:41,500 --> 00:25:44,100 The California lottery has been reliably raising 548 00:25:44,100 --> 00:25:47,233 additional money for public education for decades. 549 00:25:47,233 --> 00:25:50,766 More than $41 billion since voters created the lottery 550 00:25:50,766 --> 00:25:52,066 in 1984. 551 00:25:52,066 --> 00:25:54,700 And thats the reason why California lottery exists. 552 00:25:54,700 --> 00:25:56,733 Its why we do what we do 553 00:25:56,733 --> 00:25:58,966 and work so hard to do it. 554 00:25:58,966 --> 00:26:06,066 Thank you, California - our schools appreciate your support. 555 00:26:06,066 --> 00:26:08,333 Annc: Imagine a credit union where school employees 556 00:26:08,333 --> 00:26:10,233 are treated like the heroes you are. 557 00:26:10,233 --> 00:26:12,233 At SchoolFirst Federal Credit Union, 558 00:26:12,233 --> 00:26:14,533 everything we do starts with helping school employees 559 00:26:14,533 --> 00:26:17,666 and their families live better today and plan for tomorrow. 560 00:26:17,666 --> 00:26:21,133 Learn more at schoolsfirstfcu.org. 561 00:26:21,133 --> 00:26:23,033 Annc: The Stuart Foundation: improving 562 00:26:23,033 --> 00:26:25,233 life outcomes for young people through education. 563 00:26:26,033 --> 00:26:29,933 ScholarShare 529: Californias state-sponsored, tax-advantaged 564 00:26:29,933 --> 00:26:32,266 529 college savings plan designed to help pay 565 00:26:32,266 --> 00:26:33,933 for the cost of higher education. 566 00:26:34,533 --> 00:26:37,700 Additional funding for Inside California Education is made 567 00:26:37,700 --> 00:26:42,866 possible by these organizations supporting public education.