Dear Morningside Center friends,

As the school year opens, many of us, including students, are reeling from the shootings in El Paso and Dayton, as well as other recent upsetting events. In this issue, we suggest some strategies for encouraging your students to connect, share, and support one another during difficult times.

Also in this issue: a lesson on the 2020 election and the climate crisis, good reading on education, and additional activities to start the school year.

In the wake of recent shootings, how can we foster a classroom climate where every student feels supported - and where we can talk about these issues? Here are some ideas.

More help for starting the year:

What climate change proposals are on the table in the 2020 election? And why is the issue getting more attention than in past elections? Students explore the issue, the proposals, and the social movements that are helping to drive the debate through readings, discussion, and activities.

“White allies should actively use their power and influence to include people of color in any conversation in which decisions ... being made, or the issues that are being talked about, directly impact people of color,” by Elly Belle at Teen Vogue

This pattern "likely explains in part recent reports showing that districts serving low-income students and students of color get less in state and local education dollars. That matters, as dollars translate into more education services and better academic outcomes." By Matt Barnum at Chalkbeat

"Topping teachers’ list of complaints: low pay and inadequate school funding, issues that ignited a wave of strikes starting last year and boosted public support for their cause." By Catherine Gewertz at Education Week

"RAND researchers said that the findings from the poll could help inform decisions about changes to educator preparation programs. They also argued that preparation programs should have a strong mentorship component and should link field experiences with coursework." By Denisa R. Superville at Education Week

Our Teach 2020 campaign ends in just a few days - and we've almost reached our goal. You can get us there! This is your chance to ensure that teachers across the country will get free, informative classroom activities on 2020 election issues throughout the year.